Umeko Ando (1932-2004) was a folk singer from Japan. She w
as a representative of the Ainu culture on the Hokkaido Island in the north of Japan. “Ihunke” was her first album which was recorded with the Ainu musician and dub producer Oki Kano in 2000. It was released on CD in Japan only and is finally available on vinyl (2LP + linernotes, DLC included). “Ihunke” is following last year’s single “Iuta Upopo” [Pingipung 58, incl. M.Rux Remix] which had been received with overwhelming enthusiasm and was quickly sold out.
The 16 Ainu songs on “Ihunke” are delicate, natural gems. They are built on Oki Kano’s Tonkori patterns (a 5-string harp), over which Umeko Ando develops her repetitive, mantric vocals, often in a call-response manner. Oki Kano is one of very few professional Tonkori players who performs worldwide with his Oki Dub Ainu Band. The songs possess a mystical energy – when crows call accurately with Ando’s brittle voice in the first song, it seems like natural powers join in with her music. Her voice sounds like animals of the sky and the forest. (Mint / New)
Tracklist A1 Pekanpe Uk A2 Ihunke A3 Hutare Chui A4 Rewrew B1 Iyomante Upopo B2 Mukkuri 1 B3 Yaisama B4 Mukkuri 2 C1 Saraba – Iya Ko Ko C2 Sarorun Rimse C3 Battaki C4 Kusuep Kamuy D1 Herutun Rutun D2 Chup Kawa Kamuy Ran D3 Hekuri Sarari D4 Atuy So Kata (Extended Version)
