Festivals in 2010

Maybe it's so early, but here calendar of country and folk festivals in Slovakia:

FEBRUARY 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
February 12	Nova Bana	Nova Bana Winter Folk Festival	A review of non-professional guitar soloists

MAY 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
May 8	Prievidza	Strunobranie Folkforum 2010	A regional festival of music genres

JUNE 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
June 2010	Zvolen	Country Garden
June 11 - June 13 2010	Trnava	Dobrofest	18th year - An international festival celebrating John Dopyera
June 18 – June 19 2010	Radimov	Radimovska sopa	14th year - A festival of good music
June 2010	Nove Zamky	Country Castle 2010	2th year - A festival of country. bluesgrass and western

JULY 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
July	Nove Mesto nad Vahom	Country Park	10th year - Festival of country music groups and dance groups genres
July	Nova Bana	Nova Bana Summer Folk Festival	14th year - A festival of folk and country music groups
July 16 - July 17	Turzovka	Drotaria 2010	6th year - Festival of folk, country and tramp song
July 24	Povazska Bystrica	Country Music under Starry Skies	8th year - A festival featuring music bands and soloist groups and dance groups genres
July 30 - July 31	Liptovsky Hradok	Folk under Skalka	14th year - A festival of folk, contry, tramp and blegrass music

AUGUST 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
August 6 - August 8	Tuzina pri Prievidzi	Country Fest Tuzina	14th year - A review of Slovak bands and performers of country, folk, bluegrass, tramp music and related genres
August 26 - August 28	Piestany	Lodenica 2010	12th year - An international festival of folk and country music

Country Competition

During all history of country music, there are and were many famous singers and music bands.

Everybody knows some hitparade in every kind of music, as well in Country music. Every year there is official competition - Grammy Awards. It is rating of professionals in more categories.

Let's try to create some own TOP 5. Here are only four categories:

• Singer - Man (Never mind if interpret is still alive or dead.)


• Singer - Women (Never mind if interpret is still alive or dead.)


• Music Band (Never mind if music band still exists or not.)


• Song (during all rich country history)

Please write it to comments under this post. Everybody can nominate 5 nominees for each category.

The contest will be close after 2 month and results will be published asap.

In the end, there will be evaluation and one of the voting will have his link on this site for 4 months.

Festivals 2009 in Slovakia II.

     Welcome to Slovakia. Find your favourite festivals in August.
Festivals in July in Slovaka

Date	Place	Name	Genre
July 02 - August 09 2009	Bratislava	Letné Shakespearovské slávnosti
July 21 – August 21 2009	Trnava	Letný kinematograf	movie festival
July 31 - August 01 2009	Poprad	Okey Summer 2009	different music styles
July 31 - August 01 2009	Nové Mesto nad Váhom	Open Jazz Fest	jazz music
July 31 - August 01 2009	Podbranč	Punkáči deťom	punk music
July 31 - August 01 2009	Zelená Voda	Open Jazz Fest	jazz music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Jaslovské Bohunice	Fest Dobré Bohunice	country music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Žilina	Fest Anča	movie festival
August 06 - 09 2009	Kráľová Lehota (Ranč)	Camp Fest Svarín	open-air music festival
August 07 - 09 2009	Červeník Amfiteáter)	Červeník festival	different music styles
August 07 - 08 2009	Duchonka	Orange Music Summer	different music styles
August 07 - 09 2009	Trnava	Trnavský jazzyk Trnavský jazzyk	jazz music
August 08 2009	Turzovka	Rock beskyd fest 2009	rock music
August 13 - 15 2009	Jaslovské Bohunice	Hard Fest	different music styles
August 14 - 15 2009	Terchová	Terchovský budzogáň 2009	rock and punk music
August 15 2009	Holíč	Cibula Fest	different music style
August 14 - 15 2009	Zliechov	Pustohlav festival	different music styles
August 14 - 15 2009	Snina	Rock pod kameňom	rock music
August 19 - 23 2009	Kolárovo	Hanna Hanna Festival	art gathering and festival
August 21 - 22 2009	Modra	Minikvas festival	different music style
August 21 - 22 2009	Orava	Orava Music Summer	different music styles
August 21 - 23 2009	Trnava	Trnavská brána	folklore
August 22 2009	Nitra	Na brehu 2009	different music styles
August 22 2009	Hadlová	Festival na brehu	folk and rock music
August 27 - 29 2009	Piešťany	Lodenica	country music
August 28 - 29 2009	Bratislava	Uprising Reggae Festival	different music styles

