Bittová / Václavek / Fajt: For Joy - CD

The live recording was made on 30th July 2020 as part of the Folk Holidays in Náměšt' nad Oslavou. Under normal circumstances, the festival would take place as we've known it for decades, but only the four-day Folk Festival 2020 broke from normality. Just covid. With people in the audience wearing brightly coloured drapes, because at that time, self-production still existed, and in the odor of disinfectant, however, in the middle of Rostislav Pospisil's magical landscape, and in the common longing for music, which I hope everyone who came to the concert, was missing. Moreover, many people only realised how much and that without live music, life is not really complete.
There were two reasons to look forward to the special concert: Firstly, it was Iva Bitt's performance, which in itself promised a great experience, and secondly, the unusual line-up made me want to enjoy such an extraordinary occasion as soon as I arrived. And the beautiful thing was, that we knew, almost for sure, to a musical adventure, they have prepared for us and for themselves, will approach with a passion reserved only for those that will never get lost in it. And all they have to do is draw the audience into it and give them the opportunity to forget all their worries for a while and sing with the large Babačka choir and, in fact, with everyone, familiar songs from Ballad for a Bandit, Iva's folk repertoire or those from AG Flek with Ivo Viktorín. In the words of columnist Ondřej Bezr: "Everyone present during the concert managed to create a magical, yet natural, almost family atmosphere." Iva Bittová says about the concert: "The invitation to participate in the festival in Náměšt' was a great challenge for me for several times. All the more so at a time of pandemic, when uncertainty reigned over the realisation of live production. I approached my closest musician friends and the Babačka choir. A colourful programme was created, including a beautiful and cheerful decoration of the space, and the spontaneous joy of the audience in masks contributed to the unique atmosphere. Despite the mask covering my mouth, I could see the bright sparks in their eyes and hear their voices. I believe that the recording of the concert will bring joy to the listeners at home and help to ignite a positive spark in their hearts. Thank you all." Marcel Rech (with the OteSound team) contributed to the sound, the recording was made by Jiří Topol Novotný. Editing, mixing, mastering Bronislav Šmid. Traditional distival graphic design of the cover by Rostislav Pospíšil.

Year of publication: 2021