1. Tarai Pahad Two different places and landscapes with their individual diversities of music, culture, and nature. This is a blend of folk tunes from the Tarai (plains) region and the Pahad (hill) region. This composition represents the nature and music as well as the identity of both places. 2. Raute These tunes can still be heard in the jungle among the community of Raute nomads. Their main occupation is hunting and they live their life eating wild fruits and vegetables. They believe this song has tantric power to please the lord of the jungle so that he forgives them for their hunting. The tune is played, or the song is sung, for celebration after hunting. 3. Dhimal/Newar/Jhumra A blend of sounds from three major communities of Nepal: Dhimal from the Tarai, Newars from Kathmandu, and Jhumra (Tharu) from the midwestern hills and Tarai. The diversity of melodies and rhythms from these communities' traditional folk music culture enriches the feelings of this track. 4. Paisari These tunes are played especially in the midwestern part of Nepal on the occasion of the festival of Tihar. They are part of the practice of worship and musical interaction known as Bhailo, in which groups of performers go from house to house playing, singing, and praising god. This composition is played to notify the house owners that such a group has arrived at their doorstep to perform Bhailo. These songs are filled with blessings and well wishes. 5. Semi Jhangad This composition is based on Deuda songs sung by the people of Nepal's far western hill region. It expresses the feelings of being touched by the natural beauty of the place. I have modified the tune into my own composition taking care to maintain the essence of its folk-song base. 6. Kajri In some regions of the Tarai (plains) this tune is played at engagement ceremonies before weddings. It is a message from a brother to his sister telling her, "you have grown up and become a woman now, soon you are going to your new home where you must stop behaving like a young girl and take up adult responsibilities." It also expresses the feelings of the sister reminiscing about her childhood and the time spent in her natal home. This tune is also played on the 10th day after the birth of a child. Memories of Motherland My Journey These are my own original compositions. It is up to you to interpret their feelings. Main Flute and Dhyangro: Ram Kumar Singh Sarangi: Dharma Gandharba Additional Flute: Jagat B.G. Khin, Madal, Dhime: Kharka Budha Madal, Dhime, Tabla, Dholak, Khaijari: Bharat Budhathoki Live Effects: Jhumra, Rain Flow, Shaker, Majura, Jhyali, Khadak: Siddhartha Maharjan Tracks 1 to 6 recorded by Chandu Chaudhari at Nova Studio Tracks 7 and 8 recorded by Biju Bajra at Bajra Creation Mixed and mastered by Kichaa Man Chitrakar at The Studio Pariwartan, #98510-77708 Creative Consultant Rakesh Kayastha # 9841-251323 Produced by Sanjay Kumar Rauniyar I would like to remember all my teachers, senior musicians, and media supporters. Loving gratitude to my parents for bringing me to life. Special thanks to Anna Stirr and the Stirr family of Madison, WI, USA; Arjun B.C., Nirmal Singh, Aasis, Abiral and all my well-wishers.