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Empathy Project: Influences
ByFeaturing soft but assured vocals from Alexandra Kurkova and Dmitry Vasiliev, the songs cover bossa nova, bop, classical, and swing (and Swingle Singers), among other musical styles. Vasiliev composed seven of the nine numbers, and all of the songs suggest a bright spring day of fashionspinks, mauve, reds, yellows and ochre.
Victor Arkharov's sax work gives "One Word" and "I Give a Flower to You" a fresh perspective. The ballad "Evening Light" has starry-eyed vocals backed by Grigory Bazhanov's sweet accompaniment. Bazhanov's soft touch on the piano also shines on "Half a Life." Klimenok's acoustic guitar work on "I Give a Flower to You" is light and airy, perfect for the composition. Drummer Denis Kaverznev provides lively emphases and his own shades of sounds. The cover of Claudio Monteverdi's "Sì Dolce è'l Tormento" is strikingly unusual, giving a jazz rhythm to what might be considered an opening to an operetta.
Yes, Influences is undeniably retro. But any misgivings of stepping back into the past are completely dismissed by the charm of the music. Even though it explores diverse genres, the musical arc holds together. After all, there's always room for romance and sunshine.
Track Listing
Valse; Sunny Day; One Word; Evening Light; Half a Life; Sì Dolce è’l Tormento; Vocalise; Silence; I Give a Flower to You.
Personnel
Empathy Project
band / ensemble / orchestraAlexandra Kurkova: vocal; Dmitry Vasiliev: vocal, double bass, bass guitar; Victor Arkharov: bass clarinet, soprano saxophone (1, 3, 8, 9); Semen Klimenok: guitars (1, 3, 8, 9); Grigory Bazhanov: piano, keys Denis Kaverznev: drums.
Album information
Title: Influences | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Fancy Music
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About Empathy Project
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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