Инна Желанная | en

The Russian folk singer Inna Zhelannaya is one of a few Russian musicians that have made a names for themselves internationally in the world music scene. Her new album ('Кокон', 'cocoon') has been released on November 14, 2009 and is free for download on www.inasound.ru/main/albums/kokon. One of albums guest musicians is Trey Gunn (ex-King Crimson, Gordian Knot and other) with whom Inna have performed in 2005 and shared stage in 2008.

Zhelannaya began performing in 1989 with the Russian rock band Альянс (Alyans). She put together her own group, Inna Zhelannaya and Farlanders in 1994. The band included former members of Alyans, Grammy nominee Сергей Старостин and released its' first album 'Водоросоль' ('Seaweed') in 1996. One song from the album was included on the “One World” compillation CD along with music by Peter Gabriel and the Gypsy Kings. The group appeared at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and toured extensively in Europe through the late 90’s as well as releasing several albums. The group split up in 2004 because Inna felt the creative growth of the band had become stagnant.

In 2007 Inna performed with her new band for the first time (event took place at 'Apelsin' club) with a set of new songs based on folk music from various Russian regions. Her new group included her former bass player, Sergei Kalachyov, keyboardist Arkady Marto (Moscow Grooves Institute), drummer, percussionist and lira player Andrei Romanika (Safety Magic) and Artem Yakushenko on violine. Later Artem leaft and was replaced by saxophonist Oleg Maryahin (Safety Magic, Карл Хламкин). In the summer of 2009 Vadim Shubin became band's new drummer. Band works with sound engineer Vladimir Gubatov and occasionaly with Ilya 'XMZ' Khmyz. (Malerija).

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