The Best Festivals in Europe

Date	Place	Name
August 20 - 22. 2009	Salzburg, Austria (Green Park St.Polten)	Frequency Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Belgium	Rock Werchter
August 14 - 16. 2009	Burgas, Bulgaria(Central Beach)	Spirit of Burgas
July 03 - 12. 2009	Petrčane, Croatia	The Garden Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Denmark	Roskilde Festival
July 03 - 05. 2009	Belfort, France	Eurockeennes
July 17 - 19. 2009	Ferropolis, Germany	Melt
August 12 - 17. 2009	Budapest, Hungary	Sziget Festival 2009
September 04 - 06. 2009	Stradbally Estate, Ireland	Electric Picnic
July 09 - 12. 2009	Novy Sad, Srbija	Exit Festival
July 16 - 18. 2009	Trenčín, Slovakia	Pohoda Festival
July 16 - 19. 2009	Benicassim, Spain	Fiberfib
August 13 - 15. 2009	Göteborg, Sweeden	Way Out West

Festivals 2009 in Slovakia I.

     Welcome to Slovakia. This year is very rich for festivals. Here you can find lists of festivals in July with different genres

Festivals in July in Slovaka

Date	Place	Name	Genre
June 18 - September 06 2009	Bratislava	Bratislavské Kultúrne leto
July 02 - August 09 2009	Bratislava	Letné Shakespearovské slávnosti
July 02 – July 05 2009	Vychodná	Vychodná	folklore
July 03 2009	Čadca	Čadca Fest	alternative music
July 03 – July 04 2009	Handlová	Country trh festival	country music
July 03 – July 04 2009	Banská Štiavnica	Jazznica	jazz music
July 03 – July 04 2009	Horná Streda	Toto je HIP-HOP	hip-hop music
July 03 – July 05 2009	Malacky	Kontact Street Fest	different music styles
July 03 – July 05 2009	Záriečie	Semfest Záriečie	different music styles
July 04 2009	Bytča	Rockstone Fest	different music styles
July 04 2009	Skalica	Skalica Music Fest	different music styles
July 04 – July 05 2009	Bratislava	Rača Fest 2009	country music
July 05 2009	Dolný Kubín	Podbielanské folklórové slávnosti	folklore
July 05 2009	Púchov	Semfest 2009	different music styles
July 06 - July 11 2009	Terchová	Cyrilometod' Days	folklore
July 06 – July 11 2009	Vŕbové	Vŕbové Vetry	alternative music
July 09 – July 19 2009	Liptovský Mikuláš	Letná fotoškola	international Festival of photography
July 10 2009	Trnava	EKO Fest Trnava	different music styles
July 10 – July 11 2009	Bojnice	Summer interval	different music styles
July 10 – July 11 2009	Dudince	Country Stopa	country music
July 10 – July 11 2009	Domaša	Orange Music Summer	different music styles
July 10 - July 12 2009	Piešťany	Jazz Festival Doda Šošoku	jazz music
July 10 – July 18 2009	Liptovský Mikuláš	Letná fotoška Domu fotografie	festival of photography
July 11 2009	Podhájska	Podhájska Fest	different music styles
July 11 2009	Veličná	XVIII. Tradičný veličiansky jarmok	folklore
July 11 2009	Hlohovec	Bajakfest	different music styles
July 11 – July 12 2009	Zvolen	Download Open Air	different music styles
July 16 – July 18 2009	Trenčín	Bažant Pohoda	alternative music
July 17 – July 18 2009	Turzovka	Drotária	folk/country music
July 17 – July 18 2009	Vranov nad Topľou	SunDance Open Air Beach Party	dance music
July 17 – July 18 2009	Šurany	Streetrock Fest	rock music
July 18 – July 19 2009	Malatiná	IX. Bačovské dni	folklore
July 21 – August 21 2009	Trnava	Letný kinematograf	movie festival
July 24 – July 25 2009	Ružiná	Orange Music Summer	different music styles
July 24 – July 25 2009	Trenčianske Bohuslavice	Topvar Žákovic Open	different music styles
July 24 – July 26 2009	Zemplínska Šírava	Šírava Fest	dfferent music styles
July 24 – July 27 2009	Rudava	Summerbeach Rudava	different music styles
July 25 2009	Košice	Free Summer	dance music
July 25 2009	Kežmarok	FestEasy 009	alternative music
July 25 2009	Nové Zámky	Rainbow Open Air 2009	different music styles
July 25 – July 26 2009	Nové Zámky	II. Strekovsý pivničný festival	different music styles
July 25 - July 26 2009	Terchová	Jánošík in movie	folklore
July 26 2009	Sihelné	Folklórne slávnosti Pod Babou horou a Pilskom	foklore
July 31 - August 01 2009	Poprad	Okey Summer 2009	different music styles
July 31 - August 01 2009	Nové Mesto nad Váhom	Open Jazz Fest	jazz music
July 31 - August 01 2009	Podbranč	Punkáči deťom	punk music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Jaslovské Bohunice	Fest Dobré Bohunice	country music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Žilina	Fest Anča	movie festival

