Everyone Listen Close: Wanp-Wanp Jangl Kap

The 12th instalment of the series Anthology of Music in China takes us on a journey into the unique polyphonic sounds of the Dong (also known as Kam) people in Yandong, Guizhou, China. This album is an archival field recording of the Dong grand songs, or traditional songs. To Western ears, the absence of tonal harmony may be puzzling at first, but the blending of the voices is captivating even to those who are unfamiliar with the music tradition and its aesthetics. It is also one of East Asia's only polyphonic musical traditions – truly a unique flavour.

Singing is an important component of social events in Dong communities, and so many of the singers have grown up singing together, forming a special bond, both vocal and emotional. In this album, apart from the a capella grand songs, there are also folk songs featuring traditional instruments - govkgis (plucked lutes) and biicbav (bowed lutes). Recorded by producer Mu Qian on a Zoom mic in the village, this album captures the raw sounds of the lifestyle and soundscapes of the Dong people.