Finding Friends Far from Home. Performed by Oran Etkin. CD. Approx.
34 min. Timbalooloo. 2019. CD: $14.00; Digital: $9.00.
K – Gr 5
Subtitled “A Journey with Clara Net,”
this multi-cultural album takes listeners on a fun and wonderful musical
journey to six countries: Czech Republic, Zimbabwe, China, Turkey, Russia, and
Japan. These international songs were recorded in Prague, Czech Republic;
Harare, Zimbabwe; Beijing, China; and Bodrum, Turkey. The journey begins with
children chanting “We Want a Story.” In each country, Grammy Award-winning Etkin is
joined by a native citizen/musician and together they perform music in a style
traditional to that country and in the country’s native language. A variety of
instruments accompany these songs, including some familiar to Americans: piano,
bass, clarinet (aka Clara Net), bass clarinet, trombone and drums. In addition,
the following accompanying instruments are traditional in the various
countries: cimbalom, hosho, mbira, erhu (Chinese violin), guzheng (Chinese
harp), kopuz, balalaika, djembe, and shamisen (Japanese guitar). Etkin
introduces each song with a short narration and joins in on each with clarinet
and vocals. Pavlina Matjova represents
the Czech Republic, singing “Chaye Shukariye (Sweet Girl).” In Zimbabwe, Irene
Chigamba introduces listeners to “Kariga Mombe” and “Kutapira (Sweet).” China’s
Min Xiao-Fen teaches Etkin “Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower).” Jehan Barbur of Turkey
sings a lullaby, “Dandini Dandini.” Kirill Yacovlev of Russia plays the
balalaika while singing “Tumbalalaika.” Finally, in Japan, Sumie Kaneko teaches
listeners “Sakura (Cherry Blossom).” Delightful, informative, and musically
appealing, this creative album is an excellent addition to every child’s
musical education.
Website: www.oranetkin.com
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