The Best Festivals in Europe

Date	Place	Name
August 20 - 22. 2009	Salzburg, Austria (Green Park St.Polten)	Frequency Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Belgium	Rock Werchter
August 14 - 16. 2009	Burgas, Bulgaria(Central Beach)	Spirit of Burgas
July 03 - 12. 2009	Petrčane, Croatia	The Garden Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Denmark	Roskilde Festival
July 03 - 05. 2009	Belfort, France	Eurockeennes
July 17 - 19. 2009	Ferropolis, Germany	Melt
August 12 - 17. 2009	Budapest, Hungary	Sziget Festival 2009
September 04 - 06. 2009	Stradbally Estate, Ireland	Electric Picnic
July 09 - 12. 2009	Novy Sad, Srbija	Exit Festival
July 16 - 18. 2009	Trenčín, Slovakia	Pohoda Festival
July 16 - 19. 2009	Benicassim, Spain	Fiberfib
August 13 - 15. 2009	Göteborg, Sweeden	Way Out West

Spiritual Kvintet II

Next reorganization of the group became with leaving of Karel Zich, in season 1973/74. Spirituál started to show with tramp group (later named Brontosauři) with brothers Jan and František Nedvěd and Zdenka Tosková. Next year leaved Jarka Hadrabová and came Eva Lifková.

In 1980 Eva Lifková married and went to Francie, in its stead became Irena Budweiserová. Very short time, we had seen also Lenka Slabá and Jan Nedvěd in the group.

During revolutionary events (November 23, 1989), the group sang on Prague squares, (two presidents sang with them Vaclav Havel and George Bush senior). For next american president Bill Clinton, the group showed in Reduta in January 1994. In this time, the member was Karel Zich again. František Nedvěd became in 1992 after his brother after recording of album Rajská zahrada.
In 2000 Olda Ortinský leaved Spiritual, came Jirka Cerny, who was band-master of music band C&K Vocal.

Year 2004 was written by black letters to the history of this band. This year, exactlu in July 13, their member Karel Zich drowned in the Medi, during his diving trip. It wasn´t the first time, what the band lost one of the members (two of the foundation-members, manager of the band), but it was the first time, what Spiritual had to say good-bye to one of the youngest members from actual arrangement.

It was very hard leave-taking. Karl Zich was great singer and player (his nick was Elvis Presley of Czecho-Slovakia).

In September 2004 became Jiří Holoubek to the band from Relief.

The next member Oldřich Orlický dead in May 3, 2006.

Members:
Irena Budweiserová, sing, percuse
Zdena Tichotová, sing, percuse
Dušan Vančura, sing, kontrabas
Jiří Cerha, sing, perkuse
Jiří Tichota, 6-streams guitar, band-master
Jiří Holoubek, guitar

Discography:

• Písničky z roku raz dva, Supraphon 1973, reedice 2003


• Spirituály a balady, Supraphon 1978, reedice 1995, 2007


• Saužení lásky, Supraphon 1981, reedice 1996, 2007


• 20 let, Supraphon 1984, reedice 1993


• Šlapej dál, Panton 1985, reedice 1994


• Every Time I Feel The Spirit, Panton 1986


• Šibeničky, Panton 1988, reedice 2003


• Za svou pravdou stát, Panton 1990


• Hallelu, Panton 1991, reedice 2007


• Rajská zahrada, Panton 1992, reedice 2001


• Antologie 1960-1995, Sony/Bonton 1994, reedice 2003


• Hanba nám!, Monitor 1994


• Na káře, Pupava 1997


• Vánoční koncert, Monitor-EMI 1998


• Křídla holubic, Pupava 2002


• Karel Zich a Spirituál kvintet, Sony Music 2004


• Křížem krážem, Sony BMG 2005


• 45 let archiv, Sony BMG 2006


• Spirituál kvartet, Supraphon 1963


• Spirituál kvintet, Traditional jazz studio, Supraphon 1967


• Spirituál kvintet, Supraphon 1971


• Čtwero pjsnj, Panton 1986, reedice 2007

Participation :

• Dostavník


• Písně amerického západu, 1969


• 20 let Porty


• Porta 1


• Porta 2


• Country fontána 97


• Folkové balady


• F & C Hity


• 20 folkových písní 1


• 20 folkových písní 2

Dvě Báby


Válka růží


Za svou pravdou stát


Třešničky


Mlýny

Spiritual Kvintet I

This music band was established in autumn time in 1960 by four members of Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, mainly by initiative of Ivo Mach, nick name Dědek (Granfather). It was man quartet. Members were Miroslav Keller (tenor - nick Velký Bubo (Great Bubo)), Miloslav Kastelovič (barytone - nick Kagan, or Malý Bubo (Small Bubo)) and Jiří Tichota (usually bandmaster - nick Tichák).

