Alvani is an area in Alazani valley, Kakheti region, Georgia, where two villages are located: Zemo (Upper) Alvani and Kvemo (Lower) Alvani.
The two Alvani are inhabited by Tushetians — a subgroup of Georgians, who originate from mountainous region of Tusheti. Tushetians themselves are subdivided in 3 parts: Chagma (Chaghma) living in Kvemo Alvani, Pirikiteli and Tsova (also known as Batsbi) — in Zemo Alvani.
This album represent instrumental Tushetian music and 5 songs played mostly on balalaika and some — on bowed chianuri. Both those instruments have 3 strings. Balalaika came from Russia during Soviet era and still is widely used in local music.
Musicians:
Amiran Nekerauli — balalaika (tracks 1, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29). Pirikiteli Tushetian, retired shepherd, almost blind now. Recorded at home in Zemo Alvani December 16, 2017.
Abram Baskhazhauri — chianuri (tracks 2, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27). Pirikiteli Tushetian, retired shepherd, worked in Russia for many years. He made his chianuri of an old sieve. Recorded at home in Zemo Alvani December 16, 2017.
Paata Karkhilauri — balalaika and voice (tracks 3, 6, 13, 22, 25), balalaika (track 16). Chagma Tushetian, Paata runs a small hotel in summer season in Tusheti. Recorded at home in Kvemo Alvani December 16, 2017 (tracks 3, 6, 13, 16) and February 24, 2018 (tracks 22, 25).
Anri Kaadze — balalaika (tracks 4, 7, 10, 15, 19, 24, 28). Tsova Tushetian by mother, Pirikiteli Tushetian by father. Anri was a schoolboy at the time of recording. Recorded at home in Zemo Alvani December 9, 2017.
The influence of steel guitar on genres like Delta blues and country has long been underrepresented; this compilation aims to set the record straight. Bandcamp Album of the Day May 5, 2022