The ShockolaD Kupidon Gig...

Well needless to say, there was a lot going on during the weekend of the June 13-14. First of all had a charity ball that our Rotary Club was organizing on the Saturday, and secondly had to make sure everything would work out for ShockolaD on Sunday as well. When I arrived at Kupidon, and the sound check was complete and the musicians off and about somewhere, Fedir came up to me, looked at all the equipment and said with a skeptical tone in his voice, “They just don't get it why do they need all that stuff!” I told him not to worry, that his place would be packed...Word travels fast in Kyiv, and anyone who had been to the presentation the night before and heard that ShockolaD would be performing a second time they started to tell their friends. Well let's just say that the following is a translation of a review of the gig I did in Ukrainian. I was actually quite surprised that the editors didn't butcher it a great deal, this in fact was the first serious attempt I had made at writing something for publication in Ukrainian. Given the nuances of the language I haven't even bothered including the title here, but those of you who read Ukrainian can read the original here, complete with pics, and more pics on SUMNO.COM.

It wasn't the first time that I had the opportunity to listen to the presentation of the new songs from the new album POKOSY of the favorites of the Fluhery of L'viv Jazz Festival, the L'viv-based group ShockolaD. In the well known cafe Kupidon last Sunday, June 14, the audience was a little different than in L'viv, but my impressions that I had from L'viv, gave me the impulse to invite different friends and acquaintances. It was an admixture of different people, some of them for the first time would listen to something new, something that they didn't know. As it turned out, the acquaintances that I had invited represented different countries and professions – there were people from Kyiv, and Switzerland, the USA, Serbia, and Slovakia there and amongst them: journalists, businessmen, civic activists and musicians. In general the new ShockolaD album includes eleven tracks plus one bonus track. The compositions are based on folk songs – conscientiously transformed, but, maybe it's better to say ShockolaD-ified – with a jazz sound and electronic spices. Besides folk songs, there are poems of Serhiy Zhadan and Victor Neboraka and a bonus track to the works of the poem by Juliusz Slowatsky “Mother to son” - which was done for their Polish fans as I learned from the press materials of the group. The electronic spicing was heard right from the beginning of the concert which opened up with Oy na Ivana. But in my opinion the audience, didn't really understand that they came out to listen to ShockolaD-ified folk songs, that is to say ethno-jazz, until the group played Hutsuliya, an arrangement of the groups saxophone player Volodymyr Urban, where the separate parts of each of the musicians was much more exemplified. After each part the clapping was heard all the way out on Pushkinska street – said one of the Americans who had come out to the show, and had gotten there a little late, and had sat down near me. The mood of the audience changed during the third song, Divchina – where more vocal musing existed in Dana Vynnytska's arrangement of this piece. Some of the audience got caught up in deep thought and took delight with the different rhythm, a different taste, as it were smooth milk chocolate. By the beginning of the fourth song, Nyvka, I noticed one thing, one of the most important of all – all were getting into the rhythm of Ihor Hnydyn and Serhiy Brydun – the drummer and bassist, and the clear sound of the keyboards being played by Anastasia Lytvynyuk and the juxtaposition of the sax and Dana's vocal solos. I saw a friend, Ihor Kucer, an operatic tenor from Bratislava, he waved to me with a smile on his face. Who better could judge vocals, then an experienced vocalist. After the clapping and he beginning of Nese Halya vodu not only did the style change, but also the rhythm which carried me off not to the Carpathians, but somewhere under the palms of some Caribbean island... I faded away into thought and thought a little about my previous discussions with the musicians – I am convinced that it is not in vain that all of the musicians have a musical education, but also different views on the structure of music and different world views on music – this makes their music and our folk songs interesting to us, and in general more accessible to a world audience. When the audience clapped after each of the solos of each of the musicians in the previous songs, Dana engaged them in singing along during Verbova doshochka. It didn't appear that difficult for those in the audience, as there were very few who did not participate, from the youngest child to adult. And there is one other reason why I liked this concert and its performers. As musicians, they are searching for something new from within, something fresh and interesting – but they are also conscientious that there are other people, their listeners who are not only passive, but want to participate... But the song that takes hold of every Ukrainian's soul was the next one. “The world over they consider it theirs – But Leontovych's Shchedryk, is our own,” said Dana. [See Carol of the Bells] When the first notes were sounded still another acquaintance of mine, also a musician and vocalist, Andriy Smaluka from the band NEMO, who at that moment had moved up closer to the musicians turned to me with the happiness of a child in his eyes and said, “That grabbed me by the soul!” As Ihor Hnydyn, who arranges most of the material for the group, told me in an earlier discussion, “Shchedryk – is not my arrangement. It's Volodya's, our saxophone player – the music was lying around for seven years, before we gave it life!” After the performance of Shchedryk each Ukrainian member of the audience, possibly, became a little prouder of their musical heritage! From the faces of all present and their clapping it could be seen – it could be heard! The poems of Serhiy Zhadan which had earlier been heard in Kupidon, this evening were heard in a ShockolaD-ifed version. For example, his poem Slukhay, a movchy [ed. Listen, but be silent]. The quiet rhythm of the shaker and other percussion, Dana's vocal and the completely relaxed sound of the keyboards and the mellow sound of the saxophone. The audience was completely relaxed, in the best mean of that word, but not for long. The clapping, and the start of a funky rhythm with a peppering of saxophone and from the first words and melody the audience recognize – Chyya to dolyna. Here, like throughout the program, each of the musicians had an opportunity to be heard and show their own. Like a living organism – the “chocolates” were moving and breathing, and providing their audience with a breath of fresh air. That breath, for everyone present, opened up something new, something different – for someone it may have been ethno, for someone else – jazz, and now certainly everyone knows that this is ShockolaD! This understanding provided one word which was repeated over and over again: ENCORE. Everyone was yelling and making noise until the musicians returned to the stage. The audience slowly started to disperse, children were trying out their musical abilities on the keyboards, fans were buying the new POKOSY album and getting autographs. I was sitting with a friend from the USA that I had met not too long ago, Giles and his fiancee from Serbia – Isadora – both were happy and were thanking me for inviting them to the show. An old friend and civic activist sat down with us Dmytro Potekhin: “Vasyl, thank you for letting me know about the concert – it was super!” I introduced Dmytro to Giles and Isadora... At first they exchanged their opinions about the concert, and then they went on about something else. But it became apparent to me that everyone liked ShockolaD!

