The mbira, a thumb piano from Zimbabwe, is an instrument used for trance induction and healing--it soothes the soul, accompanies storytellers, and inspires children and elders to dance. On this recording the mbira is in the hands of a master, Ephat Mujuru, who plays ancient traditional songs and his own compositions. Dumisani Maraire joins in on "Chirombo/Mhondoro," playing hosho (gourd shakers) and singing. On "Chamakanda Ephat" Mujuru plays mbira and tells, in English, the humorous folktale of the man with big ears, a story that teaches the value of honesty and integrity. The solo instrumentals on this release really shine--on the surface they are simple and repetitive, but they subtly shift and quietly reveal depths of mystery in the music. --Jeff Grubb