Music of Central Asia, Vol. 1: Tengir-Too - Mountain Music of Kyrgyzstan

by N/A

Overview

This might be a manufactured excursion into Central Asian roots, but it's one with integrity, with the intention of going to the heart of the music of Kyrgyzstani mountain music. These are traditional and nostalgic pieces, as well as modern tunes and songs that evoke the past, all exquisitely performed. What's perhaps surprising is how un-alien it all sounds, from the flute melodies of "Kyz Oigotoor," which conjures up images of the Andes, to the brilliant full-throated singing of "Kyiylp Turam," which sounds European. But even the most Kryzyg pieces, such as the jew's-harp feature that opens the album, don't come across as especially strange, given their galloping rhythms that pull the ear along. In fact, everything here is a gem, thanks to the wonderful work of the band (and it's worth adding that the overall package is superb, with extensive notes and an accompanying DVD), whose thoughtful and imaginative arrangements make the most of the melodies and rhythms. The members of Tengir-Too, all virtuosos without ever flaunting the fact, make some glorious music. This offers a window on a relatively unknown world, and shows the view to be incredibly appealing. ~ Chris Nickson

Product Details

Release Date:	03/14/2006
Label:	Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
UPC:	0093074052020
Rank:	140502

Tracks

1. Jangylyk (Novelty)  - Gulbara Baigashkaeva  -  Nasirdinov  - Nurlanbek Nyshanov
2. Erke Kyz (The Spoiled Girl)  -  Tengeir-Too
3. K¿¿id¿¿m Chok (I Burn, I Smoulder Like Charcoal)  - Zainidin Imanaliev
4. Episode from the Manas: K¿¿k¿¿t¿¿id¿¿n Ashy (K¿¿k¿¿t¿¿i's Memorial Feast)  - Rysbek Jumabaev  -  Traditional
5. Belek (Gift)  - Nurlanbek Nyshanov
6. Kara ¿¿zg¿¿i (Impudent One)  -  Jumabaev
7. Kyiylyp Turam (I'm Sad to Say Goodbye)  - Kenjekul Kubatova
8. Attila Khan  -  Abdrakhmanov
9. Ak Satkyn Menen Kulmyrza (Ak Satkyn and Kulmyrza)  -  Asnaliev  - Kenjekul Kubatova  -  Traditional
10. Fantasy on the Chopo Choor  - Nurlanbek Nyshanov
11. G¿¿l (Flower)  - Zainidin Imanaliev
12. Jol J¿¿r¿¿sh  - Nurlanbek Nyshanov
13. Kengesh (Soviet)  -  Uraliev
14. Esimde (I Remember)  -  Asnaliev
15. Ker ¿¿z¿¿n (Wide Valley)  -  Chytyrbaev
16. Sagynam (I Miss You)  - Kenjekul Kubatova  -  Tengeir-Too
17. Kambarkan  -  Abdrakhmanov
18. Kyz Oigotoor (A Melody That Wakes Up a Girl)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Tengeir-Too   Primary Artist
Nurlanbek Nyshanov   Primary Artist
Asylbek Nasirdinov   Primary Artist,Jew's-Harp,Komuz
Zainidin Imanaliev   Primary Artist
Namazbek Uraliev   Primary Artist,Komuz
Nurak Abdrakhmanov   Primary Artist,Komuz
Toktobek Asnaliev   Primary Artist
Ruslan Jumabaev   Primary Artist,Komuz
Kenjekul Kubatova   Primary Artist
Rysbek Jumabaev   Primary Artist
Baktybek Chytyrbaev   Primary Artist
Gulbara Baigashkaeva   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Joel Gordon   Audio Engineer,Audio Production,Engineer,Producer
Theodore Levin   Audio Production,Series Executive Producer,Liner Notes,Producer
Nurlanbek Nyshanov   Composer,Liner Notes,Artistic Director
Traditional   Composer
Carlos Casas   Videography
Katherine Vincent   Photography
Sabine Chatel   Photography
Marc Benaiche   Post Production
Gary Otte   Photography
Nurak Abdrakhmanov   Composer