Polyphonic singing, in the Georgian language, is a secular tradition in a country whose language and culture have often been oppressed by invaders. There are three types of polyphony in Georgia: complex polyphony, which is common in Svaneti; polyphonic dialogue over a bass background, prevalent in the Kakheti region in Eastern Georgia; and contrasted polyphony with three partially improvised sung parts, characteristic of western Georgia.
An ensemble called Lalkhori played in London earlier in the year.
They are from the Svaneti region of the North Caucasus mountains of Georgia.
Glasgow is one of the cities that is featured in Karl Whitney's 'Hit Factories' book.In August 2008, Glasgow was named the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music and only the third in the world with the city being home to legendary venues as well as hosting huge music festivals.
The city's Sauchiehall Street has a long history as does Barrowlands (with several bands and artists recording live albums there) including Francis Dunnery.
The SECC or 'Armadillo' is a building I've visited several times, and I also enjoyed my visit to the Hydro, to see Peter Gabriel some years back.
Perhaps the best known band is Simple Minds. They have been around since the 1970s - next year sees their 50th anniversary.
The band is currently a core duo of original members Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (guitar), augmented by guest musicians. Notable former members include Mick MacNeil (keyboards), Derek Forbes (bass), Brian McGee (drums), Mel Gaynor (drums), and John Giblin (bass).
My favourite album of theirs is 'Sparkle in the Rain'.
And here's Peter Gabriel on the Back to Front tour, which I saw as mentioned, back in 2013 at the Hydro.
It also has a list of other less tangible assets which deserve some sort of protection because of their connection with a particular place or region. These run into the hundreds and include a huge range of events and activities which are 'unique' to a place or group, and need protection to avoid dilution - much like the PGI status awarded to some foods which could otherwise be copied.
As you can see from the screen grab above - the 'objects' on the list include costumes, handicrafts, family traditions and rituals as well as dance and poetry.
Music is very well represented on the list.
Have you experienced some of these less well known musical styles or events on your travels? Perhaps you've come across a festival that you weren't expecting and that wasn't promoted particularly, or spent the night in a club when a startling act plays music of a kind that you've never heard before.
Here's a few examples:
- Oud
- Irish harping and the Uillean pipes
- the Hardanger fiddle in Norway
- the Chinese zither (guqin)
- Fado in Portugal
Some of these may well get their moment on the blog as the year progresses.