Oddly enough about a week later, Fedir came up to me and said, “It seems like ShockolaD was appreciated by all. Even Sveta liked them, and you know she is Riffmaster's wife!” I guess that's a good sign!

How "silly servants" are self serving

Well it's been an awful long time since I sat down and have written anything regarding music in Ukraine, but that shouldn't surprise anyone, as not much really changes around here. Sure, Haydamaky were off touring in Europe and are back in Kyiv in the days to come, but have a full line up for the months ahead. Mandry played he Mississauga Convention Centre on the outskirts of what used to be Toronto, near Ukrainian Christmas. I'm pretty certain that Foma played a few seasonal tunes as a few weeks before that he was sitting with us at Kupidon and played a few seasonal pieces.

Mandry and VV were supposed to be playing in a project together with Capartiana called the "Dnipro-on-Thames" has hit a little bit of a set-back from what I hear from good sources, but it the project is going ahead, but on a different time table.

Nevertheless, based on the information I have from various sources, there are many different projects, that even the Minister of Culture, an old acquaintance of mine, is not certain about supporting. However, some the industry insiders have mentioned that the Minister is not averse to receiving nice little amount of cash into his personal pocket, somewhere around 20K USD, for making a personal appearance in the company of certain business interests during the city of Chernivtsi's 600th Anniversary celebrations in October of 2008, however, no one in the media or otherwise can substantiate this as being fact.

Whether this hearsay be true or not, it seems to me that government types in Ukraine don't change even with a so-called new group of people in key positions. Or maybe the old show biz expression "It's not who you know but who you b***!" is more befitting of what I want to share with you next.

