Antonina Marenych. Spivaju dlja Vas. (Singing for You)

I think that fans of the Ukrainian song in the whole world know well who Antonina Marenych is. Though, to this day she was known as a participant of Marenych Trio. Now, when Antonina Marenych celebrates her 40th anniversary of creative activity, time has finally come for her own creation as well. You now see in front of you her first solo album. It is clear that in the majority of the songs of this album she is the author of music and arrangements. In a few – the lyrics' author as well. But the main thing is performance. Only two songs are performed by Antonina Marenych with the accompaniment of her own vocal group, all the rest is her voice, her enchantment and charm. And what is interesting: her performance quite naturally combines folk singing, city and gipsy romance. At first look, that is nothing too innovative. But when all that gradually flows into each other, when this is not simply a mosaic, but parts of something large, integral – something new appears. Tender, touching, smiling and careful. Due to this carefulness, even pieces by Albinoni and Bach do not look here strange, inappropriate – vice versa, they have also easily blended with the general mood. Taking into account such care, we have nothing but regret a bit that Antonina Marenych did not start her solo work earlier. And hope that she will not stop after one album, but will continue to add her own note into the sounding of Ukrainian variety art – touching and careful.