Three Chords and the Truth UK

  The relevance of the firebird came to the fore midway through the second set with folk tales of its magical splendour gleefully devouring golden apples in the Tzar’s garden. Perhaps a metaphor for Daria Kulesh and Marina Osman casting their own musical spells on a heritage bedecked with feats of stoic resistance while striving to preserve an identity. The mid-winter fest of the orthodox calendar is a time for celebration and reflection, a moment when the search for warmth is wrapped in song and dance. January the 11th is right at the heart of this period, four days after Christmas and three before the New Year. Also the day in the UK when an Anglo-Russian folk singer and Anglo-Belarusian pianist combined to deliver a pair of compelling shows a hundred plus miles apart. The people of Walton-on-Thames likely had a marvellous afternoon; those of Kings Heath were definitely granted an inspiring evening. The audience were singing Russian lyrics within the opening minutes, taught ...

  Songs sans frontiers; a motto embedded deep into the heart of Michell, Pfeiffer and Kulesh. Three musicians of varying background seeing language as an enabler not a barrier, and a common bond of decency, liberty and celebratory song. Trio is a long adapted format in folk, roots and popular music. The key is to complement with a difference. Here Karen Pfeiffer is the theatrical dramatist adding layers of flute playing while exploiting an Anglo German background. Daria Kulesh portrays an expressive emotive demeanour from a central stage position providing an alternative slant on a Russian heritage away from the current narrative. Odette Michell exudes the calm poise of an English folkie using finely tuned vocals and deft guitar playing to stir an international pot. Together they grace many a stage winning friends and illuminating rooms.  The trio play the Kitchen Garden to a tee, embracing the surroundings and engaging the audience with bundles of participation. Fun blends wi...