Songs From The Steppes [CD]

Until Stalin penned them up in collective farms and factories, the Kazakhs were a nomadic people: their nomad culture lives on through their rich and sophisticated musical tradition. Now an independent country, this CD reflects the vigour of Kazakhstan's present day bardic tradition and it's virtuosic musicians. Recorded by and with an introductory essay by the celebrated journalist and comentator, Michael Church, Songs From The Steppes is produced in co-operation with the Kazakh Embassy who are putting a lot of weight behind it. Many of the musicians are being flown over to perform in three live concerts in London and Cambridge. Radio and mainsteam press coverage is already lined up and the BBC Music Magazine is publishing an article about Kazkah music and this album written by Michael Church. The musicians, many of whom are young, are musically trained and highly skilled reflecting the newly independent country's dedication to preserving its traditions. Songs From The Steppes, recorded in the winter snows of Astana and Almaty, offers a riveting musical journey to the heart of ancient Kazakhstan.