Mamer, one of China's most innovative and
influential young artists. Hailing from Qitai County in
Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Mamer
(pronounced "Ma-moor") grew up, like every Kazakh
child: on horsebacks and in the strong musical tradition
of the Kazakhs his father and relatives taught him to sing
folk songs and play the dombra, a lute popular in Central
Asia.
'Eagle', Mamer's debut solo album, was released on Real
World Records in 2009. The album features songs of the grasslands
that are deeply rooted in traditional Kazakh music, while
incorporating influences from Western folk and rock. Mamer's
deep voice is combined with dazzlingly fast plucking and
strumming on guitar, dombra and other traditional instruments.
This is lyrical troubadour folk infused with an alt.country
sensibility.... also known as Chinagrass!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-7hl4Q6IH4
http://www.myspace.com/mamermusic1
http://www.realworldrecords.com/artists/mamer
Another surprise from the Far East ... unpretentious,
open and no-nonsense. **** Mojo (no. 9 in Mojo's World
Music Albums of 2009)
Irresistible. The Independent on Sunday
A lovely, original and haunting creation. The Observer
This is music for a road movie evoking endless space
and roaming horses. **** The Evening Standard
Other current obsession is Mamer 'Eagle'. Astounding
eastern music. Never heard anything like it. Wonderful.
Stephen Fry (on Twitter)
A wonderful record...mesmerizing...a beautiful voice…trance-like
melodies. Peter Gabriel
Another indication that the regional sounds of China
are becoming cool. **** Songlines (Top of the World
album)
China may not seem an obvious homeland for Bluegrass,
but the plains of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous
Region were grassy enough to inspire Mamer. ****
Financial Times
The production on this album is astounding... marvel
at the rich sound of this Chinese gem. London Tourdates
Highly original and accessible music... [An] atmospheric
solo debut, which has a vivid sense of place. BBC
Music
Glorious music. Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
The Empire Hall
Graffham
West Sussex GU28
0PY
Saturday 27 March 8pm
Tickets:£12.50
available from
Roots Around the World 01243
774641
or for credit card bookings
Chichester Festival Theatre 01243
781312
