Bhutan Himalaya: Folk Music from Bhutan

This album seems to hark back to earlier, more simple times. Bhutan, bordering India and Tibet, conjures up images of isolation and purity, and the soaring heights of the Himalayan peaks. The clean recordings heard here offer no noticeable atmosphere, though.

The tracks mix traditional music and traditional-esque compositions all presented by the multi-instrumentalist Drukpa, born in Bhutan but long associated with both Norway (where the album was recorded) and India. It moves from contemplative solos to popular songs accompanied by dranyen (lute) or yangchin (dulcimer). Drukpa plays lim (flutes, both vertical and transverse types) and rather unimposing tiny kongtha (mouth harp), as well as the lute and dulcimer. The latter is a recent Chinese import, perpetuating a history of cultural exchange with the north; the seven-string, fretless lute is perhaps the most characteristic Bhutanese instrument, doubling the vocal line as well as providing rhythmic strumming.

Unfortunately, the short tracks on Bhutan Himalya are juxtaposed in a way that constantly shifts from one instrument to the next, with the result that while the peaceful flute tracks could almost serve for meditation, the top-and-tailing of tracks prevents any sustained relaxation.