Lhasa, World on 3, 25 May 2009

[Charlie]

Lhasa, World on 3, BBC Radio 3, 25 May 2009

Three albums in ten years suggests admirable restraint for this Montreal-based singer, whose first album La Llorena was as mysterious as a flying saucer, an enigmatic message from outer space. Sung in a deep contralto voice entirely in Spanish, with no explanatory sleeve note, biography or photo, the album was little known in the UK but attracted devoted followers elsewhere, especially in Spain and France. I never fully surrendered to that one, but five years later was entranced by The Living Road, which has six songs in Spanish, two in French and four in English. Now we have the third, simply titled Lhasa, sung solely in English.

We had never met before, but I knew we should get along fine after witnessing Lhasa’s fascinating set at the Jazz Café back in 2003. I wondered if she remembered it, as one of a string of dates on that European tour. “Oh yes,â€

[Chris P]

Lovely show, nice one Charlie, your unplanned song requests made it sound spontaneous, relaxed and interesting. Found myself staying awake til the end through sheer engagement despite being tired.

[Alan]

Listen again (and again!) via this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kh4ln

[mike gavin]

I see Charlie's been at the anti wrinkle cream again, or is there a painting in the attic?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/genres/world/

[Dominic]

[Andrewq]

It's obviously an attempt to look good for all these sexy guests- and I am jealous of you being locked in a room with Lura.
What's with the mini photo?
Just caught the show - excellent relaxed atmoshere you create which gets the best out the musicians.
Is there any reason the show expires after a week - I can't believe it's a space ussue.

[Charlie]

Is there any reason the show expires after a week

It's what is called a Rights Issue - the BBC is allowed by labels and publishers to run each music show for a week only. After that, it's hoped people will buy the albums with the music they like...

[Charlie]

email from:

1. Caroline Wigley

Hi,

I would just like to thank you for your programme on Friday 22nd May.

I drove home very tired after a long shift at our restaurant, couldn’t find anything to listen to on radio four or two or one, then stumbled across radio three (i don’t normally listen to this station). Really enjoyed the choice of music and then ended up sitting in the car on our drive because I couldn’t possibly turn off the radio when Lhasa was singing “a change is gonna comeâ€