The Zacharivna Pisnya Ensemble are made up of ethnic Ukrainians who reside in the republic of Kyrgyzstan, and have existed as a group since 1902. Though some of their names have been Russified, they maintain their cultural ties to Ukraine via song. Antonovka Records have done astounding work documenting such Continue Reading
Russia
Various Artists – Haute Culture: A Rough Guide To Russian Contemporary Jazz Music
Dave Summer penned an article on the state of Russian jazz today, and one of the featured releases was a compilation of artists featured on the Rainy Days record label. This is a great way to explore these innovators, including saxophonists Azat Bayazitov and Andrew Krasilnikov, bassist Makar Novikov, drummer Continue Reading
Nick Sudnick – Opera Of The Eleventh Hour
St. Petersburg, Russia-based composer Nick Sudnick has had a storied career as the main protagonist of the of the art-rock group Zga. I had the pleasure of working with him for one reissue in another life. He is still very much involved with music, and has been releasing an incredible Continue Reading
UUTAi – Dope
Some years ago I had the pleasure of coming across a Sakha (Yakutia)-based singer called UUTAi who left me a bit stunned and gobsmacked, as I had never seen such a wild performance with wailing and Jew’s harp. Going forward a few years, one of my dear colleagues and friends Continue Reading
Fellirium – Changes
Yet another great listen from Russia. I have plenty more coming down the line. Fellirium produce a neofolk that stays away from the more pretentious parts of the genre, and sticks with fine, gentle instrumental soundscapes. One can hear hints of the Incredible String Band, perhaps a more acoustically based Continue Reading
Various Artists – Meticulous Midgets compilation 2021
I almost feel bad for only promoting the download of this release. Our dear friends over at Meticulous Midgets, one of Russia’s finest experimental/avant-music record labels also releases a magazine to go with the album, and it’s a stunning affair. This is the second one I have had the pleasure Continue Reading
Gralitsa – Little Mosquitoes Are Sleeping This Night
Some time ago I had reviewed the work of an ethno-folk-jazz band from Kostroma, Russia called Gralitsa, and I found them favorable. I have to say that I find this album at least as favorable, but it sounds like a totally different band. This sound is far more affected by Continue Reading
Alexei Aigui & Ensemble 4’33” – Alcohol
I have been a fan of Alexei Aigui’s ensemble work for at least 20 years now, going all the way back to his appearance on the excellent, though now defunct Russian label SoLyd (see the release here). He has become even more innovative, more progressive, and this latest album, Alcohol, Continue Reading
[Youtube] Sofia Gubaidulina – Sieben Worte for cello, bayan and strings
![[Youtube] Sofia Gubaidulina – Sieben Worte for cello, bayan and strings](https://musicyouneedtohear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/maxresdefault-1-768x432.jpg)
No reviews today, as I will be celebrating Easter weekend (for those who are confused, it is because most Eastern Orthodox celebrate Easter using the Julian Calendar) with my friends. To honor Good Friday, I offer to you Tatar-Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina’s magnum opus, Sieben Worte for cello, bayan and strings. Continue Reading
Khara (ХАРА) – Mandragora (Мандрагора)
Khara is an Old Slavonic word meaning “the smile of God.” Truly, God must have been smiling to allow such a weirdly joyful music to come together. Mandragora brings together a bardic style of rock & roll infused with traditional music from their native Khakassia, whose native inhabitants share a Continue Reading