ShockolaD. Single.

During the several recent years, this seem to be the first jazz single released Ukraine – a fact that not only inspires respect to the group ShockolaD, but also offers the hope for development of jazz releases in the country, is not it? This recording saw the light of the day only a few months after release of the group's first album – but it continues the theme initiated already in a somewhat different key. Yes, ShockolaD again combines Ukrainian folklore with improvisational music, and the ethnic component, as well as before, is strong and expressive – but this time the group represents fusion that literally borders on world music. In other words, in our view, this is soft music understandable for a very wide public – which, nevertheless, remains pleasantly intelligent, delicate. ShockolaD seems not to feel an urgent need of proving its own strengths and capabilities – therefore, it affords truly careful, unhurried attitude to arrangement of folk songs. As a result – we have not so much independent jazz pieces as, actually, jazz arrangements of folk themes. So tolerant that self-sufficiency of these songs exactly as of songs is not even completely lost – but their content and mood are revealed wider, and, maybe, even deeper than in authentic original sources. But, in the end, the internal energy acquires other dimensions here as well. However, it is worth hearing, not reading – therefore, welcome..