Accidents of history, politics and geography have helped sustain the culture of the Basques, who live in the western Pyrenees Mountains adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and spanning the border between France and Spain. And while only a small minority of Basques on the Spanish side align themselves with the sometimes violent secessionist movements dedicated to carving out a totally autonomous Basque republic, Basques in general are fiercely protective of their language, customs and traditions.

The Basque group Kalakan, comprised of three singer/instrumentalists, is one of many groups dedicated to promoting Basque culture. The 16 short pieces on this CD are sung in Euskara (the Basque language). Instrumental accompaniment, primarily percussion and flutes, is traditional – and several of the percussion instruments have been hand-crafted by group members. Perhaps the most famous Basque instrument, which appears on several tracks, is the txalaparta, a group of raised wooden planks suspended on large baskets or sawhorses – in effect, a giant wooden marimba. The players strike the instrument either vertically, with the heel of a cylindrical stick, or horizontally. Two instrumentalists play the txalaparta simultaneously, one providing the melody and the other rhythmic accompaniment.

Vocals, however, are Kalakan’s real forte, and Paxkal Indo, Jamixel Bereau and Thierry Biscary serve up a rich assortment of ballads, chants, work songs and dance pieces, most of which feature precise and gorgeous two- and three-part harmonies. The range of indigenous Basque music on this CD is amazing, with echoes of everything from Renaissance chansons and madrigals to Balkan polyphony and even South American folk music.

Apparently, Kalakan recorded several pieces on location, with audible background conversation in some songs and, in one case, the sound of fireworks. Some of the music is visceral and tribal; some is elegant and almost courtly. Two selections include additional musicians – a backing chorus on the solemn, ethereal “De Trevilles-n azken hitzak,” classical pianists and fellow Basques Katia and Marielle Lebeque playing piano on “Kantuz.” Those pieces broaden the musical range and are a reminder that the three musicians of Kalakan are not graybeards just holding onto the past but relatively young, worldly musicians actively engaged in the growth and development of their traditions. An essential addition to any connoisseur’s world-music library, Kalakan is a treasure.

For more information go to the KML website.