Disc-Cover!

Olatz Zugasti
In this episode of Disc-Cover a truly forgotten or unknown gem. Bulun Bulunka from the Basque songwriter, harpist and singer Olatz Zugasti was released just before the turn of the century. Few will have noticed this CD, apart from Euskal Herria, as the northern region at the southern foot of the Pyrenean are called in their own language. Inside the own ‘land’ borders almost everyone knows this masterpiece. Maybe it’s  the language that stands in the way.
Most people think so probably….because, apart from the fact that you possibly don’t understand a word, Bulun Bulunka is a particularly appealing record. Intimate, well brought and with respect for her own culture. And yet it differs from music that we often hear from the Basque Country. No traditional regional instruments, no stirring dance rhythms or robust singing, but an almost whistling voice, accompanied by a Celtic harp. That alone makes the album special. It is an album with a theme. Bulun Bulunka can be translated as ‘lullabies’. Age-old ones though, with stories that matter. For small and big children. Olatz Zugasti has made only four albums during her solo career, with Bulun Bulunka as the most appealing one. 
She is nevertheless one of the most important musicians from the Basque Country: modest and low profile. But on the other hand she has been the regular accompanist and studio musicians of Benito Lertxundi, thé songwriter from Basque Country. She also writes chamber music, teaches and writes teaching modules. You probably won’t fall asleep but do enjoy the beautiful sounds of Bulun Bulunka.  

1.  Olatz Zugasti – Neguko Arratsalde Batean
     (Olatz Zugasti)
     Kantu baten bila nabil – Elkarlanean Elkar KD 270
2.   Haurra Egizu Lotto Lotto
3.   Aztanen Portalean
4.   Haurra Egizu lo Ta Lo
5.   Haurtxo Haurtxoa
6.   Haurrak, Logale Dalako
7.   Gure Haur Honen
8.   Lo Hadi Aingürüa
9.   Kuluxkan
10.  Amaren Xango
11.  Bulun Bulun
12.  Abenduaren Hogeian
13.  Atzo Goizean
14.  Abu Nina, Katalina Eta Iluna Denerako
15.  Haurrak  Ederrak
16.  Olatz Zugasti – Erraondo (trad, Zugasti)
      Gau Hotzenean Ere – Elkarlanean Elkar KD 845
17.  Olatz Zugasti – Izpegiko hasperena (Olatz
      Zugasti)
      Gau Hotzenean Ere – Elkarlanean Elkar KD 845
Tracks 2 – 15: Olatz Zugasti  – Bulun Bulunka – Elkarlanean Elkar KD 532.