WOMAD

Mtiebi

From Georgia

Toasting in the ex-Soviet republic of Georgia amounts to a lot more than slurring out banalities like "bottoms up!" or "down the hatch" before sinking your glass. In the country where wine was invented ceremonial toasting has given rise to a whole canon of songs and music, which forms part of the region’s vast traditional music treasury. Mtiebi, who formed way back in 1980, have pursued a relentless mission to represent and play the ‘authentic’ traditional music of their country without compromise and without recourse to the grandiose ensemble approach of the old Soviet Union. In the multi-tasking tradition of the old peasant musicians, each of the ten members of Mtiebi sings, dances and plays an instrument or two. Their melodies are instantly recognisable, especially when they veer into complex polyphonic modes and strike chords that make your back teeth fizz. Since the late ‘80s, the group have been toasting audiences at festivals throughout the world and giving all and sundry a rare insight into their ancient art. Let’s raise a tankard to Mtiebi, the real McCoy!June 2000