An album featuring the mukkuri, the Ainu (indigenous Japanese) jew's harp, together with other world jew's harps from Tuva, Laos, Lombok, morin khuur ( Mongolian violin) Tuvan throat singing, voices and various percussion. Constantly interesting, it's another welcome window onto what was a forgotten tradition. Comes with English liner notes.

Songs, prayers, offerings and tales of the Ainu, the native Japanese people living in Hokkaido (the northern main island). An important document of a culture that has been threatened during the 20th century, but still survives. Includes several spoken tracks, of limited interest to non-Ainu speakers, but nevertheless this is made up for by the fascinating music of others.


Price:   £15.99