Search for music
 Shipping and Other Questions?
The music of Euskal Herriko, the Basque country

A nation within nations, this region has produced both incredible folk tradtitions and dynamic innovators, and here is a small but I think interesting introductory catalog of the music that includes very traditional roots and some unusual new routes.

Korrontzi - Korrontzi - 14.99
Modern basque folk music. Accordion, mandolin, acoustic guitar, bass, alboka, txistu, drums and percussions) and guests include Aritza Bergara-Iker Diez (txalaparta). The CD also contains a short film by Inaz Fernández and Carlos Juárez, about the lives of the old accordion players (trikitilari).

Xoriek 17 - Mikel Laboa - 16.99
On his 17th recording, Mikel Laboa pays tribute to the writers who have inspired him and delves into the metaphorical world of birds, with a decidedly jazz orientation to the music.
Kantuketan - Basque Country (2 CDs: regular price 36.99) - various - 21.99
Two CD set presents Basque singing from several generations and styles, a mixture of 'wild songs' without words, formal choral singing, improvisations, pastorals and more modern song forms; it portrays an art that has been able to keep up-to-date without losing any of its poetic force.
Duo - Bidaia - 13.99
Basque composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Mixel Ducau and Californian singer-songwriter and hurdy-gurdy player Caroline Phillips come back for their second recording as Bidaia, now a duo, with a repertoire that includes original compositions and traditional Basque songs. The Basque alboka and ttun-ttun are combined with acoustic guitar, hurdy-gurdy and bamboo clarinet to offer a strong second look at their original approach to the tradition.
Avril - Achiary, Lopez and de Ezcurra - 19.99
Beñat Achiary, Ramon Lopez and Philippe de Ezcurra took a long time to forge their complicity through various art projects on stage or on disc, at in groups or duos in the Basque Country and elsewhere. On a night in October 2004, the trio finally met near Langon, gave its first public concert. Three days of studio,and a few more live recordings captured these moments of poetry. This first disc reflects the unique and artistic aspirations Beñat Achiary, rooted in the language and the traditional singing of the Basque Country, inhabited by poetry, jazz and improvisation. It also shows the talent of Ramon Lopez and Philip de Ezcurra, their fusion and osmosis with Beñat and their celebration of improvisation.
Nömadak Tx - Oreka Tx - 17.99
"...a brilliant project - more the spiritual and musical heir to Junkera's Maren... the duo visit with nomad musicians in a variety of countries ­ Mongolia, India, Morocco, a Western Saharan refugee camp in Algeria, and Scandinavia and the result is an unforgettable visual and musical experience, somewhere between Baraka, Latcho Drom, and Buena Vista Social Club. In their travels, they create txalapartak (the plural form) out of ice, stone and wood, showing the many possibilities of their ancient instrument. In doing so, they form global links of friendship between small and marginalized peoples. Oreka TX meet with and perform with a diverse array of musicians, many with traditions as old and unknowable as that of the txalaparta itself. Basque instruments such as the alboka mix with singers and musicians of many lands." - David Cox, RootsWorld - NOTE: this is the single CD US release (no extra CD or DVD) - Listen
Solisterrae - Pascal Gaigne - 17.99
While there are references to Galician, Euskadi, French and other folk musical cultures, this is a purely contemporary, creative work performed by an ensemble of musicians of renowned skills; primarily acoustic ensembles of guitars, percussion, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, strings, flutes, harp, zither, and piano.
Basque Fire - Betagarri - 17.99
Basque ensemble performs an energetic, regional version of ska, punk, rock.
Lurra eta maitasuna - Pantxoa eta Peio - 16.99
Two great Basque singers, Peio Ospital and Pantxoa Carrere, sing of the opposing emotions of being Basque: the desire to be a peacemaker at home in his land and the struggle to be recognized as a people.
Amorrua - Iker Goenaga - 16.99
The third album by Basque accordionist Iker Goenaga, who offers modern folk music with no apologies, mindful of tradition but full of youth.
