Jindo Island: Funeral and Shamanic Chants

Having featured several other Korean (both North and South) traditional genres in its long-running collection of field recordings, this time Ocora introduces us to the shamanic music of Jindo Island. The bulk of this recording focuses on ssitgimgut, the ritual for sending the departed to the next world, allowing listeners to get a feel for the diversity of song, rhythm, melody and recitation that make up a Jindo ritual. In particular, the inclusion of shouts of encouragement and impromptu harmony singing (called baraji) of the accompanying musicians, often left out of other recordings, helps enhance the authentic feel.

A concise but informative introduction to the music in the liner notes (in both English and French) helps provide context for listeners unfamiliar with the genre. The only critique for an otherwise excellent recording is the inclusion of Namdo japga, folk songs from the south-west of Korea. Why not devote more time to the shamanic repertoire, especially on a recording that claims to do just that? Nevertheless, this is a great entry into the depths of the spiritual and emotional world of Jindo Island music.