The bards were a group of singer-songwriters in the USSR whose style was originally influenced by shanson and folk. In the classic tradition, bardic music is narrative poetry accompanied by a guitar played by the singer. Although diverse, the genre is most associated with songs that hid social and political commentary within allegory and metaphor. Most of its music was disseminated via recordings and copies made by fans. Although not officially supported by the authorities, many in the highest echelons of Soviet power listened to and enjoyed the music. Since the fall of the USSR, many new artists have continued the genre and its traditions.
Languages: Search for bardic music performed in Central Asian languages, or in Russian, Ukrainian, or Polish.
Grzegorz Turnau is a Polish singer, poet, actor, and pianist from Kraków. While his style is very much his own, he draws on jazz influences and the Polish tradition of sung poetry and has been compared to singer Marek Grechuta, among others. Krakow Post has called him “the bard of Krakow,” referring to his penchant […]