The first public presentation came after 2 years, on International Jazz Festival in Karlovy Vary. The name was Spiritual Kvartet and this band was the first folk music band in Czechoslovakia. In that time, the word "folk" was unknown in this area. That's why they present themselves on jazz concerts, usually with band Junior Trio, S+H Quintet or Tradiotional Jazz Studio P. Smetáčka. With last band they recorded some albums for recording studio Supraphon.

It was so long time ago, when they had listened american legend music band The Weavers. From that time, they wanted to be like them. After Věra Nerušilováwho was also a member of band Incognito Kvartet, Růženka Helebrantová (nick Odetta) came in and from that time here is Kvintet. Later the band had more members, but the name didn't change more.

From 1964 Spiritual Kvintet had periodic program in Theathe Na Zábradlí. In 1967 two members Mach and Keller leaved band (they went on long-term business trip abroad). Next year (in August) Růženka emigrated to Swiss.

Everybody thought this would be end of this band but it didn't. In 1969 came Karel Zich and Jarka Hadrabová. The band showed also with Olda Ortinský Dušan Vančura and Honza Thorovský (he substituded Kagan who returned to Slovakia).

This membership existed only 4 years, but during this period the band wined recognition on country and folk festivals (Porta 70, Golden Tele 71). Also they changed scene to Theatre Atelier. They released their first albums in czech Písně amerického západu and Písničky z roku dva.

As I said more times (try to see Rangers, Taxmeni, Greenhorns, Fešáci), came normalization and everything pertinated with it. Club were closed, some students had to leave Faculty, band had to finished its activities. Fortunately only for shot time.

Tom Dooley


Banua Jail


Mává nám svěm svobodná zem

Waldemar Matuska IV

On Saturday, the country world lost one of his members, the famous and memorable singer Waldemar Matuška.

He won recognition by his low and flannelly voice. Death cause was pneumonia and heart failure. He died on Florida, May 30, 2009, aged 76.

His success in 60-teen became with song Suvenir. As one czechoslovak agency wrote about him: "he has hoodlumy sex appeal, beard, evil-eyes and sparkle by energy, he was oposite of his show-business college Karel Gott". And Waldemar said: " I m type of vagabond, tramp and singers".

Maybe it is destiny, but this weekend I was on one country action. Some friends met, played guitar, sang. We played many songs of him. It was shock to came home on Sunday evening and got to hear that bad news.



Quit Quittin


Quit Quittin

Waldemar, Walda, will always of my heard. For ever.

Folk Music Grammy Award 2009

The nominees for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards were announced on December 3, 2008 and the awards were awarded for winners in ceremonies on February 8, 2009.

Best Bluegrass Album

nominated:
• Cherryholmes - Cherryholmes III: Don't Believe
  
• Del McCoury Band — Live At The 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
  
• Earl Scruggs With Family & Friends - The Ultimate Collection / Live At The Ryman
  
• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder - Honoring The Fathers Of Bluegrass: Tribute To 1946 And 1947
  
• Dan Tyminski - Wheels
  Winner: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Best Traditional Folk Album

nominated:
• Kathy Mattea - Coal
  
• Tom Paxton - Comedians & Angels
  
• Peggy Seeger - Bring Me Home
  
• Pete Seeger - At 89
  
• Rosalie Sorrels - Strangers In Another Country
  Winner: Pete Seeger

Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album

nominated:
• Joan Baez - Day After Tomorrow
  
• Ry Cooder - I, Flathead
  
• Rodney Crowell - Sex & Gasoline
  
• Emmylou Harris - All I Intended To Be
  
• Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
  Winner: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Best Country Instrumental Performance

nominated:
• Cherryholmes - "Sumatra" (Cherryholmes III: Don't Believe)
  
• Jerry Douglas & Lloyd Green - "Two Small Cars In Rome" (Glide)
  
• Bela Fleck & the Flecktones - "Sleigh Ride" (Jingle All the Way)
  
• Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jerry Douglas & Bruce Hornsby - "Is This America? (Katrina 2005)" (Family & Friends — Rambling Boy)
  
• Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner - "Cluster Pluck"
  Winner: Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner

Folk and Bluegrass Artists Nominated in Other Categories

• Winner: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss won Record of the year ("Please Read the Letter"), Best Country Collaboration With Vocals ("Killing the Blues"), Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals ("Rich Woman"), and Album of the Year.
  
