The online information about the instrument is minimal except that it's one of a number of such instruments played around Europe and Northern Africa. For once I don't feel obligated to do a lot of research because so many of the notes are in Basque and I've got no idea what they say. This one has notes in English as well as French.
Love the music, for an instrument with such minimal range what's done with it is impressive. Sort of anti-minimalist music.
The alboka is a double single-reed hornpipe which is played by using circular breathing. The alboka is historically played in the Basque provinces of Biskaye and Alaba but is now played throughout the Basque Country. About Mixel Ducau :
A native of the Basque Country (France) and founder of the very successful Basque contemporary rock group Errobi. Both musician and artistic director, Mixel decided to study traditional Basque music on the alboka, ttun-ttun and acoustic guitar.
His musical experience is forged through collaboration with the Compagnie Bernard Lubat and Joseba Tapia (diatonic accordion). His talent as a powerful vocalist, a tradition in the Basque Country, only enhances his appeal as a composer and excellent musician.
Mixel is playing an alboka made by Osses in OTAZU, ARABA (Basque Country). His website is here : http://ossesalbokak.wordpress.com/sor...
This one is interesting because it has a transcript of the music that gives a good idea of what you're hearing. Note the very small range of the instrument, a sixth up from a. I suspected the name of the musician was Txilibrinen Porruek until, following that name online, I found out that it's the name of the piece, the Leeks of Txilibrinen on this website. I'm dependent on Google translate which I don't trust so I won't go any farther expect to note there are a number of wonderful pieces posted there, some with transcriptions.
Direct link to video
Here's one in which it accompanies a singer playing a tambourine, which the source online said is one of its most typical roles.
Direct link to video
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