It appears that back in December of 2008 a young "pretty boy" singer by the name of Alex Luna, (Alex Tyshchenko brother of Svitlana Loboda, of Russian pop-music fame VIA Gra) managed to get to use the Kyiv City hall premises for a private debut video release called Svet Luny. This did not escape a number of different local media outlets, nor did it escape the attention of Riffmaster who himself still lives in a communal apartment with is wife and young son, so they decided to find out just what it takes to get use of the Hall of Columns as shown in this report on STB.

So it seems that Kyiv's Mayor, so dearly referred to as Lyonya Kosmos by so many in the nation's capital, also isn't sure who gets the right to sing in the Hall of Columns. So there you have it folks, its not who you know... is who you ....But it in the report there is clearly a text with the name of Putin highlighted. So the question remains... Who's city hall is it anyway?

Professionalism - or lack thereof - reporting on musical events

Monday night was probably the musical highlight in Kyiv this fall with the first of two concerts of Christina Augilera, and while I didn't attend with the cheapest ticket at Palats Sportu being 500 UAH, for the Monday night show, and starting at 1,000 UAH for the second show at Paltats Ukraina, a good friend of mine was invited through some of his musician and promoter contacts to the show on Monday night.

Last week I was sitting around and this friend says to me, "What is wrong with journalists, they are all over Augilera's musicians about rehearsals?" I thought about it for a second and replied, "I see where you are coming from, most musicians at this level are pretty damn tight and how many shows are they doing on this tour?" While he didn't give me an exact number he mentioned that he had read something about the fact that musicians who will be performing on Monday and Tuesday were already in Kyiv.

After a little digging I found one article which may have sparked Levytsky's initial statement, and it really didn't surprise me. It was an article in one of Akmetov's tabloid, Sehodnia on October 16, with the title: Музыканты Агилеры заскучали в столице: Музыканты Кристины Агилеры уже гуляют по Киеву и жалуются на отсутствие экскурсий. In short, Aguilera's musicians are bored in the capital: They are rambling around Kyiv and are complaining for the lack of excursions.

When I read the article, it truly lacked any substance. Well what would one expect, after all it is a tabloid!

But had the journalist done any digging they would have understood who they were speaking to. According to Modern Drummer magazine Teddy Campbell "has become one of the hardest-working drummers in the business", this is not just a musician but a real professional musician.

Even if I read tabloids, which I don't, except when checking things out like this, maybe as a plebe I may be interested in something like not only the concerts which Aguilera would be performing in Kyiv, but about the musicians accompanying her. An interview with Teddy Campbell regarding his role as a drummer working with such a scandalous singer as Aguilera, as the press has labeled her, may have presented another aspect of music, which so many people here are really out to lunch on. Campbell has recorded with the likes of Al Jarreau, Rod Stewart, Sisqo, Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson Jr., and Kelly Clarkson, and was the musical director for 98 Degrees and Britney Spears when they were at the peak of their careers, and this is just a small part of his accomplishments.

One thing I have found with many young musicians in this country, in particular those who are backing up a vocalist, they either have a lack of understanding of their role as musicians, or their egos are so big that they always detract from the main act and try to draw attention to themselves. If journalists here who deal with music, could just focus on some of the little things and being prepared before interview top professional when they arrive in Kyiv, maybe some of their knowledge might just filter down to the young musicians who are still trying to find their way in this still very immature industry, see Andriy Antonenko aka Riffmaster's comments in Clockwork punk - played with heart and soul.

I doubt that any of the professional music press here even thought of getting an interview with either Campbell or any of the other nineteen musicians accompanying Aguilera, if they did I will be pleasantly surprised, and this surprise will probably come some time in the distant future.

Talking about tight

A few days back I posted about a guy by the name of Andriy Antonenko, aka Riffmaster. While I have had the opportunity to listen to recorded material that Andriy has put out, it was not until last night that I could really appreciate the level of talent of Riffmaster.

