thanks MTed for the info. on Libana (btw, tell us more about the song you learned at a workshop, which you mentioned in April - ?)
You didn't give a link to the sound sample, but it was easy enough to search for and locate. I couldn't listen to it, however, because all the library's headphones were already in use.

Libana are an American group who perform eastern European music. I understand they are quite good at what they do. But for a more genuine recording of Albanian and Macedonian music, there are the field recordings done by Jane Sugarman (the CD accompanying her book, mentioned above - my message 14 Nov) and by Bob Liebman.

The CD recorded by Bob Leibman(a reissue of an LP released 30
years ago - with two additional songs) costs $15 plus $1 for postage (in U.S.) Bob sent me the following information, and permission to cite on Mudcat:

"It consists of 5 men's songs, 4 women's (including Sh't'është Nxirë
Vetulla) all recorded in s.Krani (Prespa) in 1972. There are also 6
instrumental pieces, 5 by "Dule" Islami. They include Beraçe, Nesho, and Devolliçe, dances which I have taught over the years.

"My LP was Jane Sugarman's intro to this music - though I really only had a few contacts with it. I don't speak Albanian, just Macedonian.

"I do not currently have the texts with the CD, but am hoping to get with Jane to do this. I only reissued this now because I can cut my own CDs (as opposed to having someone make a pressing of a 1000 LPs) and because Jane and I were both invited to a banquet of Prespare in America held in Chicago this past April.

"I have now been able to give or send copies to those with whom I worked.

"I don't know about other versions - folklore is not static and changes with performer and performance - but this is what they sang for me that day.(They came to the local school building, sat at a table and sang.)

"If you want the record, please send the money to me at:

Bob Leibman
6000 Mount Bonnell Cove
Austin, Tx. 78731-3515

and send me the address to which I should send the CD."

I believe the singers are of an Albanian community resident in Macedonia.

Regarding where to purchase Libana CDs, I see notices on this site that Mudcat can supply most recordings that are available from Amazon, with a commission going to Mudcat. So if you are in the US and wish to support Mudcat, that's a good idea.