Basque. Playlist. #14 - Korrontzi

The folk music group Korrontzi was created in 2004 by the trikitilari (accordionist) Agus Barandiaran. The group aims to provide a fresh and contemporary perspective on Basque folk music and the timeless traditional melodies of their region. Their music is centred around the trikitixa (diatonic accordion), while also highlighting other traditional Basque instruments like the txalaparta (a traditional Basque instrument made up of one or several boards that are struck with wooden sticks) and the alboka (a traditional Basque wind instrument).

Korrontzi are an energetic, dynamic and spectacular reflection of the Basque folk tradition with touches of contemporary rhythm and dance.

Korrontzi has released ten albums and has received numerous awards and mentions, including the Eurofolk Award for Best European Band (2009), World Music Charts (2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019), Top100 Roots Music Report (2015), Womex Official Selection (2014 and 2019) and the Etxepare Basque Institute Award for the band’s entire career at the Musika Bulegoa Awards (2021).

The group has taken its music and dance to several countries, playing at major festivals and in the USA, Ireland, Brazil, Malaysia, Holland, Greece, Italy, Canada, Hungary, Portugal, England, Cyprus, Morocco, Germany, Croatia, Cape Verde, Slovenia, Austria, Turkey, Reunion Island, and more. The press has defined Korrontzi as “a must-see band at least once in your lifetime".