Music of Azerbaijan

A few years ago (I believe I have mentioned this in the past), I went to a World Music festival to hear the fantastic Alessandra Belloni, a Sicilian musician who does traditional tarantelle. On the bill were Hun Hu'ur Tu, the famous Tuvan throat singers (always fun to hear), and some guys from Azerbaijan. All of us who went were blown away by the Azeri music, particularly a garmon (a type of accordion) player named Rahman Assadolahi. I have seen him again, and loved the music just as much.

Anyway, my parents were on vacation in Greece and Turkey and brought us back some music, including an Azerbaijani woodwind player. I don't know if it is something in the Kabab, but once again I am astounded at the gorgeous sound of music from Azerbaijan. Even with some slightly silly synthesized pop/almost new age intrusions, this stuff is fantastic.

If there is one region of the world that merits a serious listen, it is Azerbaijan.