Basque songbook for English speakers

Like other aspects of our culture here, Basque singing is at a crucial juncture.  Basque song can often still be heard at our various gatherings, but it is only a handful of people who can actively take part because few can recall all the lyrics.  Inevitability, most singing sessions includes a good portion of "la-la-la" when the words escape us.  An interest in Basque singing endures, especially at events as the annual "Kantari Eguna," but it is important that we make an effort to reach those interested people with something that can help them to better take part in the festivities.  With the "Hi ere kantari" songbook, more of us can learn the words and tunes of popular Basque songs.  Everyone can be transformed into a participant at Basque sing-alongs.

Our proposed project, therefore, would consist of several parts: 

• Identification of each song--author and recorded version

• a one paragraph English introduction for each song

• the accompanying sheet music for each song

• an accompanying compact disc with a short portion of each song to quickly familiarize the listener with the tune.

As those who attended the dinner following the Winnemucca meeting know, there is something quite special—and energizing—about singing together.  Now that this is my job, I aim to finally complete a project I initiated years ago.  Yes singing in Basque has declined in recent times, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t try to bring it back.  I believe that a good many like singing in Basque, but many just don’t know the words.  That is what this project aims to remedy.  Let’s see if we can’t create more Basque singers—Hi ere kantari means “You too a singer”—all the while promoting Euskara.  

Collaborators:  Darrin Schuck, Joseba Etxarri & various guest singers/musicians