IVA BITTOVÁ & ČIKORI

After four years, Iva Bittova returned to her collaboration with acoustic guitarist Vladimír Václavek (in 1997she recorded successful album as duo with him - Bilé Inferno). Three more musicians on Čikori are the same as on Bilé Inferno. So, you can expect similar music, and you will be right.

Album's opener "Kočka" ("The Cat") is a great visit card of all album - minimalistic acoustic composition with Iva's scratching vocals, absolutely influenced by early Kate Bush, but played in avnt-pop key, with Arabic folk influence, brass and bluegrass acoustic guitar.

Then, listener will hear all the line acoustic guitar-led compositions, combining avant-pop with bluesy roots, Middle East singing techniques, violin sketches , regulated cacophony of minimalistic sounds. And - her Gypsy roots music, Slavic folklore, free jazz elements, Balkan fusion, etc.

The last album's composition ("Kazu") is free jazz world improv.

Happily, incorporating so many different elements in her music, the sound stays still very atmospheric and almost minimal. No overuse of instruments or arrangement at all. Great album from one of the greatest Eastern European folk avant fusion artist.