Leo Records 2007, CD LR 489
Unlike Year’s Cycle, Upside Down was not born out of unifying conceptual idea. The album is more a collection of individual pieces. Each in a way is a reflection of how the two musicians were probing their way towards coherence and tightness of their musical communion: whimsy ease of Alexander’s violin flies over solid and earthy foundation of Evelyn’s accordion. I only wish there was more of her inimitable vocals, although in one piece they scream together.
Their first live performance is scheduled in Bucharest for late April 2007 — in between the time when I write these notes and the album comes out. A duo has been born.
Alex Kan, BBC, London
The album title intimates a musical approach that defies the norm. In effect, they effortlessly merge Russian-folk with jazz improvisation and the classical element, while venturing into a rather opaque, avant-garde realm. The duo also treks into the free jazz vicinity, yet occasionally tempers the variable flows with lighthearted jazz and chamber-esque motifs. Simply stated, hearing is believing.
Glenn Astarita “all about jazz”
Evelyn Petrova— music, accordion, voice
Alexander Balanescu— violin, voice
Tracks:
1. Upside down – 9’08
2. Journey – 8’52
3. Shout – 6’42
4. Hungry wind –7’04
5. Torn dress –8’05
6. Dream – 5’58
7. Mouse wedding – 5’22
Total time: 51’37