• The Steeldrivers were nominated for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals ("Blue Side of the Mountain").
  
• James Taylor was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Wichita Lineman") and Best Pop Vocal Album (Covers).
  
• Winner: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones won for Best Pop Instrumental Album (Jingle All the Way).
  
• Sheryl Crow was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album (Detours).
  
• Neil Young was nominated for Best Solo Rock Performance ("No Hidden Path").
  
• The Ditty Bops were nominated for Best Recording Package (Summer Rains).
  
• Aimee Mann was nominated for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package (@#%&*! Smilers).
  
• Winner: Art Of Field Recording Volume I: Fifty Years Of Traditional American Music Documented By Art Rosenbaum won Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder - I`m ready to go!


Pete Seeger singing "Take it from Dr. King"


Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: Raising Sand


Brad Paisley Cluster Pluck

Andy Mullen - Folk Music’s New Bad Boy

It's very difficult to find some information about himself. But I got something from two different visitors of blog. Please be kind to apologize this pure introduction of Andy. Thank you a lot.

“Andy Mullen sports the rich baritone of Crash Test Dummies' Brad Roberts and a sense of humor somewhere between Bob Newhart and a classic cast of Saturday Night Live. “
Performing Songwriter

Andy Mullen plays music that he describes as, “folk fusion,” but don’t get the wrong idea, there is nothing sedate or staid about it. Rather, his music bursts out of the speakers in a stream of imagery and sound, and Mullen’s command of his craft is so palpable that in listening, one immediately knows they are hearing an artist with his own unique vision of life and music.

"His clever lyrics will instantly grab your attention, but behind the humor is a man with a fierce intelligence and the soul of a poet. His ability to fashion the insane beauty and unexpected heartache of everyday life into short, well-crafted songs with catchy melodies and sharply etched image is remarkable.”
PlanetOut.com

Featuring his exceptional finger-picking style on guitar, the songs’ arrangements are uncommonly skillful, with light and subtle touches, like the fiddle and djembe on Sun Goes Up, Sun Goes Down, and the galloping banjo on Quit Quittin’, all which inspire a quiet sense of joy and wonder.

The utterly moving So Does The Beer tells the story of the death of his father, who died while he recorded the album. The song is an affectingly wry observation on love and loss; his vocals perfectly convey the balance of sadness and acceptance, while never succumbing to excessive sentimentality.

“Simple and stunning acoustic folk.”
Hybrid

But the album is also a showcase for Mullen’s wry and subtly wicked sense of humor, befitting an artist who calls himself “Folk Music’s New Bad Boy.” “Crooked Deck” inspires a multitude of smiles, in his description of himself as a man in possession of only, “The same rhyme all the time/Smokes and jokes and a dozen lines/They say that all I ever sing about is booze.” It’s ironic without being at all jaded, and in that, it is utterly invigorating.

The Toenail Jar Reel


I'm Sorry, Jeannie


Quit Quittin


Sun Goes Up, Sun Goes Down

Christmass time

Now it's Christmas time. I think, no coutry singer is, who has some christmas song.
That's why here are some presents for you:

Jim Reeves - Blue Christmas


Alan Jackson - Let It Be Christmas


Faith Hill - Where Are You Christmas


Johnny Cash Christmas Show '77 - Cash, Orbison, Perkins, Lee

Amy Speace

Few days ago I got e-mail which ask to write something about popular folk singer Amy Speace.

Unfortunatelly I have to tell you, I wasn't able to find many information about her. That's why I use all info what were sent by Marios P - visitor of blog. Thanks a lot.

She was born on February 8, 1968 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA as Amy F. Speace.

On her new album Songs for Bright Street, New York-based singer/songwriter Amy Speace demonstrates why she's quickly become one of her adopted hometown's most celebrated emerging artists. Possessing a commanding voice, a distinctive melodic sensibility and an uncanny knack for nailing complex emotions in song, Speace makes music that's both illuminating and effortlessly accessible.

From the rustic rush of Step Out of the Shade to the bittersweet lilt of Water Landing to the gentle acoustic intimacy of "Two," Songs for Bright Street's 12 original compositions (plus a slyly countrified reading of the Blondie classic "Dreaming") showcase Speace's unique gifts, offering catchy Americana with indelible hooks, sharply observed lyrics and a gritty urban edge. Among those impressed by her sassy songcraft is legendary folk-pop songstress Judy Collins, who chose Songs for Bright Street to release on her new Wildflower label.

