Vladimir Shabaltas, VSH-Ensemble. Acid Menu live. /digi-pack/

Volodymyr Shabaltas rather long ago abandoned the Skhid-Side group and now practices more commercial music, this is nothing new. Consequently, VSH-Ensemble can be considered a temporary concert project, a sort of a gamble. However, in view of the quality of the music material represented here, one would like to believe that activity of the project will not be ended thereon – in the end, as they say, it is temporary things that last the longest... At all events, it seems that "Acid Menu" has succeeded for one hundred percent. Very dense, saturated – but at the same time also transparent, elevated music sounds here. Speaking about the performance technique – it ranges from good to just virtuoso, and that can be said about virtually each of participants of this concert. In general, it is nice to note the tolerant attitude of the musicians to each other – especially considering that all that takes place round the guitarist who practically for the first time in several years "goes wild" in a solo program. But Shabaltas' guitar does not stand out at the expense of the other instruments, does not press. Actually, quite often it even retreats into the shade, whispers almost unnoticed – lets others speak out. But they, on their side, do not draw the blanket either, but skillfully intertwine patterns into it – and there appears not just a set of bright flashes, but an eloquent, colorful picture, real concerted space. We can say briefly: hold on – and last on!
Volodymyr Shabaltas - guitar
Dmytro "Bobeen" Alexandrov - sax
Dennis Adu - trumpet
Rodion Ivanov - keyboard
Igor Zakus - bass guitar
Olexander Lebedenko - drums