John Bisset / Milana Sarukhanyan: Verbo i vido - Willow & water

Milana Sarukhanyan began singing as a young child in Ukraine. Later on, she attended the Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatoire in St. Petersburg, Russia, for two years. From there, she moved to London where she studied at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with first-class honours in 2018 and a Master of Arts diploma in 2020. Her specialities are bel canto opera, classical and contemporary vocal repertoire and also free improvisation. While in London, in 2022 she became a member of the London Improvisers Orchestra (LIO) established in the late '90s.

Guitarist John Bisset is a seasoned member of LIO. He has had a long-standing involvement with improvised music in London, in the '90s having started the 2:13 concert series and 2:13 Music record label as well as the annual Relay event and the renowned London Electric Guitar Orchestra.

One evening in 2022 at Skronk—the monthly improvised music open session run by Rick Jenson—Sarukhanyan and Bisset met, got on well and began playing together, Bisset playing lap steel guitar and Sarukhanyan singing. At first, the duo freely improvised, but it gradually became evident that Ukranian folk songs gave the music a focus. Sarukhanyan's voice weaved the English and Ukranian languages together. However, it was not long until Sarukhanyan decided she had to move out of London and go north to Bradford. This led to the Old Fire Station recording studio in summer 2023, so that the duo could capture the music that comprises this album.

The nine tracks vary in length from 3:15 to 8:14, a total running time of 45 minutes. In some cases tracks are component parts of a larger piece, the only track standing on its own being "Nese Halya Vodu—Halia Carries Water" (each track has its title in Ukranian followed by the English translation). Throughout the album neither Sarukhanyan nor Bisset dominates; they constantly sound as if they are hearing every note played by the other and reacting to them. Sarukhanyan's contributions predominantly sound as if they originate from Ukrainian folk songs, yet the totality never sounds like folk music per se. She utilises a plethora of sounds and styles, sometimes speaking English and playing for laughs. Bisset accompanies the singer but often steers her into new territory. They work well as a team.

The final track adds Jem Finer on hurdy gurdy, to good effect; it may be a sign of things to come (there has been talk of a tour). The YouTube track below, "Dai Vody," gives a taste of the pair's music but it is not on the album, having been released as a single via Bandcamp. Based on all the available evidence, it seems to be a safe bet that we shall hear far more of this duo. The final words must go the guitarist and singer: Bisset says, "Improvising with Milana is a rich and enlivening experience." Sarukhanvan says, "It's a huge honour to make music together with John." Yes, a perfect match.

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