It is impossible to convey with words how compelling DakhaBrakha is in concert. The Ukrainian quartet’s performances, of which I am thrilled to have seen several, are a perfect storm of musicality and theater. As they bring their self-described “ethno-chaos” style of playing to audiences worldwide, they create quite an enthusiastic following that builds with every show. Their sets at this year’s South by Southwest Conference and Festivals in Austin, TX were extremely well-received, and were epitomized by their live scoring of Alexander Dovzhenko’s 1930 film masterpiece, Earth. The group’s driving rhythms and uncommon instrumentation, including didgeridoo and exotic percussion as well as classically powerful strings, perfectly accented the emotions depicted by characters in the politically controversial Earth. They received a well-deserved standing ovation for this.
Fortune blessed me, and I was able to chat briefly with DakhaBrakha before one of their SXSW shows. I shared with cellist Nina Garenetska that I was looking forward to the group’s upcoming Dakota Jazz Club gig. She quipped, “We play The Dakota more than we play Kiev!” This was most certainly a congenial exaggeration, intended as a compliment to that exceptional space. We are fortunate for the frequency of DakhaBrakha’s tour stops there. At least once a year they bring their electrifying artistry as a gift to The Dakota, a venue uniquely able to showcase their special talent. What a treat!
DakhaBrakha will return to the Dakota Jazz Club on April 2nd at 7:00PM.
See you there!
Stacey Tyler childofprince@bravenewmedia.net @childofprince
Dakota Jazz Club Box Office 612-332-5299