Paris To Kyiv’s Fragmenti recording was originally released in 2005, a sonic tapestry of ancient Ukrainian song fragments and contemporary sounds. Fragmenti marked the group’s fourth recording and first international release for singer Alexis Kochan and her many collaborators. Recorded in New York and Winnipeg, Fragmenti broke stereotypes and genres by marrying electric elements, meditative grooves and overtone singing to Kochan’s signature Ukrainian folk poetry.
Nearly 11 years later, after circulating throughout the roster of artists on Balanced Records, a remix album has been compiled. The musical topography in this collection is vast and mystifying and is a testament to the collection of artists who themselves occupy such distinct and differing musical backgrounds. One of the prominent contributors to the project is Ottawa-based producer Rise Ashen, a 2012 Juno award nominee. Rise's flare for weaving worldly flavours to his music is evident in the upbeat dancefloor version of “Oj U Poli Mohyla” as well as a more laid-back reggae inspired take of “Harmoniques”. Renowned Winnipeg soundscape artist Ken Gregory offers two versions of “Dark Bird” transporting listeners to a barren and desolate landscape. Brooklyn’s underground hip hop chemist J57 creates a beat heavy, head nodding approach to “Call”.
