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!
Christian Pliefke