Pajtáši
These unique and talented Slovak musicians met in the US, in 1999. Together, they bonded as rascals with charisma, high energy, and spirit. In the Slovak language these people are known as “Pajtáši”, which can be loosely translated as “musicians”. Their purpose is to perpetuate Slovak culture in the Slovak as well as the American communities. Pajtáši have transcended language barriers and bridged together diverse worlds. Their spellbinding performances all over the United States have drawn critical acclaim from their captivated audiences.
Pajtáši’s vast repertoire is drawn from multiple and diverse regions of Slovakia, where centuries of living have cultivated an infinite number of songs expressing not only the difficulties, but also the joys and pleasures of life. Asked why Pajtáši play with exceptional zeal, Brano Briňarský, band leader, replied,” The thrill for me is feeling the energy from the crowd. Seeing hundreds of happy people dancing drives me to the highest peak. We simply can’t stop playing.”
I have been one of the many privileged to attend breathtaking concerts, entertaining balls and dances, dinner parties where light classics graced cocktails, anniversary celebrations, and weddings. Typically, after the main act is over, Pajtasi keep on playing and only when dawn arrives, the crowds start going home.
I applaud this mighty ensemble for sharing Slovak musical heritage with us. Pajtáši is our Slovak/American National Treasure. Slovak music is alive and well in the USA.
Adelaide Darula
Pajtáši:
Jana Beňušová-1. violin, b. vocals (1, 6, 11, 15)
Andrea Levrinc Valčuha-2. violin (1 - 13, 15), b. vocals (1, 4, 6, 11, 15)
Mária Lazurová-vocals (1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15)
Maroš Kočerha-cimbalom (2 -10, 12, 13, 15), accordion (3, 4, 9), b.vocals (4, 11)
Michal Salák-accordion (2, 5 - 7, 10, 12 - 15)
Vladimír Kysucký-viola (1, 2, 5 - 8, 12 - 15)
Štefan Valčuha-viola (3, 4, 9 - 11), b. vocals (4, 11)
Branislav Briňarský-double bass, vocals (1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15), percussion instruments (14, 15), clarinet (13, 14),
Guest appearances:
Stanislav Novotný-vocal (14, 15)
Jaroslav Jedinák -dance tapping “Čapáš “ (15)
Songs:
1. Čertovo remeslo / Devil’s craft (Považie - region)
2. A do berda / Berdo song (Carpatho - Rusyn)
3. Ach Bože moj , Bože / Oh dear Lord (Spiš)
4. Dzivče počarovne / Charming girl (Šariš)
5. Chodi richtar po dedine / The mayor’s strolling down the village (Trenčín)
6. V komori na ladi / In the pantry on the wooden chest (Carpatho - Rusyn)
7. Keď jem išov / As I went (Carpatho - Rusyn)
8. A ... na fogáš / Fogáš dance (Zemplín)
9. Chodila dievčina / A wandering girl (Ponitrie)
10. Vysoko lieta sláviček / Up high flies the nightingale(Myjava)
11. Hore Strážu / Up the Stráž hill (Považie)
12. Nerečuj ty paradnico / Don’t talk back, belle (Spiš)
13. Pošij mi Janičku / Plant the seeds Janik (Carpatho - Rusyn)
14. Kumove / Merry Godfathers’ song ( Carpatho - Rusyn)
15. Bašav mange, bašav / Play for me, Gypsy (Gypsy)
All songs are traditional music.
Tracks 4, 8 arranged by B.Briňarský
Tracks 2, 6, 7, 14 arr. by B.Briňarský & M.Salák
Tracks 3, 12 arr. by J.Salanci
Tracks 1, 9 arr. by B.Briňarský & J.Beňušová
Track 5 arr. by F. Róža
Track 10 arr. by Š. Valčuha
Track 11 arr. by J. Beňušová
Track 13 arr. By B.Briňarský & M. Lazurová
Recorded:
at Astoria Sound Works Ltd., Astoria, New York
Tracks 3, 4, 9, 11 recorded in May 2001
by recording engineer Savvas Karamalis
Tracks 2, 5, 6, 10 recorded in June 2003
Tracks 1, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 recorded in Aug.- Sept. 2005
by recording engineer Kamilo Kratc
Mixing and mastering by Kamilo Kratc & Branislav Briňarský
at Soundworks, Recording studio, Llc, Astoria, New York
Produced by Branislav Briňarský
Released by: Folk Sounds Records
Design:
A. W. Bensen at Angen Studios, Somers, New York
Graphics:
Barbora Kučná, Peter “Picasso” Kinlovič
Photographs by Mária Lazurová, Adelaide Darula, and Dirk Dickten
Pajtáši :
Jana Beňušová-1. violin
Andrea Levrinc Valčuha-2. violin
Mária Lazurová-vocals
Maroš Kočerha-cimbalom
Michal Salák-accordion, vocals
Vladimír Kysucký-viola
Štefan Valčuha-viola
Branislav Briňarský-double bass, vocals
For booking and more information please contact:
Alexander Fedoriouk
Folk Sounds Records
P.O.Box 609067
Cleveland, Ohio 44109-0067
ph: 440.263.6891
fax: 216.520.5089
email: FolkSounds@yahoo.com
www.FolkSoundsRecords.net
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