Saze is the folk music of Southern Albania, recognised by Unesco as a masterpiece of human heritage. Derived from the rural a cappella style of iso-polyphony, the modernised urban version sports clarinets, violins, lute and frame drums, as well as the all-important voices. The lyrics tell of love, loss, migration and tragedy, drawn from a deep wellspring of emotion and tradition. Clarinets weep and wail, fiddles ache with weary resignation, while the beauty of the twin female voices will melt your heart as they plead for a sign: "Will you wave your handkerchief?" Recorded in Tirana by a high-powered production team including Joe Boyd and Jerry Boys (Buena Vista Social Club), this is a compelling recording of a distinct and valuable musical form. glitterbeat.com