Umeko Ando (1932-2004) was a folk singer from Japan. She was a representative of the Ainu culture on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan. "Ihunke" is their first album recorded in 2000 with Ainu musician and dub producer Oki Kano. It was only released in Japan on CD and is finally available on vinyl (2LP + Linernotes, DL included). "Ihunke" follows last year's single "Iuta Upopo"[Pingipung 58, incl. M.RUX Remix], which was received with overwhelming enthusiasm and sold out quickly. The 16 Ainu songs on "Ihunke" are delicate, natural gems. They are based on Oki Kano's Tonkori patterns (a 5-string harp), through which Umeko Ando develops her repetitive mantric singing, often in call response manner. Oki Kano is one of the few professional Tonkori players to perform worldwide with his Oki Dub Ainu Band. The songs have a mystical energy - when crows with Ando's brittle voice shout exactly in the first song, it seems as if natural forces connect with their music. Her voice sounds like animals of the sky and the forest. In autumn: remixes of "Ihunke" by Tolouse Lowtrax, M.Rux, DJ Ground, El Buho Mark Peters, Gama, Andi Otto and Dreems. Historical background: Only recently (2008) the Ainu were officially recognised as indigenous peoples who are culturally independent of Japan. This record is an example of how their music was passed down through generations in the underground Ainu communities, while it was suppressed by Japanese hegemony. It deserves a large audience Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator
