In July 2004, sadly Umeko Ando the superb lady Ainu (native Japanese) singer passed away. This, her last album produced by and featuring on tonkori, the wonderful Oki was probably her best. Slightly more contemporary than her previous album, with mostly percussion, and some mukkuri (jew's harp). Charming, hypnotic chanting vocals that recall the music of Mongolia or Tuva. One of the most successful 'roots' albums of recent years, that gained a lot of critical acclaim.
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