In this first ever survey of the music of this war torn region, Michael Church lifts the veil on a vibrant musical tradition. The small but troubled Republic of Chechnya is a member of the Russian Federation, located in the North Caucasus Mountains between the Black and Caspian Seas. With a population of a little more that one million, its fierce fight for independence has kept it in the news and kept visitors out. A beautiful but harsh mountainous landscape has made for a traditionally hard and resilient people whose culture has rarely reached the outside world. Michael Church has recorded and compiled the stunning music on this disc partly in Chechnya itself and was held by the Russian police for his efforts. Some of the tracks are love songs and circle dances, others are living history, accompanied by balalaika, violin, drum and accordion, these songs celebrate heroes and denounce genocidal crime.
"Just when you think you have a grasp on indigenous European music, along comes something that blows away all your preconceptions. This music seems to come from some mysterious other place, with its rough-hewn energy and its passionate social engagement. Much of the material - text as well as music - is profoundly moving and very beautiful. Michael Church does us a great service by bringing it to our attention"
Gavin Bryars