Amy Speace has already won a loyal grass-roots fan base, thanks in large part to live performances that merge warmth, humor and emotional immediacy, and to a tireless touring schedule that's already taken her across the United States. She's also won considerable critical acclaim, with The Village Voice observing that Speace is "taking her Americana away from twangy contemplation toward tangy confrontation" and noting that she's "not another of those breathy would-be child poets, but a real singing writer of songs." Time Out New York stated, "Amy Speace plays sweet, twangy folk music with a clear voice and an innocent vulnerability," while The Nashville Scene noted that she "balances wry humor with open-hearted honesty." And renowned Nashville critic Robert K. Oermann, writing in Music Row, dubbed her a "new star."

She is young but she has already released three albums:

• Songs for Bright Str... (2006)
  
• Fable (2002)
  
• Edith O (1998)

Top Tracks by Amy Speace:

• Restless - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Restless - Amy Speace)
  
• Two Ships - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Two Ships - Amy Speace)
  
• Home - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006,Home - Amy Speace)
  
• Rosalie - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Rosalie - Amy Speace)
  
• I Know It Well - Amy Speace (5. februára 2002, I Know It Well - Amy Speace)
  
• Arizona 160 - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Arizona 160 - Amy Speace)
  
• Fairytale - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Fairytale - Amy Speace)
  
• Step Out Of The Shade - Amy Speace (May 6, 2006, Step Out Of The Shade - Amy Speace)
  
• Double Wide Trailer - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Double Wide Trailer - Amy Speace)
  
• Two - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Two - Amy Speace)
  
• Can't Find A Reason To Cry - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Can't Find A Reason To Cry - Amy Speace)
  
• Right Through To Me - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Right Through To Me - Amy Speace)
  
• Row Row Row - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Row Row Row - Amy Speace)
  
• Dreaming - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Dreaming - Amy Speace)
  
• Make Me Lonely Again - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Make Me Lonely Again - Amy Speace)
  
• The Real Thing - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, The Real Thing - Amy Speace)
  
• Shed This Skin - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Shed This Skin - Amy Speace)
  
• Not The Heartless Kind - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Not The Heartless Kind - Amy Speace)
  
• Water Landing - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Water Landing - Amy Speace)
  
• The Morning After the Ball - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, The Morning After the Ball - Amy Speace)
  
• Fallen - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Fallen - Amy Speace)
  
• Seven Year Itch - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Seven Year Itch - Amy Speace)
  
• Transatlantic Conversation - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Transatlantic Conversation - Amy Speace)
  
• Idle Hands - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Idle Hands - Amy Speace)
  

Weight of the World


Double Wide Trailer


Step Out Of The Shade

Taxmeni

     Sometimes you can see stagecoach, how goes through long plains, some other time military jeep. Every time there are same passengers – Taxmeni. The modern country band.

We can meet the band on Czech scene already three decades. The first time it was in turning point 60 and 70-teen. Taxmeni started their repertoire by melodies of traditional country music, but how the time went, they released with their own production. They are representative of military country style.

Past members of the bands The Plainsmen and Stonewall Jackson established the band Taxmeni in the autumn 1970. Their first show was in February 1971. In that time, the band stayed between folk and bluegrass styles. They won some amateurish competitions and festivals, and also one year of Porta.

I think I don't need to explain, why they changed the name from English (Taxmeni) to Czech (Krajánci). Ok, I explain it once again. In the Czechoslovakia, thanks to political pressure, all music bands, if they wanted to present themselves, they had to change name to Czech.

The first hit was Řeka velkých přání from 1975 and their first album named Z pastvin velkoměsta. From this album there are still very popular songs Dědečkovy hodiny, Zamkněte bránu a zavřete dům, Kopec bot.

Thanks to strong pressure, they stopped their music activities in 1979. Practically, they started with their shows again only in the second part of 80-teen, when political climate came liberalize.

In 1990 they released single Guadalcanal in Supraphon production (recording studio).
Many music albums were in Panthon production (recording studio). The most expressive album is album Zlatá éra (Golden Era) where are also songs Hledaný muž, Baltimore, Dlouhý černý závoj, Dvě řádky stop.

Very popular are series Calamity Jane. From traditional style, they step by step went to modern conception.

Repertoire of Taxmeni is rich and very various. They set to music stories about nationality, hardiness, men’s honor, moral tenet. In their songs we can see not only classic western topics, but also stories of Czechoslovak legionnaires or soldiers from period of the Second World War.

The band has already more than 2500 concerts. They had shows also in abroad; they had huge success in Poland and Slovakia.

Basic member is Jaroslav Čvančara, who wrote book about history of the band Taxmeni named Taxmeni aneb Hledání country grálu. Jaroslav is head member and player on 5 strings banjo.