The Pub Ibiltaria 10 - Oskorri - 16.99
 Continuing its musical adventure, Oskorri presents the live recording of the concert given at Pío Baroja square of Bilbao on 21 December 2005. This is the tenth album that the band dedicates to Basque popular music. As in previous releases, the work includes the lyrics and scores of each song
The Pub Ibiltaria 9 - Oskorri and the Pub Ibiltaria - 17.99
The 2005 production and 9th installment of this well-loved sing-along series of popular Basque folk music. Includes 2 CDs, one with the songs in performance, one a sing-along disc, plus a booklet with lyrics in Basque and translations to French and Spanish.
dan_txa - Tomas San Miguel and Txalaparta - 17.99
Composer, acordionist and pianist Tomás San Miguel explores the rythms and modes of the ancient Basque melodic-percussive txalaparta with a definitive jazz outlook, joined by a small ensemble of txalaparta, flutes, keyboards, guitar and percussion (drum kit, frame drums, jaw harps and more). Some of it harkens back to 90's Kepa Junkera in its global energy, but for the most part, Miquel and his ensemble chart their own personal path. (CD and booklet.. shipped without jewel box)
de ayer manana - Eliseo Parra - 17.99
Eliseo Parra has been rewriting the folk music of Spain for a long time now, imbuing the folklore and traditions of the Iberian Peninsula, the forgotten lore and ancient music, and revitalizing it with his own special sense of modernity. He sings in Castilian, Catalan, Galician and Basque on de ayer mañana (from yesterday, tomorrow), joined by stellar musicians including members of Alboka and Josean Goikoetxea.
Abenduak 29 - Jabier Muguruza - 17.99
The 2005 release by this Basque songwriter and singer offers fragile vocals, a gentle, almost disappearing accompaniment on guitar, accordion and other small instruments. Muguruza has been described as 'a cantautor of infinite gentleness,' 'a tenuous voice that modulates with subtlety... lyrics fly with the fine irony of the mundane" and 'an ironic, subtle and intensely poetic vision.' This is gentle, simple pop music in the mold of Gil and Veloso.
Lau Anaiak - Alboka - 16.99
Basque accordionist Joxan Goikoetxea and Irish multi-instrumentalist Alan Griffin (whistle, gaita, alboka, flutes) are Alboka. On this 2004 release they present instrumentals and songs, some based on old traditionas and some originals, all acoustic and decidely contemporary.
Karidadeko Benta - Karidadeko Benta - 17.99
Manic Basque roots music led by 'bertsolari' vocalist Jon Maia and a band of clarinets, trumpet, saxophone, oud, guitars and percussion
Landalan - Oskorri - 16.99
1995 recording by this most famous Basque ensemble
Quebec - Joseba Tapia - 16.99
Under the title, Québec, hamalau kantu independentziarako (Québec, 14 Songs of Independence), Tapia transports us to a little singing club, all with arrangements for live playing with violin, bass, guitar and Basque (diatonic) accordion. Joseba Tapia’s voice reflects the concerns of a people, their joys and their anguishes. The CD, the insert and of course, the music, come out in a very state-of-the-art and elegant presentation. Arranged and prduced by Pascal Gaigne.
Spanish Recordings: Basque Country: Navarre - Lomax Recordings - 16.99
Sung poetry in the ancient Basque language as well as the sounds of the Navarrese jotas, pipe and drum ensembles, and the irrintzi, the reverberating cry that marked the culmination of Alan Lomax's sojourn in Spain. Recorded by Alan Lomax and Jeannette Bell. Remastered to 24-bit digital from the original field recordings.
The Spanish Recordings: Basque Country: Biscay and Guipuzcoa - Lomax Recordings - 16.99
These rare recordings offer improvised sung poetry in the ancient Basque language - deep-voiced fishermen's harmonies and clear women's voices from the valleys and mountains - as well as the sounds of the region's traditional alboka horn, pipe and drum ensembles, and the irrintzi, the reverberating cry that marked the culmination of Alan Lomax's sojourn in Spain. Recorded in 1952 by Alan Lomax and Jeanette Bell. Remastered to 24-bit digital from the original field recordings.
Xacobeo '04 - Various artists - 17.99
An imaginary and musical journey down the legendary Camino de Santiago brings together artists from many parts of Spain and Portugal (and a sidetrip to France). This collection includes performances by Na Lúa, Pancho Alvarez, Kepa Junkera, La Musgaña, Bagad Kemper, Rodrigo Romaní , Alboka and Gaiteiros De Lisboa.
