Aldyn Dashka [IMPORT]

Yat-Kha

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 11, 2001)
• Original Release Date: September 11, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Yat-Kha
• ASIN: B0000542JZ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #207,882 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The voices are extraordinary, ranging from a melodic ox bellow called kargyraa to the "whistling" sygyt style that suggests a flying saucer revving its hyperdrive. But Aldyn Dashka improves on its predecessor, Dalai Beldiri, with songs as memorable as the throat singing within. When Albert Kuvezin croaks the tender nature tune "Chorumal Bodum" in a rock-bottom bass timbre that might make Bigfoot quake, he's handsomely framed by a two-stringed igil fiddle, throbbing electric guitar, and trotting bass. "Kozhamyk" contrasts Kuvezin's gravelly tones with Aldyn-ool Sevek's heroic operatic tenor that's as clear as a Siberian stream. Both are lifted by a vowel-packed chorus and wah-wah guitar figures that somehow fit right into a folkie song about the attributes of local womenfolk. Just a hint of dub piano complements the brew.

The rousing "Takh-Pakh Chasky Tan" boasts a virile back-at-the-ranch beat, big percussion, martial guitar lines, a peppy hook, and uncanny human growls. Russian traditional ditty "Oi Moroz" features a punky gut-bucket guitar solo to contrast its lively tune, plus unexpectedly rich chorale singing from the crew. Back in the realm of pure vocal artistry, Kuvezin amazes on the a cappella "Bai-La Mongun" by augmenting low notes with harmonic highs that dance a second melody in an exquisite example of throat-singing dexterity. Forget the hype that tries to sell this ensemble as the Tuvan equivalent of a garage band. Aldyn Dashka is as well-rounded and oddly beautiful as any of the region's traditional music. --Bob Tarte

Product Description
The third album from Yat-Kha finds them very much refining the process begun on their first two albums. The throat singing remains the central focus, but their way of framing it in a wondrous mix of modern and ancient instruments has become very subtle indeed, whether it's the reverse cymbals behind "Oy Adym" or the programming and textures of "Chedi Tei" and "Takh-Pakh Chaskhy Tan." As before, the guitar plays a very important part, played by bandleader Albert Kuvezin, giving a real jolt (along with Alexei Saaia's bass) to the acoustic lineup, and hurling it into another dimension, even though he doesn't use distortion or power chords. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stiring and Interesting, October 15, 2001

By	"montecristo6" (Cambridge, MA United States) - See all my reviews

It's funny how good music sometimes arrives by chance. I happened to hear Yat-Kha perform on NPR's Connection, so I decided to attend their "Storm over Asia" show in Cambridge. Two hours later, I walked out completely captured by the music of A. Khuvesin and company. Soon enough, I had purchased this album and Yenisey Punk, and now I would call myself a fan. Here's the thing: I would caution against pigeonholing Yat-Kha! It's not just primordial growling - we're not anthropologists - and it's not merely a commercialised, palatable "exotic" album - it would not last long. This music is varied, stiring, often playfull and well crafted. You only have to listen to "Chorumal Bodum" and "Takh-Pakh" to hear the band both at its most soulful and whimsical. I also was intrigued by the unusual sounds of "Oi Moroz", a bit of Russian folklore embraced by the Tuvan band. The vocal performances are trully extraordinary (watch your *sub-woofer* cut in to pick up the deep tones of Khuveisin!). I recommend Aldyn Dashka for music that is both authentic and original.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stirring, interesting, unusual, and beautiful...., July 18, 2002

By	"jesssayitman" (Ocala, Florida) - See all my reviews

What is the world coming to? Throat singers from Tuva forming a rock band and daring to combine two wildly disparate styles. Does it work? Yes... The reviewer below describes this much better than I can. Albert Kuvezin sounds like a force of nature; one with the thunderstorm. This guy sings notes that make Alexander Kipnis sound like a high tenor. Highly recommended!