Eagle

Mamer is one of China's most innovative and influential artists, drawing inspiration from the songs and poetry of the grasslands where he grew up. Eagle features a repertoire of grassland songs, normally sung solo and accompanied by the simple two-stringed dombra, adapted and updated for the 21st century, whilst at the same time preserving their unaffected lyricism. He was born in Qitai County in China's northwestern Xinjiang province, some 2000 miles from Beijing, near China's border with Russia and Kazakhstan.

One of 10 children, Mamer learnt the songs and instruments of the grasslands from his father and grandfather. His 5-piece band 'IZ' was credited with single-handedly kick-starting China's alt- country scene, and 'Eagle' is his debut solo album. With a warmer and more intimate sound than his recordings with IZ, 'Eagle' finds Mamer in an introspective mood, and features a collection of songs that deal with universal grassland themes; the nature of man, the delicate balance of man and nature, and the temptations of modernity.

Produced by Robin Haller and Matteo Scumaci. Featuring a grassland dueling-banjos style duet with multiple-Grammy award winner Bela Fleck plus bonus mix by the late French producer (and Mamer admirer) Hector Zazou.