Live review: Otava Yo at University of Sheffield

By Joanna Booth

Otava Yo’s performance was intriguing from the beginning, starting with a background soundtrack of bird noises as the lights went down and the performers strolled casually on stage throughout the lively opening number. Their stage presence was cheerful and engaging and their folk tunes managed to be both dark and Slavic and utterly joyful at the same time. The traditional instrumentation and old Russian feel was balanced with a more contemporary sound which merged modern electric guitar solos into the folk texture beautifully.

It was music which told stories and with the help of humorous anecdotal introductions in English before each song, these stories rang through especially in the lovely vocals of fiddle player Yulia Usova, whose soprano voice doubled all the male voices to great effect.

Recorded sound effects returned multiple times, including film crackling to accompany a slow waltz from a very old Russian film. These kind of performance novelties really lifted the show element of the gig. Multi-instrumentalism was a definite theme of the night and a favourite with the audience was the use of pan pipes split into three sections and divided among the performers who danced whilst they played, grins on their faces and the ear flaps of their hats flapping.

By the second half they had a good portion of the audience on their feet dancing at the back of the hall and by the last song of their set list the dancers had moved to the front by the stage and the concert felt more like a festival set. This, they told us later, was first time this has happened to them in the UK and there was a feeling of such mutual delight at this that the band decided to extend their concert beyond its planned end because, as they said, the night was “only just beginning.” Judging from their popularity at this gig, it seems the same can be said of their international careers.

Otava Yo on stage. Photo by Merlyn Driver

Live review: Otava Yo at Rich Mix

By Madeleine Woodley

From the moment I walked into London’s Rich Mix I was intrigued and excited for what the night was to offer. A stage with a washing line, a wooden duck statue and over twenty different types of instruments led to all different kinds of ideas running through my head. From the beginning to the end (of the washing line) not one audience member was disappointed with what ‘Otava Yo’ brought to the stage.

The six-member band from St Petersburg completely filled the room with their delightful fusion of traditional Russian folk and contemporary music. Their motivation was clear from the beginning, to show a revival of their traditional Russian folk heritage, which some would say has been lost, whilst presenting it in a way to make it accessible to the modern listener. Their intention was evident in more than just the music: from the outfits they wore, signature tank tops, peasantry dress and ushanka hats.

The mixture of their own Russian folk songs merged with modern day instruments such as the bass and electric guitar created a sound which was lively, innovative and rich in not only colour but harmony as well. The off-beat and dance like rhythms managed to get the whole audience moving their feet.

Their 21 different instruments definitely didn’t gather any dust either, each was utilized thoroughly, and in such a creative and inventive way to enhance their performance. From the archaic Russian village instruments such as the Gusli (Russian harp), to the Violin and lots of percussion instruments in between, we went on a musical journey through the Russian countryside, with Otava Yo showing fresh and original ways to fuse different instruments with music.

A particular highlight for myself was when the musicians used an iPhone as an instrument and incorporated that into one of the most moving songs of the evening. The use of the iPhone to produce rich cello sounds, mixed with pan pipes whilst the band was singing in harmony allowed the audience to see all sides of Otava Yo. Showing how their fusion of Russian folk music didn’t just produce upbeat, dynamic and danceable tunes, but songs with true raw emotion, capable of moving the audience emotionally too. This presented so much clearer the importance of the revival of traditional Russian folk music, and how integral it was for the band to communicate this to the audience (and the world).

Otava Yo were clearly passionate about presenting Russian folk music in a way which was accessible to 21st century listeners and they did all that and more. The audience was captivated from start to finish from not only the music, but by the band themselves. Communicating with the audience in between songs, telling jokes and educating the crowd on the meaning behind the songs they sung. Creative, inspiring, and genuinely interesting, Otava Yo are definitely one to check out if you get the chance.

Otava Yo at Rich Mix Lndon. Photo by Merlyn Driver

What the audience says: Otava Yo!

Just seen the band at the RNCM in Manchester. Absolutely fantastic, already contender for best gig of the year! Thank you for playing for us!

Had a most agreeable time in Manchester last night at the RNCM catching up with the fabulous Russian folk-regenerators Otavo Yo. A wonderful evening, not a face left unsmiling. They're a simmering samovar full of great tunes. Excellent musicians, singers and, yes, entertainers. All delivered with superb musicianship, dry wit, engaging explanations, ensemble singing and dancing and lots of love. Don't miss 'em!

Best gig in a long long time!@mac_birmingham #OtavaYo! Outstanding! #music #Birmingham #stpetersburg 

Thank you for an unforgettable evening of wit, humour and wonderful joyous music at Bury St Edmunds. You came, you played, you conquered! Please come back to UK soon.

Just to say a very BIG THANK YOU to the most beautiful and talented folk musicians for an amazing performance in Bury St Edmunds.

So glad I took a chance on #OtavaYo @mac_birmingham. Just the thing to brighten up a rainy mid-week evening.

That was fantastic. Amazing music and the most infectious energy. Come back to Sheffield soon. 

Totally hooked from the start, superb gig, great musicianship.

One of the best concerts I've ever been to, even that I didn't understand much. Otava Yo ladies and gentleman! спасибо Oтава ё!

Fantastic Gig here in Sheffield last night @ the University.
* Great venue * Magic music * Superb atmosphere * Wonderful time was had by all
Very nice to see so many people dancing. Thanks Otava Yo - come back soon.  

Vibrant #OtavaYo @sage_gateshead @makingtracks_uk delicious harmonies, verve, wit & huge warmth... Splendid gig!

Saw 'em in Bristol on Tuesday. They were all the things you say, and I was struck by the thought that they'd storm any UK folk festival, especially the bigger ones.

Live review: Otava Yo at RNCM

By Ellie Sherwood

What do you expect from a performance when the first thing you see on stage is a clothes line, twenty different instruments, and a wooden duck statue? Otava Yo obviously like to entertain their audience, and tonight’s gig at RNCM was no exception.

The 6-piece band from St Petersburg played their fusion of Russian folk song and contemporary music with such energy and wit, whilst skilfully revealing their lively, extraordinary, and romantic colours. Their main motive is clear: to communicate the loss of tradition and dying of Russian folk songs, which were once so integral to Russian life. Their way of reviving this tradition is to meld the past and the present by mixing Russian folk songs with a funky bass, electric guitar, zesty riffs, and off-beat rhythms, making it very hard to not immediately get up and dance (although I’m sure this is what happens at plenty of their concerts).

Otava Yo definitely made use of the twenty different instruments on stage, which ranged from wooden spoons to bagpipes. One of my favourite parts of the performance was the way the two violins were used: often in harmony, playing a beautiful folk song melody whilst the electric instruments accompanied, bringing the songs forward into the 21stcentury.

The musicians are clearly passionate about the importance of tradition, and their commitment to reviving their folk music in such a spirited way is extremely powerful. Otava Yo’s music left the audience feeling both nostalgic for the past and excited about the present – a rare sentiment that only a band of such zeal, dedication, and talent can inspire.