The Sound of Basque Folk

“The Sound of Basque Folk” offers a rich and wide-ranging listen into traditional and contemporary Basque music. This playlist pulls from decades of recordings and showcases diverse voices and folk instruments, whether it’s the trikitixa-driven rhythms of Tapia eta Leturia and Kepa Junkera, the vocal warmth of Mikel Laboa, Amaia Zubiria, or the ancient poetry brought to life by Maddi Oihenart and Beñat Achiary. There's a strong sense of place in these tracks, reflecting both the mountainous inland villages and the coastal towns of the Basque Country.

From the heartfelt simplicity of “Txoria txori” to the high-energy folk dance of “Arin arin”, this collection brings together traditional ballads, contemporary arrangements, and experimental takes on age-old melodies. Instrumental pieces like Oreka Tx’s “Txalaparta Dantza” showcase handmade percussion, while others, like “Esperantzari Leiho Bat” by Oskarbi or “Nafarroa” by Jean Mixel Bedaxagar, channel a more stripped-down, lyrical style that connects with the past. It’s a grounded, atmospheric set that spans generations of Basque folk expression.