COMPOSERS: Various
LABELS: Association of Ukrainians
WORKS: World
PERFORMER: Various artists
CATALOGUE NO: UKR 001 (distr. 0113 274 3404)
THE UKRAINIAN MUSIC OF BRITAIN – an island of endlessly rich diversity. Migrants settled in Manchester a century ago, apparently because they ran out of money on the way to the States, and more arrived after the Second World War. Enough descendants live in the Midlands and North to provide a mix of community performances in various traditional styles, heavy on accordions and featuring strong choirs and a couple of more adventurous singers (look out for Spooky Kookies). It’s not slick but it’s thriving. Bet you never knew.