Other members are:
Vratislav (Vráťa) Vyskočil – head singer
Luděk Kodrle – drums
Václav Dumek – bass guitar
Jindra Vrbenský – keyboard
Karel Mrkvička – guitar
Milan Krištof – solo guitar

Last year they came again to show in Country Lodenica. It was success, again. They have many fans here and I’m one of them.

Discography:
1975 – Krajánci
1978 – Z pastvin velkoměsta
1980 – Krajánci – L.Sobota - T. Holý – Bambini di Praga B. Kulínského
1981 – Přijď mezi nás
1990 – Calamity Jane 1
1990 - Guadalcanal
1991 – Lilie skautská
1991 – Nebeští jezdci – Taxmeni, Roger Latzgo
1991 – Country aréna – Taxmeni 20 let
1992 – Country bál
1993 – Potlach s Jardou Šterclem
1993 – Vráťa Vyskočil, Yvonne Přenosilová, Taxmeni
1994 – Calamity Jane 2
1994 – Hoši od Bobří řeky zpívají (Hobř – spolupráce Taxmeni)
1995 – Zlatá Éra
1997 – Calamity Jane 3
1998 – Tulák po hvězdách
1998 – Master Serie
1999 – Desperádos
1999 – Byl jednou jeden polda
2001 – Taxmeni – Best of CD1
2001 – Taxmeni – Best of CD2
2004 – Calamity Jane 4




Buráky


Balada o Jed Clampettovi


Hrát, hrát, hrát


Poslední stádo

Child in country style.

Everytime I can see only adults, boys or girls, especially in cowboy's wearing, with cowboy hat. Sometimes there are also horses, a few times also cows.

But what's children? Our young? Here are someone of them.

Zalman

     Czech music band without official established day. The beginning is allowed to be day of the first concert of trio Žalman in Porta in 1982. The basic member was Pavel Lohonka, Pavlína Jíšová and Antonín Hlaváč.

Later the name was changed to Žalman & spol. and this name became the legend of Country scene in Czecho-Slovakia.

After some singles, the first album was Žalman & spol. in 1987. In 1988 came other members (Jaroslav Matějů, Vojta Zícha) and this arrangement became the most favourite of all the band’s history. In 1992 they released album Jantarova Země and movie Folk a Folklor. In the same year, the band finished its existence, but thanks only for short time.

In same year, in 1992 new Žalman & spol. was established with two past members (Lenka Slabá, Jaroslav Kovář). The band produced new albums Hodina usmíření, Tu neděli po ránu, reedition of Jantarova země, Písně sebrané pod stolem.

In summer time there was the first holiday’s camp for young musicians named OASA MUSA and it was released album Potlach v mé duši, what was selection of Žalman tramp songs from 1962 – 1982.

In 1995 was changes membership, Lenka Slabá leaved the band and Michaela Krmíčková came. After this arrival was produced album Pocestný do sedmého nebe, which was followed by same name’s film.

The members in that time were:
Pavel Lohonka
Michaela Krmíčková
Vojtěch Zícha
Jaroslav Matějů
Petr Novotný

Thanks to Canadian countrymen, the band had some concerts in Vancouver and Calgary and they made trip through Rocky Mountains. From this journey, they created document movie.

In 1997 the history was repeat and the band was disband and established again. There was released album Sbohem romantiko with many guests and also some past members of the band.

From October 1997 till today the band has same members:
Pavel Lohonka – guitar, sing
Jindřiška Petráková – flute, perkus, sing
Jan Brož – guitar, sing
Petr Novotný – basguitar, keyboard, sing

In this arrangement, there were released albums Láska a smrt, Ve znamení ryb, V roce jedna.

Intersection of the all production of Pavel Žalman (from period of Minnesengrů to last arrangement of Žalman) was double album – compilation named Žalman – Výběr nejlepších nahrávek. The other author album was Nápis na štítu domu from 2004.

     During all history of existence, the band and especially Pavel Lohonka got many awards as Zlatá Porta (Golden Porta – 1987), Velká Porta (Great Porta – 1992), Zlatý klíč (Golden Key – 2001 – inquiry of magazine Folk & Country after Album of the Year), Zlatá deska (Golden Record – albums Písně sebrané pod stolem, Pocestný do sedmého nebe, Sbohem romantiko, Ve znamení ryb), Krišťálová deska (Crystal Record).

