Iva Bittová

A singer, violinist, violist with theatrical inclinations while performing. Unabashedly forward with her voice that can range from loud and somewhat frightening to transcending the most beautiful territory. Playing that simultaneously sounds of such refreshing newness and reflection upon tradition. Iva Bittova is absolutely stunning.

She was brought to my ears' attention when looking through the Bang on a Can All-Stars catalogue a few years ago. Seeing this video on youtube, I was immediately captured. The Bang on a Can All-Stars album is great, but I just picked up her self-titled release on Nonesuch. Wow. I truly envy her ability to create such texturally interesting songs just using her voice and her instrument. She is joined by Pavel Fajt on percussion on a few tracks, but for the most part this album is a solo effort.

Some of the tracks were recorded as much as 20 years ago. I really wish I'd known of her earlier. So refreshing.