Airea - Ibon Koteron - 16.99
The master of the Basque alboka a daring and unusual concept album that offers this simple yet powerful reed instrument in a wild array of presentations and settings. It focuses on reeds not only from Spain, but from around the world: the duduk of Armenia, the liru and mänkeri of Finland, the launeddas of Italy and la tsambouna (the skin of a goat with all the orifices and legs sealed except for two, similar to a bagpipe in sound). Produced by Kepa Junkera, it features a great supporting cast including Gilles Chabenat, ETXAK, Iñaki Plaza and Ruben Isasi, Kepa Junkera, Roston Kuchichian, Heikki Syrjänen, Pekka Westerholm, Faltriqueira, Ruper Ordorika, Soledona and Andrea Pisu.
Enegarren postala - Jabier Muguruza - 14.99
This pop recording from Basque Spain sits on the border between folk-ballad and schmaltz, I know, but this is just such a great voice that I am willing to forgive the sometimes overly-lush production just a bit. Muguruza has been described as 'a cantautor of infinite gentleness' by El Periódico. El País de las Tentaciones says he has a tenuous voice that modulates with subtlety and the lyrics fly with the fine irony of the mundane. And El Pais says 'it is an ironic, subtle and intensely poetic vision.'
Desertore - Oskorri - 16.99
The 2003 release by the legendary Basque ensemble
Amaraun - Amaraun - 16.99
Amaraun is a band from Durango; its members define the music as 'a spider´s web ('amaraun' in Basque) that we have spun with the threads of tradition and creation, using the tools of jazz and the freedom that improvisation always offers.' The oboe is the soloist instrument of this quartet, joined by drums, bass and piano.
The Pub Ibiltaria 4 - Oskorri and the Pub Ibiltaria - 16.99
Volume 4 of the well-loved sing-along series of Basque music- 2CD set includes a book with lyrics to song along with
Auskalo - Alaitz and Maider - 16.99
Triki pop' (after the accordion used in much of the music, the trikitixa, played by Maider Zabalegi and the accompanying panderoa of Alaitz Telletxea), and these two women and their ensemble are the youthful embodiment of the music. It's tinged with rock and jazz, yet somehow still hold onto enough of the Basque folk roots from whence it came to remain truly local music in sound, lyric and attitude.
Kalejira Al-Buk (1994) - Kepa Junkera - 16.99
Eguzki begi - Laja eta Mikel - 16.99
Triki accordionist Iñaki Garmendia 'Laja' and panderista Mikel Alustiza in their 2002 release of Basque folk music
Sentitzen naiz - Maixa - 16.99
Basque singer and her small band (piano, guitars, accordion, bass and drums) produce a sweet, simple folk-pop sound.
Pub Ibiltaria 5 - Oskorri - 17.99
Pub Ibiltaria 6 - Oskorri and the Pub Ibiltaria - 16.99
the Pub Ibiltaria 7 - Oskorri and the Pub Ibiltaria - 15.99
The 2003 production of this well-loved sing-along series of Basque music
Ero - Tapia eta Leturia - 15.99
Triki ta Ke - Triki ta Ke - 15.99
 Triki-pop! This Basque band blends together their own local trikitixa accordion music with a rock-pop backing of guitars, drums and bass and creates a Euskadi-swamp-pop sound that echos Cajun, conjunto and Celtic while remaining true to the local attitudes.
Haatik - A. Zubiria - 16.99
A marvelous voice and a deep knowledge of traditional Basque song merge in a contemporary work with touches of rock and jazz.
Soinugorri - Iker Goenaga - 16.99
1998 recording by the wonderful and under-rated basque accordinist and songster.
Egizu Lo: Lotarako kantak - vasrious - Basque - temp out of stock-15.99
Basque traditional lullabies
Alaitz and Maider - Alaitz and Maider - temp out of stock
Ganbaran bai (Urolako trikitixa) - Imuntzo Eta Beloki - temp out of stock-16.99
The renowned pair of Basque accordionists has collected songs historic accordionists from the Urola region (Gipuzkoa), playing them with the same spontaneity and freshness of their predecessors. Along with the two essential instruments (the diatonic accordion and the tambourine), Imuntzo and Beloki have used a series of instruments currently not in use, such as bottles, the case of the accordion or the kettledrums.
