Zedashe – Silver Sanctuary (Electric Cowbell Records, 2020)
Silver Sanctuary (საძირკველი ვერცხლისო) is the ninth album from polyphonic song and dance ensemble Zedashe in the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus. The ensemble performs a wide range of captivating songs rooted in ancient Georgian traditions. Zedashe Ensemble was created in the mid-1990s and is based in the medieval fortress city of Sighnaghi. Ketevan Mindorashvili is the ensemble’s director.
Many of the songs are from the Kiziqian region, although Zedashe currently performs song and dance traditions of the various regions in Georgia, including Rach’a-Lechkhumi, Guria, Kartli, and Abkhazia.
Many of these traditions were in danger of disappearing. Zedashe has brought them back for new generations, demonstrating the specific musical and dance techniques of each region. Although the ensemble delivers mostly a cappella polyphonic songs, there are songs that also feature traditional musical instruments such as panduri (Kakhetian lute), chonguri (Gurian lute), ch’iboni (goat-skin bagpipes), accordion, diplipito (drum), and doli (drum).
Silver Sanctuary includes weddings songs, warrior songs, Christmas carols, feasting songs, working songs, and various dances.
Zedashe includes Ketevan Mindorashvili on vocals, panduri, and chonguri; Tamila Sulhanishvili on vocals, garmoni, and panduri; Guliko-Ana Jabashvili on vocals; Mariam Korghanashvili on vocals; Tengiz Kakashvili on vocals and panduri; Alexander Matiashvili on vocals, chiboni (bagpipe), panduri, and dance; Valiko Janiashvili on vocals and dance; Irakle Kanchurashvili on vocals and dance; Vano Chincharuli on doli (hand drum); and dancer Tekla Taralashvili.
Buy Silver Sanctuary
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Great music from Georgia…. thanks