Description
#umekoando #vinyl #vinylrecords
Umeko Ando’s second album, the highly anticipated follow-up to Ihunke, is titled “Upopo Sanke,” which translates to “Let’s sing a song” in the Ainu language. Umeko Ando, a renowned artist of the Ainu community in northern Japan, joins forces with Oki Kano on the Tonkori harp to bring to life the traditional songs of the indigenous, long-oppressed Ainu people. This remarkable album also features the talents of Marewrew, a female vocal group, as well as Ainu percussionists, a string player, and a male singer who adds rhythmic shouts and mesmerizing throat singing. The mesmerizing call-and-response structure of many of the songs creates a meditative, mantra-like experience, characterized by elastic and breathing vocal styles that beautifully embody the soul of the Ainu culture.
Recorded during the idyllic summer of 2003 on a farm in Tokachi, Upopo Sanke captures not only the enchanting music but also the surrounding sounds of nature. In the background, we hear the delightful barks of dogs, the distant rumblings of a thunderstorm, and voices playfully imitating various animals. The liner notes accompanying the album’s release provide a fascinating glimpse into the personal memories of Umeko Ando and Oki Kano, sharing the stories behind each of the album’s 14 songs. Oki Kano, a true cultural ambassador, is widely recognized for his musical contributions to the Ainu heritage. Aside from his collaboration with Umeko Ando, Oki Kano tours the world with his Oki Dub Ainu Band and mesmerizes audiences with unforgettable solo performances, showcasing his mastery of the five-stringed Ainu harp, known as the Tonkori.
For those seeking a transcendental musical experience, Upopo Sanke delivers. With every note and syllable, Umeko Ando and her talented collaborators infuse their performances with a gentle smile, touching the very core of the listener’s heart. This music effortlessly transcends barriers, inviting individuals from all walks of life to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Ainu community. So, let us immerse ourselves in the enchanting sounds of Upopo Sanke and join Umeko Ando and her remarkable ensemble on this extraordinary voyage into the heart and soul of the Ainu people.
