Various Artists
Music in the Karakorams of Central Asia
Nonesuch Explorer Series (US) 1974
H-72061 (LP)
sleeve : VG+(wear on corner, light dirts)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise)
Released in 1974 as part of Nonesuch’s Explorer Series, a remarkable imprint that introduced countless outstanding field recordings from around the world, this album documents traditional music from Central Asia. Recorded by British ethnomusicologist David Lewiston, who was responsible for many recordings for the label from the mid-1960s onward, it features the traditional music of the peoples of Hunza and Gilgit, regions often described as a kind of earthly paradise. The recordings capture a fascinating variety of instruments, including percussion of various sizes played with sticks, shawm-like wind instruments, flutes and other woodwinds, and simple violin-like bowed instruments. The melodies and rhythms are deeply intriguing, reflecting the character of this area near the borders of Afghanistan and China, where Asian and Arab musical sensibilities seem to intermingle. The sound of children’s voices calling out in the background is also a wonderful touch. As always with this series, the artwork is beautiful as well.
A1: Buzm
A6: Dance of the Vultures