Barbora Botošová – Roshambo (Ornament, 2023)
Barbora Botošová, a renowned versatile violin virtuoso, has extensive expertise spanning traditional, classical, Balkan, and jazz improvisation. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, the legendary Slovak violinist Ján Berky Mrenica, she adeptly performs world music and ethno-jazz (world jazz).
Deeply rooted in her family’s heritage, Barbora boldly explores diverse musical landscapes. Through her ensemble, the Barbora Botošová Band, she has flourished in the Slovak music scene for a decade, transcending traditional genre boundaries, intertwining world music, jazz, and western classical music.
Her debut album, Colors of my Soul, unveiled in 2019, introduced a unique sound palette. November 2023 marked the release of her groundbreaking album Roshambo, which defies stereotypes of Roma (Gypsy) music. This innovative piece combines swing, čardáš, Balkan, gospel, and rock, unified by the Romani language.
In 2023, Barbora was honored with the prestigious Roma Spirit Award, underscoring her commitment to musical excellence and cultural authenticity. Her work not only presents exceptional talent but also propels Roma music to new heights.
At the album’s debut in Bratislava’s Luna Bar, Barbora expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, with attendees traveling from Prague, Moravia, Vienna, and across Slovakia. The album’s gestation, begun before the pandemic, reflected periods of introspection and gratitude, evident in her original gospel compositions.
Roshambo features guest appearances by Monika Bagárová, Tomáš Botlá, and Igor Kmeťo Jr. It was produced by Barbora’s brother, Eugen Botoš Jr., further enhancing the familial and collaborative spirit of the project.
Buy Roshambo.
Author: JGurski
