Announcing Live at WOMAD 1982: a double album of unheard recordings from the historic first WOMAD festival
Wed, 08 June 22
Released 09 May 1993
Liner notes
The Orient has always been a cultural melting pot and so is the music of Ashkhabad. Atabai, Gassan, Sabir, Kurban and Khakberdy play an exciting mixture of traditional Turkmenian music infused with elements from Persia, Azerbeidjan and Turkey. They have been influenced by everything they’ve ever heard: from the sounds of the desert to jazz and rock.
When John Leckie —best known as producer of guitar rock bands— first heard Ashkhabad, he was struck by their musical mastery and by the heartfelt beauty of their music. He knew instantly he had to go into a studio with them.
The result is a completely acoustic recording— truly unplugged. It captures the intensity of felling and the romanticism of Ashkhabad’s music.
Further Listening
Released 03 February 2003
Released 26 June 1995
Celebrating Africa Day 2022, we're pleased to announce a reissue series focusing on African artists.
Wed, 25 May 22
A new remix of 'Gnawa Beat' by Italian DJs and producers Bayaka.
Fri, 21 January 22
Jane Cornwell explores our new reissue series 'Africa Sessions at Real World'.
Wed, 25 May 22