Discography:
1987 – Žalman & spol.
1989 – Jantarova Země
1991 – Hodina Usmíření
1992 – Tu neděli po ránu
1992 – Když Bůh jihočechy stvořil
1993 – Žalman & spol. + Jantarová Země
1993 – Písně sebrané pod stolem
1994 – Potlach v mé duši
1995 – Pocestný do sedmého nebe
1996 – Živě na Moravě
1997 – Sbohem romantiko
1998 – Sbohem romantiko
1998 – Láska a smrt
2000 – Ve znamení ryb
2001 – … v roce jedna
2002 – Žalman - Výběr nejlepších nahrávek - double album
2004 – Nápis na štítu domu
2005 – Ráno bylo stejný
2006 – Zatracený písně
2007 – Mezi kameny

Filmography:
1990 – Folk a Folklór
1994 – Žalman & spol. Na cestě
1995 – Pocestný do sedmého nebe
1999 – Láska a smrt

Divokej horskej tymián


Jdem zpátky do lesů

Invitation on Junifest in Slovakia

Time runs like wild horse. It isn't so much time ago, what I wrote about Festivals and it's already here. Junifest. It's national beer festival, this year it will be already 5 year anniversary.

Date     June, 13. - 22. 2008,
Time     04 pm. - 02 am
Place: Bratislava, Incheba Expo

DATE	ACTIVITIES	PERFORMERS
June, 13. 2008	Country Festival in Bratislava	Allan Mikušek, Kamelot (CZ), Nový Rownák, Veslári - Peter & The Rowers, Tanečná skupina Cloggshow, Rasťo a Lujza, etc.
June, 14. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Košice
	Concerts in Bratislava	Senzus, František Nedvěd (CZ), Taktici, Party Lounge, Lenka Ferenčíková & Band
June, 15. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Prešov
	Golden brassband and Akcent show + Golden Violins and Lúčnica in Bratislava	Jadranka, Martin Jakubec a Akcent Live, folklore band Jánošík, Golden Violins and soloists of folklore band Lúčnica, DH Maguranka, DH Záhorienka, DH Buckovanka, Oľga Szabová, Stano Vitáloš, Zdeno Sychra, etc.
June, 16. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Bratislava
	Rock Stage in Bratislava	Judas Priest
	Junifest Top Dance Party in Bratislava	top DJ Marco V from the Netherlands, Slovak and Czech DJ-s Milan Lieskovsky, Robert Burian, Michael C
	Judas Priest After Party in Bratislava	Judas Priest
June, 17. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Trnava
	Concerts in Bratislava	Bukasový Masív, Horkýže Slíže, Big Deal, REA - Kristína Botlóová, Paťa Jurtová, Eva Pšenková + band + guest Barbora Šulíková
June, 18. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Nitra
	Concerts in Bratislava	rock legendary band OLYMPIC (CZ), Robo Šimko & band, R.A.D.O., Stará Škola - The old school band
June, 19. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Trenčín
	Concerts in Bratislava	Tublatanka, Fleret CZ), Setback, Waterflow (NL,SK), etc.
June, 20. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Žilina
	Concerts in Bratislava	Gladiátor, Terne Čhave (CZ), Kmeťo Band, Rockarolla, Arccus, etc.
June, 21. 2008	Junifest Fitness & Aerobic Party in Bratislava
	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Banská Bystrica
	Concerts in Bratislava	Nocadeň, Aya, James Evans & Band (GB), Anka Repková a Prorock, Barbora Šulíková & Band, Fredy's Dance Group, Thierry and friends, etc.

As you can see, the program is very rich. Performers will be representants of Slovak, Czech and also foreign popular music scene.

I think, the main croyd-puller of the program will be Olympic. This band is music icon of Czechoslovak pop scene. This legendary band is already on rock scene from 1963. Its show will be June, 18. and I believe, it will be again huge success.

Also fans of hard rock music will find something for them, on Monday June, 16. there will concert of heavy-metal legend, music band Judas Priest in Expo Arena Incheby. Other appearances :
of rock bands (Interitus, Heed a Kreyson)
of heavy metal bands (Sexit and others)

It will be the first time, what you can visit also electronic dance music JUNIFEST TOP DANCE PARTY with special guest, Dutch DJ MARCO V. Besides also the best Slovak DJ-s: Milan Lieskovsky, Robert Burian, from Czech Republic Michael C.

All Sunday (June, 15. 2008) will belong to older generation and for everybody, who likes folklore, brassbands a public music.

In program named Akcent Parada and Zlatá Dychovka (Golden Brassband). In the end of Sunday show, there will be show of Orchestra Golden Violins and soloists of excellence folklore band Lúčnica.

This year, the first time there will be medial beauty competition MISS JUNIFEST 2008. Shows of finalists from each Slovak region will be part of program and there will be also spectator votes.

Each day, in Junifest will be cut a Slovak records, beer and other competitions, tombola, games and many more atractions!