Lively and lyrical. Sacred and profound. This charming album of music from the central Asian steppes is unique, yet resonates creatively and widely the sounds of myriad diverse cultures. The fiddling is on par with the best the Celts can claim and the vocals at first distract with the unfamiliar language, but quickly capture the imagination with humor, grace and soul.

The collection of 27 recordings made by Michael Church ranges from traditional folk tunes to contemporary compositions, often based on folk themes. There are rousing dance instrumentals and many vocal selections from a variety of performers, each with a most individual style.

Songs from the Steppes: Kazakh Music Today is an absolute pleasure for the ears.

by Stephen Richmond
Rambles.NET
15 July 2006