Ondro a kamaráti – Pod obločkom (Môlča Records, 2023)
Ondro a kamaráti, a superb ensemble from the cultural heartland of Slovakia, presents a compelling world music endeavor on the album Podobločkom. Indeed, the ensemble beautifully arranges folk songs from central Slovakia and northern Serbia in several creative ways. Their artistry unfolds through a multifaceted mix of exquisite vocal harmonies, chamber strings, woodwinds, and piano. It is further enriched by the inclusion of the organ and the charming, uplifting a cappella multipart singing of the Horehronie region, a cherished UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage. As a result, Ondro a kamaráti seamlessly weave together authentic Slovak folk elements with an innovative and contemporary flair.
At the helm of this visionary project stands Ondrej Druga, the luminary accordionist and vocalist, who previously lent his talents to Katarína Máliková’s ensemble. In his current project, Ondrej skillfully channels the creative currents forged during their collaborative journey, predating Máliková’s landmark debut album, “Pustvopol.”
The CD serves as a masterful curation of the most exquisite melodies. In 2020, the Ondro a kamaráti project caught the attention of the Zemspieva television competition, where it ascended to the finals, leaving an indelible mark on both the jury and the captivated audience.
In 2023, the project unveiled its inaugural album, Podobločkom (Under the Window). Notably, this release is imbued with a profound emphasis on the bonds of friendship and the narratives that gave birth to its melodies. A hallmark feature of this project lies in its inclusion of folk songs bearing anti-totalitarian sentiments, with two addressing fascism and one confronting communism—a groundbreaking achievement in the Slovak musical landscape.
Musicians: Marek Kľúčik on violin; Michaela Dobáková on violin and vocals; Juraj Súdi on viola; Michal Latinák on double bass and vocals; Marek Pisarčík on keyboard; and Ondrej Druga on arrangements, accordion, keyboard & vocals.
Buy Podobločkom.
Author: Douglas Sanders
