Just a voice and Spartan accompaniment. Two completely different means to the end here.
Vocalist Jan Shapiro goes the route of standards with a rotating team of pianists. Danela Schachter, Bob Winter, Tim Ray, Russell Hoffman and John Harrison III give sensitive support to the mousy toned singer through chipper takes of “On a Slow Boat to China” and “If I Were A Bell.” A take of “Doodlin’” is squeezable, while “They Say It’s Wonderful” is filled with wanderlust. A bit of Blossom Dearie is in the air here.
Vocalist Iva Bittova sometimes goes a capella, sometimes supports herself on an eclectic collection of instruments, and even does a couple instrumental solos on this intimate collection of what I would loosely call “folk tunes.” Most of the times she speaks in her local Moravian (?) language, and a couple of songs have her wisping in English. The kalimba and violin add an almost Byzantine/Medieval atmosphere, making the music take you to monastic environs. Perfect for those walks in misty and moisty mornings.