Čechomor

A Czech Republic-based folk group that spins traditional Moravian and Bohemian folk tunes with modern rock arrangements, Cechomor have had an ever-rotating cast of characters, save for founding members and leaders František Černý and Karel Holas. The group first came together in 1988 under the intimidating -- and rather stuffy -- moniker Ceskomoravska Nezavisla Hudebni Spolecnost, which translates (roughly) to Bohemian and Moravian Independent Musical Society. Brevity saved the day, however, and the group eventually shortened its name to Čechomor, which itself means "Bohemian and Moravian," paying tribute to the folk music traditions that Cechomor explore to create their unique sound. The group released its first album in 1991, and from there put out more than ten albums in the next 15-plus years. In 2007, Cechomor released their 11th album, Koledy (Svatecni Cechomor), which would go all the way to the top of the Czech album charts that year. Radek Pobořil, who played trumpet and accordion with the group, died on August 24, 2021 at the age of 75. ~ Chris True