Review Text
Singer / translator / guitarist Vadim Astrakhan releases a unique project: an album of English translations of Vladimir Vysotsky, Russia's greatest poet / singer and cultural icon. Vysotsky (1938-1980) wrote over 800 songs and poems and was a greater public figure in Russia than Elvis and The Beatles combined. His lyrical genius was only matched by the intensity of his performances. Until now the language barrier has kept his art beyond the reach of American public. Not anymore! Vadim Astrakhan translated 16 of Vysotsky's songs into English. He has also assembled a team of 13 musicians of different instruments (including electric guitars, violins, and accordions) and stylistic backgrounds (including folk rock, classical music, blues, and heavy metal), and recorded in various studios of New York and New Jersey. Featured are such stars as drummer John Macaluso (Yngwie Malmstein, Riot), bassist Randy Coven (Yngwie Malmsteen), classical violinist Dmitri Berlinsky (winner of many international violin competitions), guitarist Thad DeBrock (Suzanna Vega, 'Spring Awakening' musical), and many more. The result was the album entitled "Singer, Sailor, Soldier, Spirit.' The best way to describe the album is 'aggressive storytelling." The heroes of this 16 songs are thieves, pilots, athletes, warriors, mariners, and so on. The sounds vary from acoustic numbers to full orchestral arrangements to hard rock. Any fan of serious lyrics and intense performances should enjoy this work.
