This week, a presentation concert of Mārtiņš Kanter’s (formerly Ruskis) new song album “Painting” took place in the legendary (and very suitable for the specific event) studio of Latvijas Radio 1, in which the author of all the songs on the new album Raimonds Pauls also took part.
The presence of the maestro alone guaranteed a good and fun atmosphere, which was also strengthened by Mārtiņš’s friends from the music community, and the singer, who took the role in the evening conference, successfully took care of it.
The album includes a dozen Maestro songs with the lyrics of Jānis Peters, Ojārs Vācietis and (mostly) Guntars Račs, produced by Gints Stankevičs. The title track of the choir’s arrangement album “Painting” was composed by Kristaps Krievkalns and the Saulkrasti choir “Anima” conducted by Laura Leontjeva participated in the recording, while the choir arrangement was composed by Rūdolfs Bērtiņš Agnese Pauniņa and Rūdolfs himself).
Evelīna Krama, a well-known street musician, has also taken part in the recording of the song “Rope Dancers”.
“I am thrilled that I have been given the opportunity to work with Maestro Raimonds Pauls, Gints Stankevičs and MicRec Publishing House again,” says Ruskis alias Kanters. “The process of creating the album was very exciting and full of joy, because working with professionals is always exciting. I am pleased with what has been done and I hope that this album will find its listener and who knows, maybe one of the songs will become something remarkable and enrich our daily life. ” Mārtiņš’s album “Peppermint Tea” was released at the end of 2019, and the songs included it were also written by Raimonds Pauls. the composer’s side acknowledged that we are quite good.
In the autumn, the new program is also planned to be shown in several concerts: on September 13 in Riga, VEF Culture Palace, on September 17 in Jelgava Cultural Center, on September 24 in Valmiera Cultural Center and on October 1 in the Rose Hall of Liepāja Olympic Center.
PAR. This is not a hit album in the usual sense – it’s a joy in itself. At a high level, as always, is “the guy with the low voice” (as he was called by Maestro during the recording of his first album, now the singer has served up to the honorable name of Mārtiņš…), who sometimes shows almost or vocal miracles. “Div ‘souls” surprise in a good way, while “Want to eat” puts “eyes on the stalks” at all – is it really Paul, is it really Ruskis, seriously ?! Fans of the cozy hit worthy of Normunds Rutulis will probably be especially pleased with the songs “We” and “Gift”, maybe also “All roads lead to Rome”. It is necessary to highlight the beautiful and hymnic “From All Sides of Heaven” (it hardly fits in this roll…), for which Rūdolfs Bērtiņš deserves special praise.
In several episodes, instrumentalists are especially pleased, whose names have not been made public on the CD cover, but the presentation of the album also featured men such as keyboardist Māris Vitkus from “Very Cool People” and guitarist Jānis Čubars, who plays in several groups and projects. also on a sharper guitar chord. Oh yes, and Raimonds Pauls at the piano – it’s always effective.
AGAINST. Raimonds Pauls + Guntars Račs + Maestro 21st Century Viktors Lapčenoks (or Normunds Rutulis) Mārtiņš Ruskis or Kanters – the result is easily predictable. As for the sound material included in the album, it is confusing to declare the title song a success, but even more dual feelings are created by “Rope Dancers” – the attraction of street musician Evelina is commendable, her voice is really beautiful, but the singer is not lucky. singing.
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