Piosenki Do Snu

Beautiful, simply beautiful. Piosenki Do Snu is the first album by Tara Fuki, a cello duet formed by Boo and Rale member Andrea Konstankiewicz and Lippany member Dorota Blahutova. These ten songs are acoustic only, two cellos and two very sensual female voices. The music is therefore very intimate and suggestive (it must be because of the unique physical relation one establishes with a cello). The lyrics, sung in Polish -- even though both musicians live in the Czech Republic -- explore the world of dreams and semi-reality. Each song is a little gem, intelligently crafted into a style that has a lot to do with compatriot Iva Bittova and Quebec cellist Jorane, but remains very personal. "Spalilo Sie," "Pada," and the opener "Czekam" constitute highlights, but not a second is lost on this album. At 43 minutes, it lasts just long enough, providing a perfect journey without having to dilute any of the material. The ten-minute closer "Kolysanka" begins with a long, wordless vocal improvisation with textural arco playing, establishing an enrapturing mood before one of the best melodies of this set comes in. In the sparse arrangements and languorous atmospheres, one finds the distinctive touch of Rale leader and Bittova accomplice Vladimir Vaclavek. If you ever came in contact and appreciated any of the artists mentioned above, you owe it to yourself to listen to this CD. It's that good. ~ Francois Couture|