The debut recording by a still relatively unknown threesome of well-known musical artists, Trio Šmite Kārkle Cinkuss, has been released by Rīga-based Upe tuviem un tāliem.

The trio consists of singer Zane Šmite, who has at times performed with post-folklore group Iļģi; choir director Ivars Cinkuss; and Kristīne Kārkle Puriņa, a folk singer and violinist most often associated with her family’s ensemble, Ceiruleits.

The compact disc, Latviešu tautasdziesmas, includes a capella performances of traditional Latvian folksongs.

Trio Šmite Kārkle Cinkuss has performed several times in Latvia and also twice took the stage during the folkBaltica festival in Flensburg, Germany, which this year featured the music of Latvia.

On the trio’s YouTube channel, several videos of live performances are available, including “Es gūlu” and “Tumša nakts”.

Upe tuviem and tāliem also has announced that it has re-released Alus dziesmas, a recording of beer-inspired folk songs featuring various ensembles. The album was first released in 2001 as part of recording company Upe’s series Latviešu tautas mūzikas kolekcija.