Summer 2013.
Vladimír Mišík is a Czech rock guitarist and singer. He founded his first band, called Uragán, as a teenager. Later, he became the lead singer of Komety with Radim Hladík. Wikipedia
Review:
“S nebem to mam dobrý, dobrý
U Pána mám plus
Když se lidi modlí, modlí,
Ja mu zpívám blues.”
“I’m in good terms with Heavens
The Father gives me plus
When people pray to Him
I’m singing Him my blues”
Those of you who visited one of two brilliant concerts of Vladimir Misik and Pavel Skala last weekend of August 2015 in Vancouver, certainly recognized the poetries of at least one of the tunes played by the Master. For us, true fans of Misik’s music, these two performances deeply touched our souls. For two hours, we were able to forget our everyday hassles and let ourselves be carried away by the beauty of Josef Kainar’s, Vaclav Hrabe’s and other noteworthy lyricists’ poetries. Misik’s unmistakable voice and guitarist Pavel Skala’s brilliant musicianship transported us back to Prague’s era, when the unforgettable Czech beer culture and Svejk’s tranquility crowned the Czech lands and when artists became dissidents not knowing how. Between his tunes, Misik recalled a story or two from the “Bolshevik times”, hence created truly magical atmosphere, full of comfort and humour.
Musically, the show was exceptional. Two true professionals (Vladimir Misik – cofounder of famous Blue Effect, who had also been a member of such bands as Flamengo and Energit, later formed his own “Etc.” – music formation he still leads today and Pavel Skala who too is active in Etc., besides Bratri Ebenove and Marsyas) accomplished marvelously what may not have been done much better by the entire cast of Etc. An atmosphere of a small club on the outskirts of New Westminster was very low key, what allowed viewers to experience Misik up close and personal. During the intermission it was possible to get personally acquainted with the artists and talk to them face-to-face. Cannot forget an amazing baker and her delicious strudels of course.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the enthusiasts of the foundation “Art Without Borders”, who organized this fantastic event. Our gratitude also goes to Mr. Misik and Mr. Skala, who performed all four concerts (in Toronto and Vancouver) free of charge.
So my final assessment? Excellent concert, very reasonable price, good beer and magical atmosphere. Next time I will come again, hundred percent!
Karla Kaznowski
