Sometimes hypnotic and sometimes charming, this enjoyable addition to the Air Mail Music series was recorded in various parts of Burma/Myanmar and spotlights some of the traditional styles of that country. Much of the CD is instrumental, although vocalists are featured on some selections. Regrettably, the liner notes (which are in French and English), don’t tell you who any of the various Burmese musicians and singers are — like other releases in this series, Air Mail Music: Burma doesn’t provide any personnel or recording dates. But it does let you know what some of the instruments are; on this album, you’ll hear xylophones as well as harps, gongs and cymbals. Traditional Burmese music bears some resemblance to the traditional music of China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Korea, but it’s also quite recognizable itself. No serious student of Asian music would mistake Air Mail Music: Burma for Thai or Vietnamese music, even though there are some parallels. As frustrating as its liner notes are, this is an enjoyable CD. – Alex Henderson
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