Myllärit was a seven person, 16 instrument Karelian-Finnish vocal and instrumental folk band from Russia. The group came together in 1992, an outgrowth of the pairing of world-class accordionist Sergei Zobnev and Alexander Bykadorov, who traveled Europe together playing Karelian and Russian folk music in the streets.
The unique sound of Myllarit combined ancient traditions of Karelian-Finnish epic, the Kalevala, Karelian, Finnish and North-Russian folk tunes with elements of rock, jazz, and world music. “Karelia represents a rich mixture of so many different cultures,” said Zobnev. “Our rather severe climatic conditions help to hone this musical style. It is the music of the Russian pomors (White Sea coast natives) and Finnish and Karelian songs. It all mixes together and provides food for Myllarit.”
Line Up: Alexandr Bykadorov “Deda”: guitars, vocals; Janna Lebdejeva: fiddles, vocals; Leo Sevets: lead vocals, kantele and juhikko; Andrew Lukin: drums, percussion, didgeridoo; Roman Ershihin: electric bass, vocals; Andrey Brazevich: accordion; Sergey Klevenskiy: wind instruments.
Sergei Zobnev left the band in 2008. Alexander Bykadorov died in 2010. After his death, Myllärit decided to disband.
Discography:
Eta Pravda (Mipu Music Oy, 1997)
In The Light Of The White Night (1999)
A Voi Voi! Karelian Fever (Pilfink Records, 2000)
The 10th Spring (Center Of Cultural Initiatives “Myllärit”, 2002)
Saaren Synty / Birth Of An Island (Center Of Cultural Initiatives “Myllärit”, 2003)
Metsolan Kuningas (Center Of Cultural Initiatives “Myllärit”, 2005)
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.