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Oreka TX
Quercus Endorphina was produced and most tracks written by Kepa Junkera. This accounts for the many famous guests from all over the world Phil Cunningham, Justin Vali, Michel Bordeleau, Glen Velez, Mikel Laboa and Ibon Koteron and, of course, Kepa Junkera. The subjects of the songs cover the beauty of nature and the animal kingdom (in particular horses), the wide-open spaces awaiting beyond the sea, ecological destruction and cultural awareness.
Although in many of the songs, a great effort is made to combine this instrument with others (guitars, accordion etc.) the results are not always satisfactory. There seems to be a very particular quality to the sound of the txalaparta that is very elaborate, within its given limitations, but not assertive enough when paired with instruments that have a very different musical rhythm. The most successful coupling is "Ortzimuga," with Phil Cunningham's keyboards and piano; it allows the txalaparta to retain its center-stage role. The couplings with other percussive instruments on tracks like "Adabegi" are also most satisfying. It is also interesting to listen to Oreka TX experimenting with different tunings or the use of other materials (such as stone) or different baton techniques other than the traditional vertical attack.
Particular notice should be made of the excellent presentation of this CD with its elaborate booklet (in Basque, Spanish, English and French) as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of the record company to release such an arresting and demanding recording.
If you are even remotely interested in Basque or primitive music, this is a must-buy record for you. If you are not, you can still give it a try and discover the music of a people who have been inhabiting the same land longer than most of us and who still retain the power to keep their history alive and update it for the 21st Century. - Nondas Kitsos
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