Raskolnikov

There are at least two bands going by the name of Raskolnikov: 1. “Raskolnikov: subdued jazz, melancholy soul, soul-searching shanties, and baroque themes. Inner city blues, imaginary nighttime travels through town, full of down-on-their-luck characters, dives, unrequited love, and the inevitable morning hangover. Mark Ritsema's songs are intense, yet fragile, and Raskolnikov are the nightflies, buzzing through the ether. Together since 1998, the make-up of piano, contrabass, and percussion lends a loose, almost jazzy feel to the proceedings. Think atmosphere and depth instead of tightness and rock 'n' roll machismo. Raskolnikov's second collection of songs, 'The Jezebel Shanty,' is a remarkable reflection of a band's unique look on life.” (www.dutchsound.nl) Singer/guitarist/songwriter Mark Ritsema (a.k.a. Nightporter) formed Raskolnikov at the end of 1998. They began working as a house-band for a weekly radio talk-show called Studio Gloria, connecting the items with jazzy improvisations, relaxed covers and fresh songs of Ritsema that were usually rehearsed only just the day before. Their first album ‘Studio Gloria’ (1999) presents a moody reflection of these radio days. By 2002 Raskolnikov had become a skilled live-act. They were involved in the founding of the organisation and label UNSOUND that would also represent their second album. ‘The Jezebel Shanty’ was released in 2003 and was highly acclaimed by media and fans. Besides Ritsema’s songs, the band previously covered shared favourites like Burt Bacharach and Van Morrison on stage and on record. Because of their unique way of interpreting and performing these songs, some of the band’s closest fans requested Raskolnikov to record their personal favourites. This album consists of the first part of this request: six songs that were picked out by six individuals who also financed the studio time. It was recorded live on one long and inspiring day at the UNSOUND headquarters in Hoorn. 2. Raskolnikov are a French-Swiss cold-wave band, formed in 2015 in Geneva. The musicians are constantly traveling between Paris, Reims, Constance and Switzerland. www.raskolnikov-band.com Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.