Igor Koshkendey will inevitably be compared to Huun-Huur-Tu, the more famous group of throat-singers and folk musicians from Tuva (the part of Mongolia sliced off by the Soviets). But that comparison actually works to the benefit of Koshkendey. Far from being an afterthought or a cashing-in on the latest craze in world music, Igor Koshkendey is a prodigy. He is an expert in several of the region's styles of overtone singing (a manipulation of the sinuses, lips, throat, etc., that allows one person to produce two, three, or even four tones simultaneously). His small group of musicians, playing primarily the oshdpuluur lute, the igil two-string fiddle, and drums, creates a music that nimbly leaps from the gothic to the light and witty. The rhythm is a consistent clip-clop, appropriate for a culture so singularly devoted to the horse, but the tempo varies from an amble to a canter. Koshkendey is well served by whoever picked out his material. Instead of the over-use of the Tuvan jaw harp we get with Huun-Huur-Tu, there is a nice variety of song styles and instruments. Catchy hooks and fun tunes keep one from ever getting bored. The result is surprisingly accessible, sounding a bit like songs from the Old West, if such had been sung by men from Mars. Good liner notes and photos of Tuva, too. File under "that far out CD you've been promising yourself you'd try." ~ Kurt Keefner, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
Dingildai
Igor Koshkendey
(3:11)
Tuva Chonum, Ergim Cherim
Igor Koshkendey
(4:33)
Testament
Igor Koshkendey
(3:27)
Mungaral (Song of Sorrow)
Igor Koshkendey
(6:20)
Taraan Taraam Dazir Sholde
Igor Koshkendey
(2:16)
Ariskanning Duu-Ol Bahrinda
Igor Koshkendey
(3:06)
Cheler Ojuhm (Dedicated to the Horse)
Igor Koshkendey
(3:40)
Tongup Honar Boldum-Na Be
Igor Koshkendey
(3:12)
Arat Chonnung
Igor Koshkendey
(3:34)
Kolkhozumnung
Igor Koshkendey
(3:36)
Kara Durujaa
Igor Koshkendey
(1:23)
Song of Oidupah
Igor Koshkendey
(3:47)
Improvisation for Mouth Harp
Igor Koshkendey
(2:05)
Atchamaining Ohi...
Igor Koshkendey
(2:37)
Credits
Francesco Ballerini (Digital Editing), Igor Koshkendey (Vocals), Matteo Silva (Engineer), Master Huneshterol (Igil), Matteo Silva (Executive Producer), Francesco Ballerini (Editing), Matteo Silva (Producer)