Orhiko Xoria - Juan Mari Beltran - temp out of stock-16.99
Beltran made a huge impression on me with his 2002 recording, Arditurri. Now he presents fifteen new themes recorded under the direction of Suso Saiz. This ethnic album features traditional songs and Beltran's own compositions, performed with a small ensemble on many traditional instruments
Gipuzkoako danztzak (2 CDs) - Various Basque - temp out of stock-16.99
This double CD album presents the most popular txistu repertoire for the traditional dances of Gipuzkoa. The songs are performed primarily by the municipal band of txistu players of San Sebastian and conducted by Jose Ignazio Ansorena, but the album also includes the collaboration of the municipal bands of Oñati, Zumarraga, Tolosa, Berastegi, Lizartza and others.
Hiri (City) - Kepa Junkera - temp out of stock
2006 release by Basque trikitixa (diatonic accordion) master Junkera and a bevy of guests including Patrick Vaillant and Melonious Quartet, Mercedes Peon, Ibon Koteron, Enzo Avitibile, Andy Narell, Bulgarka, Glen Velez, Eliseo Parra, Gilles Chabenat, Xose Manuel Budino, Tactequete and dozens of other musicians from around the world.
Txikitxuterik - Iker Goenaga - temp out of stock-16.99
In much the same vein as his more famous compadre Kepa Junkera, Iker Goenaga swerves between folk and pop, adding fine touches of local instrumentation and folk singers while still producing a pop sound that crosses boundaries with ease. Guests include Xabier Leturia on panderoa and Jon Mujika on txalparta.
Leonen orroak - Junkera, Kepa and Koteron, Ibon - temp out of stock-16.99
The alboka is a type of double clarinet made of cow horns, a double-bored pipe and cane reeds that is unique to Basque heritage. Here Koteron's alboka is accompanied by Junkera's diatonic accordion, tambourine, and txalaparta.
Lau eskutara - Junkera, Kepa and Pereira, Julio - temp out of stock-15.99
A brilliant teaming of the Basque accordion legend and the mandolin/guitarist from Portugal in acoustic duets of music from both places
Triki up - Kepa Junkera, Zabaleta eta Imanol - temp out of stock-16.99
 Big band trikitixa from the most famed Basque accordionists around, Kepa Junkera, and his co-conspiritors Inaki Zabaleta (trikitixa) and Imanol Urkizi (panderoa), backed by a full blown band of electric guitars, drums, bass, saxophone, harmaonica, and more.
Quercus Endorphina - Oreka TX - temp out of stock-16.99
The txalparta (a wooden-plank balafon) is a Basque tradition that dates back centuries. Here two young players and a an international cast of musicians recreate and expand the tradition. Produced by Kepa Junkera
Doktor Do Re Mi eta Benedizebra - Oskorri - temp out of stock
The well-known Basque folk group presents a recording of 23 mostly traditional Basque children's songs. Not a 'talk down to the kids' kind of a recording, rather Oskorri does the same kind of music they do for adults, full of the same mix of guitars, accordions, txalaparta and fiddles, simply going to the younger listener with whimsical (in Basque) lyrics and a real sense of humor that comes through even if you do not speak the language. They are joined by a chorus of children on a number of the tunes, which might even encourage your kid to learn a little of the language!
25 kantu urte (2 CD set) - Oskorri - temp out of stock-19.99
An epic 2 CD live concert by this well-known Basque band includes many guests including Martin Carty, Pedro Guerra, Patrick Vaillant, Tapia and Leturia, Mikel Laboa, Kepa Junkera, Fermin Muguruza and Gabriel Yacoub
Marijane kanta zan - Oskorri - temp out of stock
A children's record from the Basque super group and a cast of young singers joining in. Comes with a small graphic novel (what we used to call a 'comic book') with the lyrics and musical staffs.
