Dobranotch
Vander Ikh Mir Lustik
2023 was not an easy year for Dobranotch, the Klezmer band from Saint Petersburg: After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, part of the ensemble left the country and settled in exile in Germany. It was not an easy decision for the musicians. "We left behind family, friends, and fans without the certainty of ever seeing them again," writes the band. Half of the members remained in Russia. Now, Dobranotch presents another album, 'Vander Ikh Mir Lustik,' which was recorded in Germany with a new lineup. An additional instrument has been added: alongside the violin, clarinet, saxophone, banjo, tuba, and drums, a dulcimer now finds its deserved place on stage. With this album, Dobranotch emphasizes their roots and impresses with a lively mix of Jewish, Moldavian, Russian, Roma, Caucasian, Ukrainian, and Serbian traditional melodies and songs in Yiddish and Russian. A special feature is the Klezmer version of the US classic 'In The Pines,' which recalls the blues background of bandleader Mitia Khramtsov. Dobranotch also loves to experiment: in the song 'Skotchne,' they integrate drum & bass elements into their Klezmer sounds.