One of the most pleasant discoveries of 2006, thanks to social networking site Myspace, is Berlin-based Russian multi-instrumentalist Vladiswar Nadishana. He has released several self-produced CDs on his own label.

On Russian - Tuvinian Karma Knot Vladiswar Nadishana collaborates with Tuvan throat singer Ayas Kholazhyk and multi-instrumentalist Youl'. The result is clearly spectacular. The trio manages to put together some of the finest throat singing combined with global sounds. While some throat singing recordings out there are too folksy or gimmicky, this trio of skilled musicians has recorded an excellent album.

Ayas Kholazhyk is one of the finest throat singers I've heard and his vocal skills are outstanding. He can easily switch from the guttural sounds normally associated with throat singing to beautiful high pitched sounds. All this backed by a vast array of acoustic instruments and samplers that achieve an organic sound.

Penetration into Substance is a solo effort by Vladiswar Nadishana. Using primarily acoustic instruments and a computer, Nadishana overdubs layers of vocals and instruments, achieving an acoustic ensemble sound, with wind and stringed instruments accompanied by frame drums and other percussion instruments. The main influences are Russian, Siberian, Tuvan and Indian.

Takku Ta Tei was recorded earlier, in 2000. On this album Vladiswar Nadishana uses dreamlike electronics and sequences combined with distant wind instruments, Asian strings, frame drums, Indian vocals and echoing sounds.

Nadishana's site is: www.nadishana.nm.ru