Baraka – Tribute to Nargis (Sketis Music SKMR-099, 2013)
Ethno-jazz band Baraka dedicates this album to Pamir singer Nargis Bandishoyeva. During the Soviet era, Nargis was the first vocalist who performed on the stage in the Shugnan language, which is spoken in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The singer was adored by her nation and during her life gained real fame throughout Tajikistan. In the early 1990s, her life was sadly cut short in a car accident.
Baraka, based in Latvia, is known for mixing jazz with traditional music from various parts of the world. It’s what some call ethno-jazz or world jazz. In this case, the focus is on the music of Tajikistan, in Central Asia. Baraka’s band leader, percussionist and arranger Dmitry Evsikov along with his daughter Devika (vocals, bass) delve into genuine Tajik and Pamir folk music. On Tribute to Nargis, the music selections includes recreations of original compositions by Oleg Fesov and other composers together with some traditional pieces arranged by Dmitry Evsikov.
Throughout the album, Devika sings heartfelt ballads and love songs in various languages, including Farsi, Shugnan, Dari and Pashto. The music is characterized by the use of Central Asian percussion, electric piano and saxophones, developing an East meets West fusion.
The booklet includes the memories of Nargis collected by Dmitry and Devika. The poetry of Omar Khayyam and Rumi is interlaced with the works of modern Tajik poets.
The lineup on Tribute to Nargis includes Devika Evsikova on vocals and bass; Denis Pashkevich on tenor and soprano saxophone, flute; Raivo Stashans on soprano saxophone, flute; Normund Piesis on flugelhorn; Vilnis Kundrats on tenor saxophone; Alex Suris on accordion (and also cover design), Madars Kalnins on piano, Rhodes piano; Artem Sarvi on piano, Rhodes piano; Egor Kovaikov on guitar, acoustic guitar; Zigmund Zukovsky on bass; Andris Grunte on upright bass; Stanislav Judin on double bass; Andrey Markin on fretless bass, rhythm acoustic guitar; Andrey Orlov on bass; and Dmitry Evsikov on percussion.
Tribute to Nargis features a set of effectively crafted songs embracing contemporary jazz and the musical traditions of Central Asia.
Buy Tribute to Nargis in North America
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
