Thursday, December 15, 2011

CD Review: Tanya Tagaq's Live Album 'Anuraaqtug'

Tanya Tagaq
Anuraaqtug
Les Disques Victo

Originally from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut Canada, Tanya Tagaq, has been throat-singing for several years. Tanya's solo form of throat-singing is traditionally accomplished by a pair of women singers. Anuraaqtug is a live album recorded in May 2010 at the Festival International de Musique Actuelle in Victoriaville, Quebec. Tanya is joined by Jean Martin on percussion and trumophone, along with Jesse Zubot on violin. Tanya's primordial vocal stew contains swirling noises that resemble mystical creatures. The instrumental accompaniment often mimics the vocal sounds, which produces scary tones and avant-garde foundations that border on naturalistic experimentation and hauntingly, beautiful Halloween music. The erratic sounds and vivid--though indiscreet vocalizations--make Anuraaqtug a captivating and emotional release. Nearly one of hour of music and five songs signals Tanya's quirkiest and mesmerizing vocal performances. Tanya's latest release will not be everyone's cup of Inuit tea, but she will still amaze a large majority of faithful followers. ~ Matthew Forss 

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