Record Reviews

KORJEN ~ SABUR NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 8595026641853) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 - 2018 Released: 2019 This is the delightful debut album by the international (based in the Czech Republic) ensemble KorjenFind albums by this artist (root in English, what else), which is a sextet comprised of three female vocalist: Aida MujacicFind albums by this artist from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ewa ZurakowskaFind albums by this artist from Poland and Svetlana SarkisjanFind albums by this artist from Slovakia (they also play keyboards and Jew´s harp), who are accompanied by a Czech instrumental trio: guitarist Marek NovotnyFind albums by this artist, bassist Milan MiksicekFind albums by this artist and drummer Jan SiklFind albums by this artist. Polish multi-instrumentalist Lukasz SabatFind albums by this artist guests on the record adding his ornamentations. The album presents highly unique and innovative arrangements of fifteen Folk songs originating from many different countries / regions, such as Poland, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Armenia, Kosovo and many others, which are sung in many languages. The original Folklore roots of these songs are preserved in the vocal parts but the instrumental accompaniment transforms them into completely contemporary environment mixing the Folk with highly energetic Rock and Jazz, which results in a wonderful musical tapestry. The delicate and tricky balance between the two seemingly separate worlds is perfectly achieved here, creating a piece of acoustic Art of rare quality. The three vocalists use their individual voices and complex vocal harmonies to create a "wall of sound" effect, which stand shoulder to shoulder with the heavier Rocky instrumental parts, but sound as effective when delicate balladry and melancholic misery of wounded hearts is in the epicenter of the subject matter. The instrumentalists act in perfect harmony with the vocal parts, challenging but not dominating the proceedings. This album is a superb example of how music can cross language barriers and cultural roots differences, forming a perfect unity. It shows that love´s heartbreaks are wrenching regardless of what language or rhythmic pattern they are expressed in. Happiness and suffering are universal human expressions, and they find their way into music ignoring geography and nationality. It also offers a treasure chest of cultural / musical delights, exquisitely put together, and perfectly performed, which should delight every true music connoisseur. One can only hope that the next album will take less time to put together, and not keep us in suspense. This album is surely just a taste what these wonderfully talented musicians are capable of, so please give us more! Well done Ladies and Gentlemen – way beyond the call of duty and right into the heart!

Updated: 17/11/2019Posted: 17/11/2019

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