There is no doubt in my mind that one of the finest discoveries I have made musically over the last few years is the amazing singer Daria Kulesh. Coming from a strong Russian and Ingush heritage, her albums are simply wonderful as she sings about Ingushetia, and stories she was told by her grandmother. This album finds her working with pianist Marina Osman (originally from Belarus) and when I asked Daria about it I was told “It’s just a bit of fun, the Marina gigs are a hoot – they tap both into the Russian part of my background/heritage and playfully exploit and subvert the clichés about Russia.” Daria does provide some acoustic guitar and shruti box (an instrument I always think of as “hers”), but for the most part she is accompanied “just” by Marina’s wonderfully expressive piano. Recorded live in the studio, which means we do get some banter at times, this is a singer and pianist bouncing off each other and having great fun.
Westerners like me will probably only recognise a few of the numbers, such as “Those Were The Days” which I always thought was written Mary Hopkins, but is actually a Russian romance song called “Dorogoi dlinnoyu” which was later given English lyrics. The other number is “Kalinka”, which I have always thought of being the Russian Cossack song, which apparently is all about a broken heart! Luckily, there is a PDF available which provides copious information about each song, so even if Daria is singing in a language I cannot understand at least I know what she is singing about! There is so much expression and emotion being created by both of them that one cannot help but be carried along by it all.
Daria and Marina are used to playing with each other, and by recording live in the studio it allows Marina to provide all the flourishes which may not otherwise be possible. She has an incredibly expressive style, and the result is much more than just singer and accompanist as they are equals and having fun, as can be heard when they both burst out laughing at the end of the final song. This is a wonderful set from two very fine musicians indeed, as the listener feels they are right there in the room with them, and for any fans of folk, Russian music, or just wonderful voice and piano, then this is an album to be sought out and savoured.
Rating: 10/10
