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Myllarit (The Millers) are a dynamic brisk vocal and
instrumental folk band from Russian Karelia.
The group came together in 1992, an outgrowth of the pairing
of accordionist Zobnev -described as "a world-class
accordionist" in Russian Life's series titled "100 Young
Russians to Watch."- with Alexander Bykadorov, who had traveled
Europe together playing Karelian and Russian folk music in the
streets.
The unique sound of Myllarit combines traditional music and
poetry of Karelia, the White Sea, Olonets and Ladoga regions,
and also Russian songs of the Trans-Onega region, with
elements of rock, jazz and world music. Thus, fitting them to
suit their more modern style. Besides, the group performs
songs of the Ingria ( St.-Petersburg region ) in the local Ingric
dialect of the Finnish language.
"Karelia represents a rich
mixture of so many different cultures," said Zobnev. "Our
rather severe climatic conditions help to hone this musical
style. It is the music of the Russian pomors (White Sea coast
natives) and Finnish and Karelian songs. It all mixes together
and provides food for Myllarit."
Myllarit achieve their main impact on stage with great talent
and humour. They are outstanding live performers.Their
discography includes six albums.
Myllarit is also very active locally in their hometown
Petrozavodsk, the capital of the Republic of Karelia, where they
support and promote local bands through the Myllarit Center of
Musical Initiatives and the organisation of musical events, such
as the annual Petrozavodsk Folk Marathon.
These last years, they have taken part in many
festivals like Koskis, Kaustinen, Haapavesi,
Ugrijuhlat, Faces, Jutajaiset, Garage Fest,
Folklandia, Kihaus, Hekajuhlat, Taiga Festival
(Finland)
Celtic Connections, Fringe Festival (Scotland)
Finnish Music Festival, FinnGrandFest,
Finlandia Festival, Duluht International Folk
(USA),Watergate Festival (Estonia),
Rockbridge, Carelian Faces, Folk Marathon,
Festival of Modern Folk Music (Russia), Poborina Folk, Folkesi (Spain).
Myllarit EPK: www.sonicbids.com/myllarit
What people say about them:
Colorado Daily, USA:
"Forget the British invasion. The Russians are coming".
Uusi Kansanmusiikki ( The New Folk Music ), Finland:
"... a phenomenon of the new wave of Karelian folk music".
Helsingin Sanomat, Finland:
"The new blood of Karelian folk music".
Jeff Crumbaugh, Coordinator of Community & Heritage Programs, Suomi College, Hancock, Michigan:
"We had people in their 80s dancing with people in their 30s, 5 year olds standing on their seats with eyes wide open. A Finnish-American elder reminded me that this is 'not toe tapping music, it is knee lifting music!' Then, all at once, the audience went quiet as Tatyana sang an old Russian ballad about lost love, there was clearly a deep visceral reaction amongst all of us."
Tom Dresel, The Finnish American Reporter:
"American Audiences Marvel at Myllarit- From the time the music started to fill the Historic Ironwood Theater until the applause died down after the last encore, the audience was captivated. When the band took a break for intermission, the room was ripe to applaud and ready to keep the band going. The band's electric performance brought the audience to its feet."
The Raivaaja Finnish American Weekly:
"Thanks to groups like Myllarit, Finnish and Karelian music has gained a new appreciative audience:they were playful and entertaining, playing with gusto. These musicians were clearly enjoying themselves"
Karjalan Sanomat, Karelia:
"Everybody understands the music of Myllarit, regardless of their nationality".
The Herald, Scotland:
"...hearty, jovial brand of Finnish and Russian folk-rock...".
