Inspired by the Goddess

La Jambre

Las Lunas de Astarté (Bujío Producciones, 2008)

Based in Jerez (Andalusia, Spain), La Jambre explores and recovers the rich folk music tradition of the Jerez region, the province of Cadiz and other Andalusian territories. The ancient folk songs are brilliantly transformed with the use of global beats and acoustic instruments from other parts of the world and traditions as well as electric instruments, such as fretless bass.

The fascinating song selection includes ballads and Christmas songs that breathe new life with the help of a remarkable collection of woodwinds, percussion and stringed instruments. Some of the lesser known instruments include the local gaita gastoreña (a single-reed clarinet), rociero whistle, dulzaina (a Spanish double reed instrument in the oboe family), Turish baglama and Tibetan singing bowls.

The title of the album makes reference to the Phoenician goddess Astarte, the goddess of love, nature, fertility, and carnal pleasure. Astarte was revered by other ancient cultures under different names: Venus, Maya, Aphrodite, and Ishtar.  The Phoenicians established colonies in what is now Spain's Cadiz province and their legacy has been the subject of fascination by many artists in the region.

The beautifully packaged CD comes with Spanish language descriptions about the origins of the songs.

You can purchase the CD here.