Plazarik Plaza - Oskorri - temp out of stock-16.99
The Pub Ibiltaria 3 - Oskorri and the Pub Ibiltaria - temp out of stock-15.99
Volume 3 of the well-loved sing-along series of Basque music - 2CD set includes a book with lyrics to song along with
The Pub Ibiltaria 8 - Oskorri and the Pub Ibiltaria - temp out of stock-16.99
The 2004 production of this well-loved sing-along series of Basque music. Includes 2 CDs, one the songs, one a sing-along disc, plus a booklet with lyrics in Basque
Vizcayatik ... Bizkaiara - Oskorri - temp out of stock-16.99
The 2002 release from this most famous Basque band is a folkier affair than their previous release, Ura, but in taking a less progressive road thay may also bring back the real essence of the music in this much more folk-oriented set of tracks produced by the band and Eliseo Parra. Guests include the usual suspects: Parra, Kepa Junkera and Michel Bordeleau (La Bottine Souriente) head the list.
Gau giro - Kupela Taldea - temp out of stock-16.99
The triki trio of Zabale (accordion), Larrañaga (tambourine, voice) and Berastegi (percussion) specialise in Basque popular festivals, a tradition deeply rooted in the Urola area (Gipuzkoa), where they come from. They naturally combine trikitixa (Basque accordion music) with verse, inviting us to dance
Bizkaiko kopla zaharrak - Tapia eta Leturia + Amuriza - temp out of stock-16.99
Joseba Tapia (diatonic accordion and vocals) and Xabier Bersaluze 'Leturia' (pandero - tambourine ) are among the most repsected musicians playing Basque music today. With a backing ensemble of voices, mandolin, guitars and foot-stomping percussion, they present a series of folk stories and dances collected from the oral tradition and passed on for generations. This is the sound of Euskal Herria.
Xiberoko Kantuak - various - temp out of stock-16.99
Xiberoko Kantüak is a selection of original recordings of traditional songs from Zuberoa performed a capella by the best Zuberoan voices of the last century. These songs were recorded from the fifties onwards by Ximun Haran, who released them in vinyl format with the name Musée du Disque Basque.
Xiberoa / La Soule: chants et traditions - Various Artists - temp out of stock-15.99
Hain Zuzen - Tapia eta Leturia - temp out of stock-16.99
A 2002 live recording of one of the best known Basque triki/panderoa duos. Recently joined by Arkaitz Miner and Txus Aranburu, the pair has become a quarte with violin and piano. They have recorded these live performances of old and new songs in their Navarre village.
Oihan - Bidaia - temp out of stock-17.99
An innovative, all-acoustic ensemble from Basque Spain offers a unique and creative vision for both their local roots and the greater world beyond. It's a highly modal experience, driven primarily by vpoices and traditional Basque instruments - alboka, ttun-ttun (an instrument similar to a zither, but played with a stick as a percuussive effect), combined with acoustic guitar, piano, hurdy-gurdy, Moroccan darbouka and Andalusian cajon.
Maren - Kepa Junkera - not-available-temp out of stock
The 2002 issue from the Basque accordion legend is every bit as adventurous as his highly acclaimed Bilbao 00:00h. Working with a core band of Angel Unzu, Blas Fernandez, Harkaitz Martinez, Igor Otxoa and Venezuelean artist Julio Andrade, he adds his usual roster of guests expected and surprising: Hevia (with his electronic bagpipe), Gilles Chabenat (hurdy-gurdy), Ibon Koteron (Basque alboka), Maria del Mar Bonet, and as previously, Malagasy valiha player Justin Vali.
Trikitixa. Basque melodeon gems - Various Basque accordion artists - temp out of stock-15.99
Trikitixa. Basque melodeon gems Bilduma
Bizipen gose - Triki Ta Ke - temp out of stock-16.99
A selection of vital Basque music and suggestive voices interwoven through effective rhythmic games and melodic delicacies of the guitars and the triki, the small diatonic accordion. Triki ta ke are back with their second recording of interesting and danceable triki-pop.
Ura - Oskorri - temp out of stock-16.99
The legendary Basque ensembles 2001 release, produced by Kepa Junkera

Didn't find what you were looking for?
Try a more general search by artist, title or style of music.

Credit card orders are placed on a secure server.

Please note!
 Most CDs have been imported from Europe or Asia. They are not all shrink-wrapped, and I am not going to con you by wrapping them here just to make you think they have been sterilized in America. We guarantee that the CDs and the contents are all brand new and in perfect condition. Whenever I can, I use recycled shipping materials. They may not look as pretty on the outside, but they save money and keep the trash dumps a little bit emptier.