 |
Bratia ZhemchuzhniueAmateur vocal and instrumental ensemble
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Origins and Early Years
- Collaboration with Arkady Severny
- Alternate Identities and Evolution
- Collaborations and Reemergence
- Continued Legacy
Origins and Early Years
In the vibrant city of Leningrad in 1974, the self-composed vocal-instrumental ensemble "Bratya Zhemchuzhnye" (The Pearl Brothers) emerged. Legend has it that the distinctive moniker was coined by Seve Novgorodtsev, who initially collaborated with the band before leaving Russia.
Initially, the ensemble consisted of seasoned musicians from the renowned "Parus" restaurant, tasked with recording traditional Russian folk songs for the collection of Sergei Maklakov. Their first recording session took place on December 21, 1974, and featured Nikolai Rezanov (vocals, guitar), Alexander Kavlelashvili (vocals, accordion), Robert Sotovo (bass guitar), and Gennady Yanovsky (vocals, drums).
Collaboration with Arkady Severny
By the spring of 1975, the ensemble's roster had expanded to include renowned bard Arkady Severny. They recorded extensively with Maklakov, Dmitry Kalyatin, and later Rudolf Fuchs, who joined as the organizer and sound engineer. Over the years, "Bratya Zhemchuzhnye" recorded nearly two dozen concerts featuring Severny.
Alternate Identities and Evolution
During periods of reduced participation, the ensemble performed under various alternative names, such as "Chetyre Brata i Lopatya" (1977), "Chaika" (1977), "Khimik" (1978), "Bozhya Obitel" (1979), and "Tryozvost" (1980, 1996).
Despite primarily supporting Severny, the band members also showcased their own songwriting and vocal talents. Numerous musicians passed through "Bratya Zhemchuzhnye" over the years, with estimates exceeding fifty individuals. Their unique style, a fusion of Odessa folk, restaurant technique, jazz sophistication, and improvisation, established them as pioneers of the Russian chanson genre.
Collaborations and Reemergence
In addition to Severny, the ensemble recorded with Evgeny Abdrakhmanov and Igor Ehrenburg. After Severny's untimely passing in 1980, the group began to disband. Maklakov briefly attempted to reunite them for the recording of Alexander Rosenbaum's debut albums in the early 1980s.
In 1989, the ensemble experienced a resurgence with Nikolai Rezanov leading a new iteration of the band featuring Igor Kartashov. In the 1990s, Alexander Frumin became the producer, facilitating numerous studio recordings with renowned chanson artists such as Vitaly Krestovsky, Alexander Lobanovsky, and Mikhail Krug. The ensemble also solidified its partnership with Rosenbaum, releasing albums together from 1995 onwards.
Continued Legacy
In the mid-1990s, "Kismett," an American record label led by Fuchs, reissued the ensemble's 1970s and 1990s recordings as an extensive anthology. Yuri Kapetanaki replaced Viktor Smirnov on keyboards in 2003, and the ensemble continued to record prolifically.
Throughout their illustrious career, "Bratya Zhemchuzhnye" collaborated with countless musicians and boast a discography of over eighty albums and concerts. They have left an enduring mark on Russian chanson music, inspiring generations of artists with their distinctive artistry and unwavering commitment to their craft.
