FOLK MUSIC OF JULIUS "ŚUKO" BARTOŠ

L’udová Hudba Juliusa "Šuko" Bartoša is the oldest Romany group in Slovakia, and has maintained its unique, unmistakable sound over the decades. The group’s raw, hard-to-define style is not really characteristic of any of the established regional folk traditions. The music it plays is some of the earthiest to have emerged from the rough country lying below Pol’ana Mountain over the past century, as well as some of the most original. This is music full of temperament, distinctive Romany melodies, powerful rhythms, explosive energy and original musicianship. The group’s repertoire consists of arrangements of Romany and Slovak folk songs, as well as its own original material. The five-member group includes the lead fiddler’s two sons, Bohuš and Slavo.

The members of L’udová Hudba Juliusa "Šuko" Bartoša are:
Julo "Šuko" Bartoš: first violin, voice (leader)
Slavo Bartoš: bass, voice
Bohuš Bartoš: second violin
Tibor Bartoš: accordion
L’ubo Pustaj: viola

Thanks to the group’s main-stage appearances at the first two Respect festivals, where they caught the attention of Michel Winter, manager of the legendary Taraf de Haidouks, L’udová Hudba Juliusa "Šuko" Bartoša has been invited to play at festivals in England and France this year.

see also 1999