Disk of 2021
Elena Mândru: album "Hope", Jazzy Hour, 16th of November
Elena Mândru has been gaining popularity, thanks to her hard work and passion, which naturally turned her into an international artist. Her evolution is made clear through her records and concerts with varying ensembles, as they support the vocal dynamic and the effervescent, expressive tone with which she performs her well-thought repertoire. The theme of the album released in 2021 is hope, something we all need, especially in these unexpected and delicate moments. 'Hope' includes ten pieces in which Elena sings accompanied by a Finnish trio (made up of pianist Tuomas J. Turunen, bassist Oskari Siirtola and percussionist Anssi Tirkkonen) and by the Polish pianist Adam Baldych, whose spectacular contributions add color and refinement. The vocals are fully controlled, regardless of the intention of the sounds, and they organically blend with the instruments, which clearly form themes, freely improvise, and expertly follow the rhythmic pulsation. They express the permanent human need of discovering simplicity and individuality, as we are faced with the present-day challenges caused by migration, extremism, and climate change. Music remains the universal language of celebrating the human emotion, fragility, and necessity to communicate. Elena Mândru, both as a soloist and a group leader, offers the perfect example of an inspired and original expression of an artist in tune with the contemporary reality of music.