CD REVIEW: Alash captures rich cultural traditions through throat singing

By Diana Nollen

Tuvan throat singing is completely fascinating, but just strange enough to my ears that an entire collection of it makes for a long listen.

 “Alash,” a self-titled CD by four musicians steeped in the tradition, is so interesting, but I found myself needing a break every now and then. Fortunately, several of the 16 songs have more melodic vocal lines soothing to Western ears.

I liked this collection - I really did - and if I didn't have another commitment Saturday night, I'd head over to CSPS in Cedar Rapids to hear Alash in concert. (3/20/10)

This is music we so rarely get to hear that an entire concert of it should be a must-see for every music student and music aficionado in Eastern Iowa. The CD would add depth to your music collection and impress your friends.

So, how best to describe Tuvan throat singing? First of all, Tuva is a republic in south central Siberia, abutting Mongolia. A remote, mountainous region, its roots reach back to an ancient nomadic culture.

Herdsmen developed throat singing to interact with the sounds of nature, from birds to babbling brooks. It is a very visceral sound in which the voice creates several tones at once, ranging from a rumbling, bullfrog effect (kargyraa) to high flute-like overtones (sygyt). Some styles, like the midrange xoomei, can be produced while singing words, too.

The CD features five throat-singing styles. Translations in the liner notes help listeners understand what they're hearing, especially when the melodies seem to run counter to the lyrics. The liner notes also explain the traditional instruments used, but since throat singing can mimic reeds and strings, seeing Alash in concert would help listeners understand and delineate what they're hearing.

Most of the songs tell stories or pay homage to Tuva's oral history traditions, geography and to Genghis Khan and his lineage. Some replicate the various gaits of horses, a couple are children's songs or silly songs and at least one, “Chavydak” is a Russian propaganda song from the 1930s, singing the praises of tractors over horses.

The most beautiful song is the last one, “Subudai,” written by two of the four ensemble members. It is named for Khan's Tuvan general who conquered Russia and reached into Europe with one of Khan's grandsons. The historical figure is still held in high esteem, reflected in this reverent work.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.legionarts.org/music/Alash.htm or www.alashensemble.com

Title: “Alash”

Artist: Alash

Label: Alash Ensemble

Performance: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010, CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: $14 in advance at www.midwestix.com or $18 at the door