SAT, 05 NOV 11, 19:30 KINGS PLACE – HALL ONEBUY TICKETS HERE
Warsaw Village Band
[Poland]
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ARTIST: Warsaw Village Band
COUNTRY: Poland
GENRE: Traditional Polish Folk, Roots, World, Dub, Ethno
BIO: This is a short story of a band who is a living proof that Eastern Europe can also brings good and unique elements to the global village – in spite of history and conditions. From young enthusiasts of Polish roots and natural vibes to mature mind musicians, conscientious creators. Formed in 1997 as group of friends, after few years of presence on Polish folk stage, and recording “Hop Sa sa” album (1997) WVB started international career in 2002 when German label Jaro released their second album “People’s Spring” (2001). According to Urlich Balss (Jaro’s owner), reaction for album was one of the biggest surprises in the history of company. From unknown Polish band, WVB gets into the main World Music stage!
In 2004 Warsaw Village Band won very prestigious BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music as “best newcomer”, the same year European Broadcasting Union award for the best folk recording. Also next studio album “Uprooting” (2004), was great success. In Poland awarded by “Fryderyk” – the biggest Polish award – best folk album. and in US gets into the final 10 albums nominated to Grammy Award (world music). Year later Warsaw Village Band recorded part of the soundtrack for the computer game Myst IV: Revelation. Music was composed by Jack Wall and Peter Gabriel. But main power of band are live performances. WVB had played more than 400 concerts on 4 continents, more than 30 countries. From Tokyo and Taipei through Moscow, Tel Aviv, Algier, London, Paris, Lisbon to New York, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Seattle. Hundreds of clubs, festivals, stages, hotels, flights, people, fans… Always and everywhere enthusiastic welcomed! Press, media, journalists… Even New York Times describe WVB as one of the most important bands of Wolrd Music stage in article: “This is the sound of globalization!”
In 2006 BBC made documentary movie about Warsaw Village Band – “Journey”. It was one of four parts of series called “European Roots” – WVB among such a stars as Mariza was choosen by producers from BBC to be filmed. Year 2007 brings to the band new member – daughter of Maja and Wojtek – Lena, and this year was a very welcomed year of relaxation and resting for members. But it was not waisted! In 2008 band composed music for theatrical performance in Poland and released 2 albums. “Upmixing” with remix versions of “Uprooting” and 4th studio album of band – “Infinity” (2009). In 2009 WVB won their 2nd Fryderyk Award – the best folk album of 2008 – “Upmixing”.
Its hard to describe what music of Warsaw Village Band is: roots, folk, world, dub, ethno… For sure it’s modern music, played by modern people, inspired by tradition for this and next generations. Without any doubt, Warsaw Village Band is today one of the most important and well known music group and ambassador of European culture!
Magdalena Sobczak – voice, dulcimer
Sylwia Świątkowska – voice, violin, fiddle from Płock
Ewa Wałecka – voice, violin
Piotr Gliński – baraban drum, perc.
Paweł Mazurczak – double bass
Maciej Szajkowski – frame drums, perc.
SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY:
- “Infinity” (2008)
- “Upmixing” (2008)
- “Uprooting” (2004)
- “People’s Spring” (2001)
- “Hopsasa” (1998)
SELECTED PRESS REVIEWS AND QUOTES:
“Traditional Polish songs, with their cutting vocals and meshed fiddles are the foundation of Warsaw Village Band’s repertory. But while their lineup is primarily acoustic – hand drums, hammered dilcimer, violins, cello – their sensibilities are modern. They hear dance -club drive and trancey echoes in the songs and they use recording studio techniques to heighten the central drones and eerie percussive sounds in their songs. Hints of reggae and guests like a scratching disc jockey should further infuriate purists” (The New York Times)
“One strategy was sheer ferocity. That worked for the Warsaw Village Band, which played aggresive versions of traditional Polish songs, describing their music as ‘radical roots style’ and ‘hardcore folk’. Its fiddle player had dreadlocks! Three women sang with the traditional cutting tone and drone harmonies of Slavic songs and the band spurred them on with more drones (from fiddle and cello), with drumbeats and the insistent pattering of hammered dulcimer. The propulsion, generated by muscle power, could a relentless and invigorating as techno, but the voices sounded ancient.” (The New York Times)
“Proud, inquiring, revolutionary, masterly performed, imbued with a youthful enthusiasm that revitalizes you on every listen and manifests why it still means something to be searching for music all over the land, instead of being content to listen to mainstream pop.” (Rootsworld)
“A very mature work with lots of energy. Another proof that we should have a closer look towards the Polish scene.” (Folkworld)
SELECTED VIDEO:
SONGS:
UK BOOKING AGENCY: FRUSION
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SAT, 05 NOV 11, 19:30 KINGS PLACE – HALL ONE