I have been kicking around in Ukraine for over nine years now and before coming here I listened to a lot of different music while in Canada, from the Powder Blues Band to RUSH, from ELP to Doug and the Slugs and from Three O'Clock Train to the Hoodoo Gurus not to mention all the classic rock of of the 60s, 70s and 80s. I also had the good fortune to kick around with various musicians who were talented as well as friends of mine. The likes of Jeff Smallwood, guitarist and backing vocals for Canadian Luba, Waymon Boone originally from Montreal who then left for NYC to form Splender with James Cruz, but now lead man with Sacremento-based Headrush, just to name a few.

Since I've been here I have become acquainted with a good number of musicians of many different genres of music, Taras Chubay, all the guys from Haydamaky and Mertviy Pivni, Korolivski Zaitsi, through Myroslav Levytsky Canadian Lionel Lodge and Dutchman Rens Newland and really the list goes on and on, but I can't remember everyone I have met, seen perform or had drinks with, but that just gives some idea of the depth of musical contacts I have.

Like mentioned above I met Andriy Antonenko not that long ago, and last night I went out to see Riffmaster perform at a place in the Obolon district called the Skyhall at the Dyvosvit recreational complex. What I heard was nothing short of amazing.

With Riffmaster on guitar, Victor Lukyanov on rhythm guitar, Oleksiy Kurbakov on acoustic bass and Dmytro Bida on drums, the guys put together a sound that was so tight it was evident that these guys have been around the block a couple of times. While I had been given a presentational CD back in February, the full sound of a live concert made the recording sound quite bland.

While the event may not have been heavily attended those who were there had an opportunity to hear a full rich sound that the four could produce together with Riffmaster's vocals. While at the current time Riffmaster only has two songs in the Ukrainian language, Misyats and Smysl he told me that he plans on writing more. A friend of mine and fellow blogger Pawlina on the Nash Holos told me she adores Misyats.

They opened up the show with the first track of their album Riffmaster Tony and followed up with the title track Beautiful Day.

If you ever have a chance on seeing these guys perform live, do it, you won't regret it.

You say you want a revolution

As I walked down to the Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro stop to head to the office this morning there were a couple of things I noticed as I walked down by the Conservatory. There were all these barricades up from just below Mr. Snack... not that all of you know where that is, but if you do it will help you orient yourself geographically. As I walked closer to Maidan I could hear music from the conservatory, some discordant arpeggios, some trombone and some woman's voice! I thought for a second and the Lennon/McCartney song which I have titled this blog entry came to my head.

I thought back to a week ago when the semi's rolled in and the cranes were assembling the stage, and let me tell you its a kick-ass stage, I'm sure the first one of its type in Ukraine. For the last three days Khreshchatyk in front of Maidan has been closed to traffic, and finally its the big day. Paul McCartney will be playing in Kyiv. As I got closer to the entrance to the metro, the barricades began to remind me more and more of what I saw on Bankova on those November and December days of 2004, but there was no (R)evolution going on. Though no riot geared goons but a lot of smartly uniformed security watching the perimeter from the stage... At least 60 meters is barricaded off. What I guess is that one the VIP zones is set up on the other side of Khreschatyk, barricades run parallel with the curb two rows deep. While I couldn't see any seating closer to the stage I'm sure that that has been set aside for the special VIP members of Ukrainian society. Yes, nothing like bring one of the legends of contemporary music to Ukraine and closer to Ukraine's people, Mr. Pinchuk!

Well Mr. Pinchuk you have done it again... First Sir Elton now Sir Paul, you are trying to change your world, your Ukraine and the way people see you. "We all want to change the world." But everyone knows how you got your money, that is not a secret here, though Sir Paul may not be aware of it. You tell us that its evolution, but that actually happened in 2004. So you Mr. Pinchuk are mistaken!

Last night as we drove from the Riffmaster gig, I could hear the clearest sound of music coming from Maidan, in fact I could hear it from European Square as if it were right in the vehicle we were driving in. After seeing what I had seen this morning I thought about whether I really wanted to be right there on Maidan to see Sir Paul McCartney live...

