Discography

Simply Samovar


Available for purchase from iTunes.

Around the Samovar


Available for purchase from iTunes and CDbaby.com.

Some More of Our Best


Available for purchase from iTunesCDbaby.com and
Amazon.com

Some of Our Best


Available for purchase from iTunes.

 

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Article first published as review on Blogcritics:

“Around the Samovar” is another hour-long set from the Russian folk music ensemble in the Washington, DC area that takes its name from the heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water in Russia, as well as in other locations. The heated water in a samovar is usually used for making tea, but the band says that their music is also enjoyable with something stronger too. Antique samovars are often displayed for their beautiful workmanship, and the music of this eight-member folk music ensemble draws strongly from the traditional canon of favorite Russian, Ukrainian, and Roma (Gypsy) melodies. The most recognizable song is “Ey Ukhnem (Song of the Volga Boatmen)” which is sung by barge pullers on the river. With robust baritone voice, Nikita Wells calls to the others to heave, heave, heave. Most listeners will also immediately recognize “Ochi Chernyye (Dark Eyes),” a most famous minor-keyed Gypsy song that tells of love, sorrow, anguish and ruin.

The two women vocalists on the project (Olga Rines and Anya Titova) commonly sing about love and rejection. Both are song carriers who are preserving messages and themes of their traditional musical heritage. Songs are driven by feelings of the heart, but there are also references to the mountains, trees, garden, and stars. As on their previous album, these natural elements calm one’s heart or serve as parties in lyrical conversations that question or provide advice.

We also hear many lively songs and dances, most played in fast and crisp fashion. When the “Hutsulka Kolomeyka” (Ukrainian Hutsul Dance) cues up at track ten, we express gratitude that this dance form is so very much alive and well in the Ukraine today. Samovar’s third album features some fine instrumentalists with Michael Nazaretz (accordion), Yelena Rector (prima domra), Rick Netherton (contrabass balalaika), Ilhan Izmirli (alto balalaika, guitar), and Katya Borodulina (prima balalaika). They display good control of tempo on tunes like “A Ya Lublyu Petrusia Polka (I Love Peter Polka).” At track 16, I was pleased to again hear their “Russian Dances” medley (that appeared on their first recording and was featured in the soundtrack of the movie, Driven to Kill). That medley includes the recognizable couple dances tunes “Korobushka” (Peddler’s Pack) and “Karapyet” (Russian Two-Step). While I wish they would’ve included the Arkan or Hopak (show-off tunes for male dancers) and perhaps even some guest fiddling on a few pieces, this album has plenty of material to get you leaping, twirling, and doing the kazatzkis along with their music.

Samovar is an enjoyable acoustic folk ensemble that never ceases to amaze. Formed in 1996, they have played the Smithsonian, Hillwood Museum, U.S. Botanic Gardens, Kennedy Center, Russian Embassy, World Bank and many Russian church bazaars and weddings. The unit has established a cohesive sound emphasizing vocals, domras, balalaikas, and accordion. (Joe Ross)

Joe Ross’ review of “Some More of Our Best” called the CD, “Emotional songs & danceable tunes from the traditional heritage of Russia & Ukraine.”

“This hour-long set from the Russian folk music ensemble in the Washington, DC area brings back fond memories of my many visits to the Folklife Festival at the Seattle Center which were the last times I heard the emotional, danceable tunes from this tradition. Samovar formed in 1996 and has played the Smithsonian, Hillwood Museum and Gardens, Russian Embassy and Ambassador’s residence. Whether serving up polkas, waltzes, hopaks or songs, the sextet has established a cohesive sound emphasizing vocals, balalaika and accordion. The two women vocalists (Anya Titova, Olga Rines) are folklorists with a strong calling to preserve messages of their traditional musical heritage of Russia and Ukraine. The songs are driven by feelings of the heart, with many allusions to the trees, river, garden, moon, fields, flowers, sea and wind. In some case, these natural elements calm one’s heart. In other cases, they serve as parties in conversations and lyrical discourses that may question or provide advice. The CD jacket includes both Russian (and English translations) for all of the songs.”

“Instrumentally, the band features Michael Nazaretz (accordion), Yelena Rector (prima domra), Rick Netherton (contrabass balalaika), and Ilhan Izmirli (alto balalaika, guitar). Netherton’s showcase piece is “Korobushka” (Little Peddler Box) with his walking bass line and a featured break. The spotlight shines on Nazaretz when he becomes the sole accompaniment to Anya Titova’s singing of “Odinokaya Garmon” (Lonely Accordion) that poignantly asks “Why are you roaming the whole night alone? Why are you keeping the girls awake?” The CD’s closing tracks refer to gypsy songs. I wonder if Samovar occasionally gets out of the city to the forest where they and their friends can sing, dance, drink wine and eat borscht and caviar by a river.”