Kazakhstan is now an independent country in the heart of central Asia. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, the nomadic peoples that populated the country were penned up by Stalin in collective farms, but their Nomadic culture and spirit survived. This CD, recorded in Kazakhstan and released with the full cooperation of the Kazakh Embassy, is a wonderful collection of traditional music and songs performed by mainly young musicians who have immersed themselves in their traditional culture since they gained their independence -- it"s a true cultural renaissance. The large booklet has extensive notes and photos of the musicians and instruments.