Search - Yat-Kha :: Re-Covers

This is delightfully surreal !!!

William R. Forstchen | 07/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maybe I'm biased because I've spent a lot of time in Mongolia and am enthralled by their rich cultural traditions, especially throat singing. . .so with that bias in mind I have to say this has become one of my favorite works.



Throat singing is an ancient tradition, what is fascinating is how the various regions in Mongolia (mountains, steppes, desert) produce different "styles" which Mongols claim are representations of the unique natural sounds of that region, such as wind in the trees, etc. To actually sit before a throat singer and both watch and listen to him perform is incredible, especially if you hear one the way I first did, I was literally riding a camel, and heard a herder in the distance singing, a call to round up his camels. . .an incredible moment.



Anyhow, back to this recording. There is a unique culutural "fusion" going on in Mongolia today, and in other regions of Central Asia such as Tuva where this artist hails from, where traditional music is fusing with western. I attended one concert in Ulan Bator that left me stunned with the incredible merging of shaman chants and modern rock.



Definitely check this recording out. And when you play it, especially for friends, (and I must add if they are a bit "toasted" when you first play this for them, expect them to freak out!) and expect one of three reactions. Either they'll just freak and after thirty seconds think you are crazy. Or, they'll freak and be laughing so hard they're in tears (I'll admit I even grin when it comes to "Black Magic Woman" and think it is far better and more "earthy" than the original), or they will react as I do, and be absolutely mesmerized by the incredible talent. Listen carefully for the traditional and ancient sounds of Central Asia, the beat of the "horse head" fiddle, the strange, haunting whistling sounds of the throat singing, and then be amazed when suddenly you are hearing a very different take on Hank Williams, Santana, etc.



This one is a treat you won't forget!"

Love it!

Earcentric Earnestine | 01/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Heard "Love Will Tear Us Apart" on the Coverville podcast and had to get this. It keeps growing on me. I love it, although my co-workers are getting tired of me playing it at work!



If you've heard of Tuvan throat-singing and been curious about it, this is a great way to dip your toe in, since at least the songs are familiar."