Namgar – Nayan Navaa (ARC Music, 2021)
Nayan Navaa is the fantastic new album from Namgar, a band that plays modern sounds rooted in traditional music from Buryatia (Russian Federation) in southern Siberia. The Moscow-based band led by vocalist Namgar Lhasaranova features Buryat, Russian, Tuvan and Norwegian musicians. Together, they make a fascinating mix that includes shamanic vocals, throat singing, galloping rhythms, rock, jazz, and mesmerizing soundscapes.
The lyrics are based on traditional Buryat and Mongolian songs, reflecting Buryat nomadic culture. Topics include hunter, wedding, family, and yokhor round dance songs, as well as songs about horses, ancestors and shamanic rituals.
The group uses various traditional instruments from Buryatia and nearby regions such as the yataga (a 13-stringed zither), chanza (a three-stringed lute) and the khomus (jaw harp).
Musicians: Namgar Lkhasaranova (Republic of Buryatia) on lead vocals on all songs, yataga and khomus; Evgeny Zolotarev (Republic of Buryatia) on chanza, bass, backing vocals and lead vocals on “Tokhoi Zandan Emeelee”; Timur Zolotarev (Russia) on guitar, backing vocals; Alexey Baev (Russia) on drums, electronics, arrangements and sound engineering; Gennady Lavrentiev (Russia) on violin, guitar and arrangements; Fredrik Møller Ellingsen (Norway) on guitar, drums, samples, percussion and arrangements; Merlin Ettore (Canada) on drums, electronics and arrangements; Radik Tyulyush (Tuva Republic) on throat singing; Andrey Pristavka (Russia) on drums; Alexei Saryglar (Tuva Republic), sample credit; Eivind Kløverød (Norway) on drums; and Ayusha Lkhasaranov (Republic of Buryatia) on vocals.
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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.