Ezīši, an Estonian-Latvian folk ensemble from Indianapolis, Ind., has released its first recording, a self-titled compact disc containing 35 accoustic tracks from four Baltic cultures.

The group was founded in 2000 and uses traditional instruments, several of which were made by group members, in its performances. Group members include Ilze Akerberga, Iveta Asons, LeeAnn Biggs, Ain Haas, Leili Haas, Harrison Hansen, Tereze McAllister Inveiss and Ieva Sijats Johnson. In the Latvian-American community, Akerberga is recognized as a composer, Asons as a choreographer of folk dances and Johnson as an organizer in the cultural camp and summer high school program in the Gaŗezers center in Michigan.

The recording was completed during the fall of 2004, Johnson said. It includes songs from the Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Livonian cultures.

The CD comes with booklet explaining the various instruments and songs.

The recording may be ordered from Johnson by contacting her via e-mail at sijats@yahoo.com.