Bervin Bervinkovyj. Ukrainian ethnic music.

The village, from which these songs came to us, is so small that it can be found not at every map. Still, while listening to these songs being performed, you understand that it is not so much a drawback as an advantage. After all, the thing is that all inhabitants of this village are not only relatives, but also descendants of the same Great-great-grandfather who had many children. A big family. And as you know, a real family, even if it is small, is a great force. May be, this is the very reason why, when listening, you feel as if you were not exactly a listener. It looks as if you came to stay for some days, and the family turned out to be so sincere and so hospitable, that the hosts did not just receive and greet you as a guest, but also started to sing a song, moreover, not singly, but all together. So, you feel so warm, that you are reluctant to leave. This village, by the way, is located along a road, between small towns. Still, this road has not washed the “salt of the earth” out of this village. On the contrary, all husk and vain stuff came to them and then left. Only genuine things remained. In any case, it undoubtedly concerns both the songs themselves and the sincerity with which they are performed. Unvarnished – just beautifully.

Anton Yozhyk Leyba (Hedgehog)

"Ukrainian Ethnic Music" series came out of many ethnographical expeditions to different region of Ukraine. Compact discs have stylish design. In the colourful booklets you will find information about the places where recordings were made, stories about performers, lyrics of the songs etc. Information is given in Ukrainian and English.