In review--On the Silk Road
Sevara Nazarkhan Tortadur Sevara Music In 2003 I was introduced to the music of the Central Asian country Uzbekistan via a young folk-pop performer Sevara Nazarkhan. I reviewed her Real World electronic album Yol Bolsin and felt enraptured by its exotic instruments, and snaky melodies and haunting stories. Then after enjoying that recording for a few months, I forgot about the doutar (Uzbek lute) player/songwriter/vocalist (granted I've reviewed 100s of albums since that time). And in the background the musician recorded a total of 4 albums including her new independent folkloric recording Tortadur performed on all acoustic instruments. Her newest recording featuring Uzbek folksongs, some dating back to medieval times, played on traditional instruments features old world musicians. In fact, the press release beat me to the punch by comparing these elder musicians to the Cuban Buena Vista Social Club. Here again you h...