Soulful Delight in the Heart of Bratislava: Headmovers Concert Review January 18th, 2024 – Bukowski Bar, Bratislava
by Flork
Every now and then, the Florkster leaves the safe haven comfort of his agoraphobic lifestyle and ventures into the world of the living, where people go out to eat, drink, work and play. This time it was the Old Town in Bratislava, to the Bukowski Bar precisely, nestled next to the Stará Tržnica (Old Market) with its cavernous underbelly where bands of all genres play to the locals and non-locals alike. This night, the vibrant and soulful sounds of the Bratislava based Headmovers filled the cellar, entertaining the chill crowd of young professionals and technical types, even older folks like myself. The eclectic ensemble, featuring Dominika Zdražilová on vocals, Jakub Kolesár on bass guitar, Tomáš Regina on piano, Filip Regina on percussion provided me and my companion a pleasant and relaxing evening. The cellar's intimate setting facilitated a relaxed mood, allowing us to unwind and immerse ourselves in the soulful ambiance. In fact, the last time I had been to the Bukowski bar was 30 years previous, long before its present incarnation and long before many of the people in the room had been born. Back then it was called Malí Fratiškani, a wine cellar with long wooden tables where you could sit late into the night and get drunk and smoke and discuss the political situation of the day. You could also grab a hotdog from the stand nearby and catch the night bus home right in front of the Old Market (which was then closed and fenced off). Oh, how things have changed since then, and thankfully for the better. It’s appropriate that the bar is now known as Bukowski, as he himself had once visited Bratislava, although I wouldn’t know whether he drank in the cellar which later took on his name.
The music
began a little after 20:30 and Dominika led the set of eclectic compositions with
her amazing vocal range and on-stage presence. Throughout
the evening, Headmovers showcased their versatility, seamlessly blending jazz,
funk, R&B, and soul influences. The repertoire, true to their signature
style, featured a mix of original compositions, renowned jazz standards, and
contemporary hits. In a delightful surprise, the band incorporated tidbits and
full renditions of songs from diverse artists such as Nirvana, Kylie Minogue,
and Coolio, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performance. Each musician shone brightly on their own, we were so impressed by
Dávid Sasai’s bass and Filip Regina’s drum playing, as well as Tomáš Regina‘s amazing
keyboards—everything worked so well together.
Even the acoustics were surprisingly impressive, reaching every nook and
cranny of the underground space. The ambient lighting added to the cozy
atmosphere, enhancing the overall concert experience. The band not only enchanted the audience with
their musical prowess, but also took breaks to mingle with the crowd, creating
a more intimate connection between performers and spectators. This interaction
further enriched the overall experience, making it a night to remember.
It was certainly an amazing evening, finishing around 22:30, with plenty of time to catch the last tram home before the night buses began their hourly runs, although the Florkman hasn’t had the use of such buses for many years due to age, agoraphobia, and his habitual bedtime of 10 pm. Headmovers delivered a soulful delight in the heart of Bratislava. Their fusion of genres, exceptional talent, and engaging performance style left a lasting impression on the diverse and enthusiastic audience. The Bukowski bar's cellar transformed into a haven for music lovers, proving that even in unconventional spaces, the power of music can transcend boundaries and create magical moments.
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