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Among the world’s great
singers, a rare few become the voice of their nation. After years of
international touring with the blessing of the Dalai Lama, Yungchen
Lhamo has truly become the voice of Tibet — and that voice is an
exquisite instrument, gliding from mesmerizing chant to booming
mountain call in the space of a breath.
This third album for Real World is infused with the quiet spiritual
power of Tibetan Buddhism, but adventurously melds Yungchen’s original
songs with the striking production of Jamshied Sharifi and pan-global
instrumentation — trumpet, strings, African kora, Middle Eastern
percussion and the even, sweet tones of a National Steel guitar, all
delicately woven around Yungchen’s magical voice. With guest
appearances by the British singer Joy Askew and the incomparable Annie
Lennox, AMA becomes that rare destination where East happily meets
West. No translators, or politicians, required.
Ama is Tibetan for “mother.” Yungchen dedicates this album to
her own mother, who suffered greatly and raised her daughter amidst
the violence and persecution of the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Themes of struggle, loss, peace and forgiveness — embodied in the life
of her own Ama — remain at the heart of Yungchen’s life and
work.
Click
here to read a great interview with Yungchen on
bloomberg.com!
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