Review and More

Our Review

There is good news and bad news. The bad news is that, more likely than not, you will be completely unfamiliar with the holiday pieces presented on Wintersongs. So if you are reading this review hoping for the usual replaying of nostalgic Christmas favorites, then you have stumbled into the wrong place. The good news is that KITKA's music is so absolutely wonderful that you won't mind at all discovering this bold new world of Eastern European holiday gems. For most of us, this music is replayable all year long without a second thought; the music has incredible appeal separate from any connection with the holidays. The only track that reflects a familiar Christmas tune is the Ukranian "Shchedrik" (otherwise known as "Carol of the Bells"). Outstanding!

KITKA is an "AHA!" group. If you enjoy outstanding a cappella music, and you are willing to be a bit adventurous in your musical tastes, then KITKA is a no-brainer. You hear this album, and you immediately think, "AHA!&. What else has KITKA recorded--they're AMAZING!" These eight women do it all; the musicianship is top-notch, and the harmonies are astounding.

It is difficult to peg the moods reflected here. For the most part, the singing is a cappella, and the eight voices evoke layers of sound that make the ensemble seem much larger. The tunes are sometimes delicate and reverent, but some pieces are rollicking and robust, and an exotic flavor permeates most numbers. The Eastern European melody lines occasionally go discordant in an energized frenzy, but more often are just mesmerizing and buoyant. The liner notes do an excellent job of outlining the basics about each fascinating track.

I enjoyed Wintersongs in its entirety. That being said, I especially loved the sweet simplicity of the Romanian folk carol, "Domnulet Si Domn Din Cer." Other favorites include the less refined Georgian "Alilo" and the delicately exquisite "Otche Nash" (The Lord's Prayer in Church Slavic). And on and on and on--every cut has something wondrous in store for the listener!

This holiday season, open your cultural perspective to embrace the Eastern European perspective. With KITKA as your guide, the journey through Wintersongs will be an incomparable treat!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

More

From the liner notes:

KITKA Singers: Leslie Bonnett, Shira Cion, Catherine Rose Crowther, Deborah Dietrich, Juliana Graffagna, Janet Kutulas, Ann Moorhead, Lily Storm

With special guests:
Dan Cantrell: accordion
Peter Maund: percussion
Rumen Shopov: tambura and bouzouki
Moira Smiley: vocals (track 10)

Executive Producer: Shira Cion
Session Producer: Linda Tillery
Co-Producers: Janet Kutulas and Juliana Graffagna
Engineer: Leslie Ann Jones

These WINTERSONGS hold a special place in our hearts, as they evoke the joyful, miraculous, and reflective nature of the holiday season. We hope that you'll enjoy this collection of sacred and ritual songs, gathered from many lands and traditions throughout Eastern Europe. May the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies warm and cheer you through the darkest and coldest time of year--and all year round.
--The Women of KITKA

From the Web site:

KITKA celebrates the release of the new Wintersongs CD, a collection of some of the most beloved songs performed at Wintersongs concerts over the last three years. Wintersongs showcases material ranging from rousing Slavic folk carols and lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox sacred choral works, to pre-Christian incantations for the longest nights of the year and Hebrew folk songs for Chanukah. Highlights include "Tec Peleite Zernju Zogtu," an ancient Latgalian (Eastern Latvian) Winter Solstice song invoking the god of the heavens and the goddess of the Sun; "Koledni Pesni," a medley of Bulgarian folk carols recalling the nativity sung in the traditional antiphonal village style; and "Byla Cesta," a poignant 19th-century Moravian carol. Other pieces include the sublime 12th-century Georgian hymn to the Virgin "Shen Khar Venakhi"; and a collection of joyful Shchedrivki, songs sung for the traditional Ukrainian New Year festival of Malanka.

Wintersongs was recorded in the world-famous acoustic environment of the Skywalker Studios in Marin County by Leslie Ann Jones, and was produced by Grammy-nominated Bay Area vocalist and band leader Linda Tillery. Accompanying KITKA on the Wintersongs CD are guest artists Peter Maund on percussion; Rumen Shopov on tambura (Bulgarian long-necked lute) and bouzouki; and Dan Cantrell on accordion. KITKA singers also accompany themselves on bells, fiddle (Leslie Bonnett); flute (Janet Kutulas); and rhythm tamburas (Juliana Graffagna and Shira Cion).

MISSION STATEMENT

KITKA is a professional women's vocal ensemble dedicated to producing concerts, recordings, and educational programs that develop new audiences for music rooted in Eastern European women's vocal traditions. Kitka also strives to expand the boundaries of this music as an expressive art form. Our mission is accomplished through a busy itinerary of live performances, including an Oakland-based home concert series; state, regional, national, and international touring programs; community outreach activities and workshops; in-school programs; radio broadcasts; recording projects; master artist residencies; commissioning programs; and adventuresome collaborations.

KITKA

Wintersongs

Order from Amazon

Track List