Central Asia is a place of fantasy and imagination, which includes the spectacular remains of the Silk Road civilizations, the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, and the romance of camel trains. Musically the area is fantastically rich, despite being little-known. This album ranges gloriously from Tajik rap to the Kazakhstan National Ensemble of the Presidential Orchestra, from taxi-driver favourites to the masterful instrumentalist on the long-necked lutes that define the music of the region. The Rough Guide To The Music Of Central Asia includes popular singers who have appeared in the West as well as lesser-known hidden treasures.