Russian Woman Folk Singer Inna Zhelannaya Makes Comeback

The Russian folk singer Inna Zhelannaya is one of a few Russian musicians that have made a names for themselves internationally in the world music scene. She has been absent from the music performing world since 2004 when her former band, Inna Zhelannaya and Farlanders split up in 2004.

The 42 year old native of Moscow just took the stage Saturday night at Apelsin with her new 5 piece band and performed a set of new songs based on folk music from various Russian regions.

Zhelannaya began performing in 1989 with the Russian rock band Alyans. She put together her own group, Inna Zhelannaya and Farlanders in 1994. The band included former members of Alyans and released its first album in 1996 called “Seaweed”. One song from the album was included on the “One World” compilation CD along with music by Peter Gabriel and the Gypsy Kings. The group appeared at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and toured extensively in Europe through the late 90’s as well as releasing several albums.

The group split up in 2004 because Inna felt the creative growth of the band had become stagnant. Hew new group includes her former bass player, Sergei Kalachyov, keyboardist Arkady Marto and percussionist Andrei Romanika. The music is very electronic with acoustic percussion. The performance at Apelsin Saturday was a great Russian dating opportunity as well as a chance to hear good music.

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