Vera Bila releases new album "c'est comme ca"
Many fans of world music will already be familiar with the work of Vera
Bila - one of the Czech Republic's finest Romany singers - who regularly
tours major venues around the world: classic concerts have included Paris,
New York, and Singapore. Now, Bila - and her group Kale - have released a
new album. It has the French title "c'est comme ca" -
"that's how it is" and from the first notes there is no
mistaking the deep and earthy voice that made this Gypsy diva known
worldwide.
The album kicks off with upbeat, fast-paced Spanish guitar in a song titled
"Reviens, reviens" - with a tinge of heartache: "I met you
in the street and my heart started top bleed, You are the reason of my
pain when I saw you with her", balanced by the honest and even
humorous plea - "Come back, come back to me, Even my mother will
forgive you, and we'll love each other again".
In general, the album balances rich pathos against sweet and moving tones.
Hope and pain are mixed in equal measure.
For example, "Dormez les enfants, dormez" - Sleep, children
sleep - male vocals come to the fore in lament - "Sleep, children,
sleep But don't ask to eat anymore, Your old mother is already in the
black earth".
Vera Bila's most recent work is, as in the past, a rich collaboration with
her band, and all members trade moments in the spotlight. The production
values are the very best and individual voices and instruments all
intertwine smoothly to create a bittersweet mosaic that will take you
somewhere far beyond: in one's mind it is difficult not to imagine the
scorched hills of a forgotten coast, the falling sun, and brilliant scenes
from the Gypsy life.
Vera Bile & Kale, "c'est comme ca", 44:07, BMG Music 2005.
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