Songs from Tibet, The New CD from Techung

08/22/2006 04:08AM

Contributed by: WMC_News_Dept.

UK - Tibetan instrumentalist and singer has a new recording of titled Songs from Tibet. Most of the music is traditional, based on Tibetan folk songs from Kham, Lhatse, Lhasa, and other locations.

Techung is a prominent Tibetan singer/songwriter looked up to as one of the keepers of traditional Tibetan musical traditions. He is also respected for the original solo and collaborative music he creates by drawing on both his own heritage and his familiarity with other world music traditions.

He is best known for his performances of traditional Tibetan music, dance, and opera under the name Tashi Dhomdup Sharzur. However, he uses his childhood nickname, Techung, when performing as a solo artist.

He co-founded the San Francisco-based Chaksampa Tibetan Dance and Opera Company in 1989. Chaksampa made their debut at Carnegie Hall with Philip Glass, REM, Trey Anastasio, Seon Colvin, and Patti Smith. The group has performed in all four of the Tibetan Freedom Concerts organized by the Milarepa Fund, appearing with such artists as U2, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Pearl Jam, Herbie Hancock, Tracy Chapman, The Beastie Boys and others. One of Chaksampa's songs is included in the Tibetan Freedom Concert CD.

Techung's voice and music have been featured in the IMAX film "Everest" amongst several others. His music is currently being used in the documentary film "What Re-mains of Us" which was selected at the 2004 CANNES film festival. His music will also be used in the upcoming Tibetan feature film Dreaming of Lhasa.

Whether performing in traditional or contemporary styles, his dual goals are to revive Tibetan music in the Tibetan community and to expose the rich performing cultural tradition of his homeland to the world community.

Buy Songs from Tibet.


World Music Central
http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20060812160808125