I thought about it for some time, and then came to a conclusion. I will not even make an attempt to be on Maidan to see Sir Paul McCartney live on Maidan in what is dubbed as his Independence Concert. Easy for you Mr. P it was Ukraine's independence which allowed you to accumulate what you have, then you hired some nice suits to take care of you and sanitize you and your money. Dang, I have digressed...

So why will I not be there to see Sir Paul live. Firstly, I despise the rudeness of most Ukrainians who attend such free events who haven't an inkling of knowledge about music, nor manners. Secondly, Maidan to me is a symbol, that goes back to the student hunger strike of 1990, and then the protests of Ukraine without Kuchma, and the events of 2004. Actually the reconstruction of Maidan during the UBK protests and the real estate that was to be developed underneath, in my estimation was an attempt to change the vision of what the square looked like from those early protests of 1990, and also for the incumbent mayor at the time to line his pockets with some money. But I digress... When I had to be out there I was there along with thousands of other Ukrainians back in 2004, those who clearly know how Mr. Pinchuk made his money.

Ah the expected rain has started... whether it will continue for another 9 hours is uncertain, but this is one more reason to not go to the show tonight. Besides, there won't be a rain check. You lose Mr. Pinchuk.

I'm not sure how much the concert tonight is costing Mr.Pinchuk, but like concerts in the past on Maidan they are broadcast live, so I can sit and watch it in the comfort of some local with friends, a bevy and no people stepping all over me. The people out tonight will not be of the same ilk as those who were out in 2004.

Besides, given that the concert is being broadcast on Noviy Kanal, owned by Pinchuk, I'm sure that the concert isn't going to really cost him all that much. The advertising revenues for the broadcast, I estimate that they will be about at least USD 30K per minute, will probably cover a good part of his costs and increase his channel's ratings.

With everything this oligarch is trying to do to improve his image not a soul who is at the concert tonight will in three years remember who brought McCartney to Kyiv, nor will they give a damn. So if Mr. P is really trying to turn into a philanthropist I'm going to ask him the same questions that were put to the politicians of the time by Lennon and McCartney:

"You say you got a real solution
Well you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well you know
We're doing what we can"

So Mr. P, its easy for you to flaunt what you stole from the people of this country... but give it back to those who need it most... Not to your image, nor to your media holdings. While, I will probably watch the concert on Noviy Kanal... I will have to remind you Mr. P... I will make a note of the advertisers during the show and make every attempt not to purchase their products...

Talking about riffs and their Masters

Well over 18 months ago I got to know a couple of guys at one of the locals I frequent in central Kyiv. As many of you who have visited Ukraine, tattoes are quite popular, but when I met Andriy Antonenko there was something that struck me about one of his tattoes accross one of his forearms, it was a wonderfully stylized word. The word was Riffmaster.

Over time I got to know Andriy and another friend of his Andriy Honcharuk, and I finally came to understand that the word on Antonenko's forearm was his stage name, which he had acquired after years of playing guitar, but in particularly because of his particular style of putting together a riff.

After a number of times of sitting around with the two Andriy's I began to understand, that Antonenko's musical history was quite a long and interesting one which started when he decided that the only thing he wanted to do was to play guitar. At the tender age of eighteen he got his first chance when he joined the Kyiv-based heavy-metal rock band "Edem". These guys led the way in the metal scene from 1983 through the 1980s and into the 1990s, however, everything had its logical completion. Some of the guys in the band sought their fortunes abroad, while Antonenko was bitten by the need to perform and be creative.

In 1996 Antonenko got together with some other musicians and formed the group Daz Machine. During the next ten years Antonenko continued to perform with them and during this period he acquired the stage name Riffmaster. However, Antonenko wanted something else, and after a great deal of contemplation the Riffmaster Project was started on May 1, 2006. Despite the start of the project Antonenko continues to play with Daz Machine.

The rest is more or less history, and at the end of December of 2007 Riffmaster released their first album entitled Beautiful Day. On occasion I see both Andriy "Riffmaster" Antonenko and Andriy Honcharuk. Even last Saturday afternoon I sat with Honcharuk and had a beer and chatted about different projects, and will probably see him before the week is out.