Firyuza

A veritable holy grail of jazzy Soviet space-rock, Firyuza (meaning “Turquoise”) is the Firyuza's self-titled debut LP. Formed in 1979 by keyboardist and bandleader Dmitry Sablin, their winning of the top prize at the sixth All-Union Entertainers Competition led to the recording of this entirely instrumental LP, on which its seven members imitate the sounds of traditional instruments from Turkmenistan. The album is comprised of only four extensive pieces, the elaborate arrangements and otherworldly sound aligning it with the farthest reaches of progressive rock, jazz fusion items and other creations from cosmic pioneers. Bridging local tradition and contemporary Soviet pop, the album conveys a strong sense of identity and place, making it a noteworthy example of 1970s Central Asian music under the Soviet cultural framework.