Amercan Balalaika Company - Fire And Passion

A unique rarity originally released in 1982, this recording was of a local, South Florida Balalaika ensemble (aptly named American Balalaika Company) and was one of the last releases from the indie world music label, Request Records, which started operations in the early 1950s. The group featured the musicians Arthur Gans on prima balalaika, alto balalaika, bouzouki, flute and vocals; Michael Greenspan on accordion, synth-accordion, soprano recorder and vocals; Paul Merz on contrabass balalaika, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, charango and vocals; and Sandra Denise Peterson on prima balalaika, percussion, vocals and choreography. The music they played was mostly traditional balalaika music, with added touches of other world music strains and a little Americana thrown in for good measure. For example, track one is a traditional medley that also contains "Laura's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago; track four is a traditional medley that also contains "Zorba's Theme" from Zorba The Greek, track 9 is a traditional medley that also contains strains of Hank Williams "I Saw The Light," and the traditional country/bluegrass tune, "Rocky Top." This lost album has been newly remastered for this exclusive release, and finally made available in the digital domain.