YAT-KHA AT ETHNO JAZZ FESTIVAL

28 OCTOBER 2018

Yat-Kha is a band from the Republic of Tuva. They combine traditional folk melodies featuring throat singing with a heavy punk sound. Their leader Albert Kuvezin is a cult figure: co-founder of the legendary Huun-Huur-Tu, guitarist, lyricist and expert in Tuvan traditional music and folklore, as well as an enthusiast of sharp guitar sounds in the punk rock and hardcore tradition.

Yat-Kha’s music is an organic blend of rock and the musical traditions of Siberian and Central Asian peoples. Critics have called it ethno-rock, roots rock and even ethno-punk. The band has released more than ten studio and live albums.

“Poets and Lighthouses” reached number one on the World Music Charts Europe in January 2011. This excellent band's discography also includes “Re-Covers”, on which Kuvezin and his collaborators present their own Tuvan versions of classic rock songs made famous by Led Zeppelin, Iron Butterfly, Rolling Stones, Joy Division and Kraftwerk.

Albert Kuvezin also has original solo work and film music to his name, along with collaborations with other acclaimed world music artists: British artist of Indian heritage Susheela Raman (on “Love Trap”) and Finland's Varttina.

Over almost 20 years, the band have undertaken several worldwide tours and participated in hundreds of festivals, including WOMAD, WOMEX, Glastonbury, Reading, Roskilde, Sfinks, Chicago World Music Fest, Ottawa Blues Fest, Quebec Summer Fest, Meltdown and Riddu Riddu.

Before the main concert, New Zealand’s SAM ALTY will perform for you!

Sam Alty is a dancer, musician, actor, singer and multi-instrumentalist from New Zealand. He graduated in composition from Dartington College of Arts in England and holds an MA in Acting from Teatr Pieśń Kozła/Manchester Metropolitan University. He has danced at the Royal Opera House, taken part in a theatre production on the Arctic Circle and appeared in an English touring circus as a musical rabbit.

In 2016, Sam released his first EP, “Heart Song”, followed in 2017 by “Hammering Nails Into The Sky”, combining folk, pop, beatboxing and fingerstyle. This is music reminding us of the miracle of existence in all its surreal, fascinating aspects.