A personal word....on the release of the first compilation of Latvian Music on CPL-Music Sometimes the best things in life happen without you having planned them in the least! As far as Latvian folk music is concerned, I had a bit of a rocky start, to be honest. This is how it happened: In October 2017, I travelled to the Polish city of Katowice for the renowned trade fair Womex (World Music Expo). The entire world music scene meets at this fair. Sounds very interesting and it is! But for me as a label executive, the fair comes with a lot of work. You have zillions of meetings and you keep running into colleagues, friends and acquaintances. Breaks are rare thing. And just as I was about to enjoy one of those very short breaks, who shows up but Lauma Berza from the Latvian Music Information Center. And she insisted on arranging a meeting with me, which was just what I needed at that very moment! "I have only five minutes", I answered somewhat grumpily. She made the most of this short time and surprised me with an informative introduction to the lively Latvian folk music scene. Afterwards she handed me two albums: a Latvian folk sampler and the album by Auli and Tautumeitas. Incidentally, the fact that this Latvian compilation is now available, is largely due to the persistence of two very special ladies: Lauma Berza of Latvian Music Information Center (and one of the six singers of Tautumeitas, btw!) and Daina Zalane of Lauska Records. Both opened the door to Latvian folk music for me. With this compilation, I want to offer all those interested a first glimpse into the exciting Latvian folk music tradition. I hope you find the music as exciting as I do! Put on your Pastalas, the traditional Latvian footwear, and let yourself be surprised!

1. Dzied' Paprieksu, Brala Masa - Auji un Tautumeitas
2. Laumas Meita - JJO (Jauno Janu Orkestris)
3. Tautiesami Roku Devu - InmantaDimanta
4. Rutoj Bite Rutoj Saule - Austrumkalns
5. Rakstu Rakstus - Raxtu Raxti
6. Zari - Rami Rami
7. Sastdin Guoju - Lata Donga
8. Sidraba Lietins Lija - ZeMe
9. Melni Versi - Kanisaifa
10. Dai Citas Meitas - Tautumeitas
11. Acis Veras - Ilgi
12. Riga Paliek - Vetras Saites
13. Miesmeti Melnaci Kam Naci Agri - Trejasmens
14. Dziduot Muoku, Doncuot Muoku - Ilza
15. Es Brajiem Viena Masa - Lans
16. Kiokuj, Uoru Zagiuzeite - Saucejas
17. Pavasara Grislis - Laima Jansone
18. Debesu Kalejs - Daba San
19. Baltaitina - Rava
20. Metens - Auli

Disc: 2
1. Pade - Tautumeitas
2. Arajins (Bastalavis) - Zari
3. Dziesminja - JJO (Jauno Janu Orkestris)
4. Meness Sauli Danci Veda (Radio Mix) - Raxtu Raxti
5. Piegula - Auli
6. Aug Magonite - Lans
7. Janit's Sede - Lata Donga
8. Balins - Rava
9. Bumbulet - ZeMe
10. Dienvidus - Daba San
11. Kurzemes Zvani - Valdis Muktupavels
12. Aiz Kalnina Dumi Kupa - Austrumkalns
13. Saimniekdeli - Rahu the Fool
14. Skanet Skan - ImantaDimanta
15. Istaba - Ilgi
16. Vilki Deja - Kanisaifa
17. Tur Karoja Karaviri - Trejasmens
18. Sesas Peles Migu Vylka - Saucejas
19. Lauztas Priedes - Vetras Saites
20. Radzu, Muote It Vacuma - Ilza
21. Runca Deja - Tarksku Mandolinisti