POTSCH POTSCHKA
The Journey
(p) (c) 1999 Earthtone Records
13tks/62mins

Inspired and sparkling flamenco. Play of the real master of guitar. Original interpretation of the well-known music. These words come to mind, when you listen to the album "The Journey" by Potsch Potschka. His music immediately touches by its lightness and ease, combined with perfection of arrangements and inspiration of the performance. This is a very beautiful album.

I need to say that "The Journey" is a debut solo project of Potsch Potschka, on which he worked as long as five years, beginning with 1994. Maybe that is why the music of Potschka is practically perfect. It is worth saying that Potschka is well known artist, who was a member of the famous German group "The Nina Hagen Band". Last time he carries out many projects both in Germany and in Spain. Flamenco especially attracts Potsch Potschka. And his love to this music is completely reflected in "The Journey".

Sounding of the album is very rich. Also, it should be mentioned, that many artists took part in the record of "The Journey", who played various "living" instruments. One can hear a guitar (Frank O'Neil), percussion (Minas Simon), bass (Carsten Schmelzer), accordeon (Tobias Morgenstern), violin (Jansen Folkers), drums (Andy McGuiness), and even completely jazzy soprano saxophone (Dieter Irber). Potschka himself perfectly plays guitars, percussion, mandoline and keyboards. "The Journey" is one of those albums, where all compositions are bright. You just want to listen to this album more and more. So, distinguishing of any compositions is a rather conditional thing. Still, I would distinguish the compositions "Alegria" ? "Grazalema Plains", which are remarkable for their rhythm. There is something very delicate, mysterious, and at the same time subtly attractive in these compositions. Not tense and very light by its mood "The Day Is Done" has reminded me the music of Govi.

I advise you to find this album without fail. Switch this music on, and leave for a breathtaking journey through the world of the times of the good old Spain, the epique of great travels and incredible discoveries!

Serge Kozlovsky