Leaving, liberation and breaking-up are the themes of RISE.
Melodies and challenging lyrics are in the foreground (as well as on the last album "Europe's other side" / 2003). The songs are written by singer Evelyn Blumenau and guitar player Klaus Schuch. As it is characteristic of all NOVI SAD`s works, World Music also plays an influential part. But above all, it is the expressive voice of Evelyn Blumenau that lends the songs a lot of soul and makes it unmistakable.
Jannis Minopulos died at the age of 43 years on May, 31 2007. This album is dedicated to him.
Evelyn Blumenau (lead vocals)
Paris 1914 (guitar, voice)
Robert "Wurli" Worel (bass guitar)
Manfred Scharf (accordion, voice)
St. Stephan (drums, voice)
information about the songs
CD1
1. Hagazussa (Lyrics: Evelyn Blumenau, Music: Klaus Schuch
The opening song of the CD plays with multifarious expressions that all centre on the word WITCH. The singing is reminiscent of spells, the terms come from Middle High German, Icelandic, Italian and open out into a lyrical hypnotical résumé telling about witch hunts, desire and feasible conciliation. The musical and feverish arrangement of guitar, piano, accordion, bass and brass instruments are pressed ahead with the constant rhythm of the drums.
2. In The Air - Somewhere (Lyrics und music: Evelyn Blumenau)
This opus consists of voice and instrumental sceneries that leave conventional song structures. To turn your back on the earth, to float, to take off. The narrative and singing voice oscillates between different perspectives. Guitar, bass, drums, accordion and the Oud build the sensitive frame for an exotic sound-trip. The eyes open up and the view becomes clear for new beginnings wherever they will lead to.
3. Badia - A Secret Tuscan Place (Lyrics and music: Evelyn Blumenau)
In the beginning a floating accordion sound is heard. It passes by until it is completely dissolved. Profound guitar tones that are reminiscent of the ticking of a clock accompany the voice that is telling about a mysterious Tuscan place called Badia. It is only the wistful refrain that unites the whole ensemble and culminates in a wild and frisky dance, where the instrument Kanun puts out all the stops.
4. The Angel and Me (Lyrics and music: Evelyn Blumenau)
At first, there was a dream. Peculiar and recurrent. The angel steps beyond the world of dreams, he enters the world of reality and acts as an observer with crystal clear view point and as an interrogator. The flickering guitar and the very accentuated accordion surround the dialogue with the guardian angel during the recurring main musical motive, which is structured by rhythmic changes.
5. At Jannis Place, listening (Part 1) (Music: Klaus Schuch)
Piano, guitars, Kanun, accordion, bass and drums all gather together here. Minimal Music made by Novi Sad.
6. Falling in Love (Lyrics and music: Klaus Schuch)
Another kind of departure: The feeling of the ultimative amorousness and devotion to erotic fantasies. Balcan Pop-Folk of exaltation. Skin tingling.
7. Art Party (Lyrics: Evelyn Blumenau music: Klaus Schuch)
Voice and guitar are saying that everything will proceed. Anyway and anyhow. Calm at the beginning, rearing in the middle, passing into quietness again. 'Art Party' says Good bye, whispering a soft 'Welcome!
CD 2
1. Sweet Surrender (Lyrics and music: Klaus Schuch)
The complete renouncement and surrender. Memories of a lost relationship are cast in a bitter sweet conformation. And they burn, inside. The guitar caresses the voices gently. Pure Songwriting à la NOVI SAD.
2. Lullaby for M. (Lyrics and music: Klaus Schuch)
A death song in the form of a lullaby. A declaration of love. A farewell.
3. What will remain (Lyrics and music: Evelyn Blumenau)
Someone is not here, anymore. What happened? What kinds of feelings arise? Intense memories or simple repression? ‚What will remain' is a song that concentrates upon guitar and voice. The special way to play the guitar creates an exotic melody pattern. The calm and serious voice accompanies the listeners through a hypnotic sound picture.
4. The Arrested Testimony (Lyrics and music: Evelyn Blumenau)
Ugly Places, traces, phases und phrases are observed and listed. But in truth the story is about the deep desire to find oneself again in another person and to reflect oneself in the other person. The arrested testimony cannot be applied to the special person for whom it is really meant. Many things stay unexpressed, because the reciprocal comprehension is missing. Some longings will not be fulfilled. Saxophon, piano, brass instruments and floating guitar sounds support the prevailing melancholic mood in this swan song.
5. Lebwohl (Music: Klaus Schuch, lyrics: Christian Schwetz)
And again another song about leaving, but this time the song is full of cheerfulness all the way through. Melancholy? Not a trace! Resignation? Suppress it fast!
6. Paul (Lyrics and music: Klaus Schuch)
Paul has fallen in love. He is lonely and somewhere close to his place there is a shopping center, a parking place and some high-rise buildings. There is dejection and hopelessness and the page of a calendar that always shows May. In the final part like in a feverish dream, Paul's confusion is carried to extremes.
7. At Jannis Place, listening (Part 2) (Music: Klaus Schuch)
Minimal Music again, to be listened to on CD 2 as well. But the line-up has changed: The Brass instruments are dominating and lend the composition a new trait.
8. My Funeral Lunch (Lyrics and music: Klaus Schuch)
Even your own funeral lunch can be very well prepared. Great culinary pleasures are not necessary any more, but a lot of fun in the run-up. And the correct warm-up procedure. - Until the moment has come. Accompanied by brass instruments. Until the end.