Ilid Kaolo Essentials

Aboriginal Taiwanese singer/songwriter Ilid Kaolo is inspired almost equally by bossa nova and rice farming. Singing languorously in Mandarin and her native Amis language, with occasional snatches of Spanish, she reflects calmly on life as an organic farmer. Percussive Amis songs and ukulele-accompanied originals celebrate the pastoral lifestyle, as do atmospheric collaborations with Taiwanese "nature music" specialist Judy Wu. A gently urban tone flavors songs inspired by Kaolo's years in Taipei prior to recording My Carefree Life, her 2011 debut.