Elena Mindru - Hope (2021) Hi Res

“Hope” is Elena Mîndru’s fourth record as a jazz singer and a bandleader. The theme of the music goes hand in hand with the general message of the whole album, to bring hope for the future, even amid a variety of threats, and how hope and coming together for a common cause can save our planet. Through their music, the group raises an alarm signal about the prospects of humanity in a changing ecological environment as well as the challenges brought on by globalization (migration, disappearing livelihoods, cybernetics, and artificial intelligence).

For Elena Mîndru, the new album is a bold step musically towards a more experimental direction. Part of the music of this album (including the title piece Hope) has been conceived during the pandemic period, as a way of escaping the times of hard restrictions, a way to Hope for it to come to an end, for a better future of the humanity. The lyrics paint dreamlike foreshadows of a future reality that looks threatening, but that also brings people together to appreciate and nurture our unique living globe.

We have collaborated with Adam Baldych for three years already and it is wonderful to have our music officially released for the wide world. Adam’s violin playing it is such a beautiful interpretation of the musical thoughts we wrote for this project, like a sophisticated pearl’s touch. The musical connection has always been the engine of our playing together, breaking national borders, and bringing three different cultures together with the universal language of music.

Most part of the music on this album was conceived during the pandemic. We made music and composed to make it easier for us to go through the hard restrictions we had to endure. A way to hope that these times will end as soon as possible, bringing hope for a better future for humanity. Even though sometimes the lyrics seem to illustrate a rather gloomy and threatening reality, they also speak of the hope that these troubled times bring people together and make them more aware that we must do something to protect this world, the only one we have.” - Elena Mîndru, voice & EFX

I believe music is a platform for dialogue for people from different countries, cultures and across many music genres. I’m excited to have been invited by Elena Mindru to work with her Finnish project and make music together. We created a wonderful blend of our personalities which translated into beautiful and expressive music.” - Adam Baldych, violin & renaissance violin

It was an extraordinary experience to record this album with Elena, her group and Adam Baldych. I remember seeing Adam perform with his quartet in Garana Jazz many years ago. Then I said to Elena that we need to collaborate with him in the future. Few years later we did Garana Jazz concert with Elena’s group featuring Adam, which was a great success, and that marked the beginning of our collaboration. Now it’s fruits are finally brought in to the ears of a larger public on a full-length album. I hope that you enjoy the result as much as we do!

As a rhythm section player it is a great privilege to accompany such strong and unique soloists as Elena and Adam. Their nuanced and expressive musicianship is a continuing source of inspiration for me and made the recording of this album truly special.

It was a natural way for us to collaborate with Adam since his touch and soundscapes bring a new level of excitement and colour to the group. This recording was done during difficult restrictions and I’m glad we made it happen despite the challenges. Enjoy the music!