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Songs of a Russian Gypsy

Alya
Songs of a Russian Gypsy

In this Monitor recording, the Russian Roma chanteuse Alya Yunakovskaya (better known by her stage name, Alya Yuno) performs fourteen of her favorite Russian songs that tell of the lives of the Roma (Gypsy) people in that region. She is accompanied by Sasha Polinoff’s ensemble, which plays traditional Russian folk instruments including the balalaika and domra . Liner notes include brief information about Alya and her songs with lyrics in the original Russian.

*Content Advisory: Most Roma consider the term “Gypsy” an offensive identifier or a racial slur. Some Roma, however, have used “Gypsy” as a self-identifier and continue to do so. Roma have been a marginalized group for centuries, and the term “Gypsy” has been used in violent and racist ways. Smithsonian Folkways has chosen to leave the album as published in its original state to serve as a historical document; however, we encourage the listener to learn more about Roma history and culture, and the continued fight for Roma rights. For more information, please see these resources from the European Roma Rights Centre, the World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples, and Amnesty International.
For our policy on controversial recordings, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Track Listing

101
Lyotsa Pyesnya (Song of the Gypsy) Alya 02:05  
102
Kolyechko (The Ring) Alya 02:43  
103
Chto Mnye Gore (No Sorrow for Me) Alya 01:45  
104
Tolko Raz Byvayut V Zhizni Vstryechi (Only Once in a Lifetime) Alya 02:10  
105
Kak Stranno (How Strange) Alya 01:56  
106
Dvye Gitary (Two Guitars) Alya 02:28  
107
Tvoyi Glaza Zyelyonyie (Your Green Eyes) Alya 02:51  
201
Ekh, Dorogi (The Roads) Alya 02:39  
202
Svyetit Mesyats (The Moon is Shining) Alya 02:04  
203
Vyernis! (Come Back) Alya 02:40  
204
Fanariki (The Street Lamps) Alya 02:03  
205
Do Svidanya (Farewell) Alya 02:11  
206
Biryuzovyie Kolechki (The Tuquoise Rings) Alya 01:42  
207
Dvye Slyezinki (Two Little Tears) Alya 02:19