MARCH-APRIL 2017

WISHING YOU WERE HERE
This track shows the fearlessness of the band; this
is a difficult chart to get right, and no effort is
spared. Highlights here are the acoustic guitar
work and the AMAZING backup harmonies; with
added members Vladimir Popov (who adds flute to
other tracks as well) and the truly luminous Ksenona.
Special props to Vorobyev for nailing the
difficult bass lick in the middle of the second verse!
Lead vocals again split between Vorobyev and
Akimov, to great effect.
SATURDAY IN THE PARK
Guitarist Sergey Kashirin is tapped for the lead
vocal on this one, and he delivers an exuberant
and playful performance. The inherent goodness
of this track is best described by the fact that they
got the groove right; this is a very specific pocket,
and one in which it is difficult to land, and indeed
the group lands it perfectly. A slight arranging twist
on the ending from the original; a little callout to the
Beatles, and it totally works.
WHAT’S THIS WORLD COMING TO?
Vocals on this indelibly funky track bounce between
Kashirin, Akimov, and Serge Tiagniryadno.
Incredible energy, and did I mention FUNK?? I
need to mention drummer Igor Javad-Zade here.
The aforementioned funk groove is largely his
doing on this track, and he is a mighty, stalwart
presence on every track. His rudiments are meticulous,
and he is clearly a student of this music,
because his playing serves it at the highest levels.
A big shout out goes to keyboard player Vlad
Senchillo here as well; he rips out a scorching
organ solo that drives the piece hard.
BRAND NEW LOVE AFFAIR (PARTS 1 AND 2)
Vorobyev is back on keys and lead vocal on part 1
this piece. Vorobyev’s gentle baritone is pleasing
and perfectly suited to this soulful section of the
tune. As it shifts to the more bombastic part 2;
Vasily Akimov’s guttural power takes the lead. I
love this guy’s voice, and his presence. As before,
it’s a great pairing. Shout out to bassist Dmitry
Maximov.
DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT TIME
IT IS?
This familiar favorite is rendered faithfully by
Sergey Kashirin on lead vocals, and the brass
section (Alexey Batychenko on trumpet, Alexander
Michurin on trombone and Konstantin Gorshkov
on tenor sax) speaks with breathtaking clarity.
One of my favorite Chicago songs is brought to life
with boundless energy. They even had the spoken
word breaking into the 3rd verse courtesy of Robby
Hicks (billed as “Phone a Friend”)!
WOMAN DON’T WANT TO LOVE ME
Another trip DEEP into Funkytown with the sounds
of clavinet, wah-wah guitar and blistering brass
hits. Serge Tiagniryadno once again glides
through the stratosphere vocally. Dmitry Maximov
on bass again, he has intricate and complex chops
and a fantastic groove. Really cool enveloped
guitar solo from Sergey Kashirin. Odd meter craziness
is absolutely planted.
COLOR MY WORLD
I thought this was an unusual cut to include on an
album like this because of the original’s spare and
sparse arrangement; but Vorobyev has a spectacular
surprise in store:–a charming full brass section
arrangement, and a luscious, romantic,
obscenely beautiful orchestration that in fact
choked me up at its climax. Leonid Vorobyev is a
truly gifted arranger, and his embellishment of this
piece is nothing but glorious addition; it takes the
relentless accuracy a step further and adds originality
and beauty that did not previously exist.
Vladimir Popov’s flute is smooth and glorious.
HOT STREETS
This underrated and complex piece seems to be a
place of special comfort for Vorobyev and his
crew; the odd meters and syncopation pass with
casual elegance and calculated precision. Popov’s
flute solo is frenetic and atmospheric. The brass
gets a superb break in the middle and Igor Javad-
Zade’s drums are a special treat on this track.
OLD DAYS
What a way to close this amazing album out. We
get one more taste of the towering vocal of Serge
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