Sainkho Namtchylak

The Profile

Sainkho Namtchylak (born 1957, Tuva, Russian Federation) is a Tuvan vocalist celebrated for overtone (throat) singing and boundary-pushing work across experimental, world and jazz scenes.

Born in 1957 in Tuva; studied Siberian traditions and shamanic, lamaist, and Tibetan singing; master of overtone singing with a wide range from contralto to soprano. Collaborations cited in reviews include Hector Zazou, Giancarlo Parisi, Vittorio Cosma, and Stefano Bollani; Evan Parker is featured on a listed work. Italian releases mentioned: Naked Spirit (1999), Stepmother City (2000); Who Stole the Sky? is noted as a more homogeneous, less experimental set.

Four DeBaser reviews portray Sainkho Namtchylak as a formidable Tuvan vocalist and overtone-singing master, crossing jazz, electronics, and ritual-rooted traditions. Highlights include Out of Tuva as an accessible entry point, the range-showcasing Who Stole the Sky?, the solo focus of Lost Rivers, and the exploratory Like A Bird Or Spirit, Not A Face. Reviewers praise her timbral breadth and shamanic-tinged experimentation.