Sutaras – Prakalbinti atvirukai (Kukū Records SMF 063, 2024)
Lithuanian folk band Sutaras presents Prakalbinti Atvirukai (Postcards Brought to Life), a groundbreaking album inspired by vintage Christmas and New Year greetings written on postcards by earlier generations. This unique project transforms heartfelt, poetic, and sometimes whimsical messages into 12 charming, elegant musical compositions that combine blues, rock, Celtic carols, jazz fusion, Lithuanian folk, Protestant hymn traditions, and world music.
Renowned Lithuanian musicians collaborated with Sutaras to craft this engaging collection, infusing the songs with vivid instrumental arrangements and vocal harmonies that celebrate the season while bridging past and present.
Sutaras are champions of Lithuanian folk traditions. Formed in 1988, Sutaras is an acclaimed Lithuanian folk music band dedicated to preserving and reimagining the country’s traditional music. The group’s extensive repertoire spans ancient ritualistic melodies, polyphonic sutartinės, and shepherd songs performed on traditional instruments like daudytes (wooden horns) and skudučai (pan pipes), as well as modernized folk tunes played with violins, accordions, and clarinets.
The band is celebrated for its joyful performances, which often engage audiences with singing, dancing, and immersive storytelling. Each member’s proficiency with multiple instruments allows Sutaras to authentically represent the diverse musical styles of Lithuania’s regions.
Since their debut on December 30, 1988, Sutaras has delivered over 6,200 performances worldwide, including prestigious events like the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (USA), Skagen Festival (Denmark), and Expo exhibitions in Lisbon, Hanover, and Shanghai.
Highlights include collaborations with the Vilnius Jazz Quartet (Ethnojazz.lt) and the jazz-fusion group led by Dainius Pulauskas (Vilnius on the Palm of Your Hand). Sutaras has released 13 CDs and three DVDs, highlighting their dedication to Lithuanian culture and their openness to experimentation.
In 2004, Sutaras was honored with Lithuania’s prestigious “Golden Bird” award for traditional culture.
Musicians: Antanas Fokas on bandoneon, accordion, kankles- board zither, horns; Raimondas Guzauskas on tuba, horns, pipes, cello; Saulius Balsys on clarinet, country-flute, pipes, bagpipe; and Tautvydas Bradauskas on violin, horns, pipes, zithers, vocals.
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.