Verek rozpadlch dvojic – 2CD

This two-CD set contains an authentic recording of concerts held by four singer-songwriters, Jan Burian, Ji Ddeek, Jan Vodansk and Petr Skoumal, at the Na Chmelnici club in 1989. Two formerly long-established nonconformist duos returned to perform together after their breakups, in the atmosphere of a forty-year totalitarian system collapsing. In this carefully composed programme, they boldly and visionarily alternate recitation, dialogue and songs, using transparent, ironic and brilliant allusions to say aloud what everyone knew but was afraid to express. Some of the songs later appeared in studio recordings or on other concert releases, but the interaction between audience and performers is unique and thrilling on this recording. The two CDs are supplemented by bonus tracks from the same programme that did not fit on the original LP. They offer a return to the ferment preceding the 1989 revolution, filled with verbal and musical humour and the dramatic tension of artistic pairs who still understand one another even though they no longer regularly perform together.