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Stratovor background

ROOTS

While living in the UK Georg recorded three tracks with a band he put together called Afridiziak. This was in the late 90's and his first attempt in wanting to fuse his European and African roots via writing his own material.

Fast forward to the present and Georg has been extremely busy writing music. His original intention was for this material to form the basis of music to be included on the first Georg Voros solo album. Although this will be an album of mainly self composed music (includes Brahms), he has decided to forgo the solo album route and form a band to record and play this music live.

Enter Stratovor...

THE SOURCE

Born of Hungarian parents Georg grew up in South Africa.  As he says: "it was quite strange because at home I would speak Hungarian as my parents didn’t speak English too well, and I would be exposed to Hungarian music, classical and even jazz. I remember the parties that my folks would host or go to where all the people there would be European, and the music I would hear would be Hungarian, Latin and the standards of the day by artists like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and so on.  This had a profound affect. Then outside of the home I would be exposed to South Africa, its culture and music.  I remember hearing African musicians playing repetitive guitar melodies on a street corner, black choirs with rich voices and thundering African drumming.  This resulted in me feeling that I have always had one foot in each culture.  I love South Africa and love Europe. I have traveled extensively in Europe and love European culture and could quite easily live in a countries like Switzerland or Holland.  Africa and Europe contrast in so many ways which is very apparent in the music.  Also, growing up and being exposed to bands such and Emerson Lake and Palmer who were mixing classical and rock influences left a mark on my future musical tastes and influences. Where I sit today is a natural outcome and result of all these influences."

THE PRODUCT

Where did the name Stratovor originate?

Georg has combined two words to come to this - Stratosphere and Voros. Stratosphere reflecting his aspirations in always wanting to fly and reach the highest point possible with everything he does, and Voros reflecting the personal angle and commitment. Like he says "I didn't want to seem pretentious and call the band Voros or The Georg Voros Project... or similar". Stratovor at this point is not yet a band, but very soon will be.  The original route Georg wanted to take was to record the album with a mixture of great session musicians... and then form a band. This has changed as he wants the recording musicians to also be the live unit. This he feels will form the foundation for a 'proper' band with more personal involvement and input from each musician. Stratovor's music is a melting pot of influences which includes classical, jazz, ethnic and prog rock genres.  

Georg has written and recorded the music and each musician will be given a complete demo recording and chart (if required) to work from. The approach is that when there is definitive melody to play, then that is what should be played... but that is where it ends. After that each musician will contribute their own personal vibe and touch to each piece of music. At the core of Stratovor's music is Georg's Eastern European roots combined with the African culture and music in which he grew up. What began strictly as a 'World music' orientated project, has progressively moved towards a more definitive prog rock direction, though still maintaining many of the original African influences and melodies. This in itself is very different to the present accepted prog rock format which traditionally has mainly combined classical, European and Celtic influences . Therefore, to try and categorize Stratovor's music at this time might prove difficult. But one word which has crept up a lot when Georg has played it to various people is "different". Below are some quotes from people who have heard the music:

"really good energy and sound" Pascal - France
" wow!!!...It's a real pleasure to listen to your rhythm textures and amazing arrangements, especially on Hungarian Dance N.2...what a job!!!" Sergio Alexianian - Italy
Very different...The drumming is very slick mate. I think im gonna like it a lot! Ed Fermor - England
"Nice going! Very different and musical! " Dom Famularo - USA

Although Stratovor will be based in South Africa, the intention is to play mainly in Europe as this is where Georg feels the music will have more impact and a larger audience. Local shows will place at suitable venues. The debut album from Stratovor is being recorded mid 2011 and. veteran engineer Peter Pearlson will be in attendance.  Pete has a great track record having worked with artists such as The Hothouse Flowers, U2 and Toto.  Pete is also renowned for getting a great drum sound and this is one of the reasons Georg has chosen to work with him - aside from his cool relaxed vibe.

Check back later to find out what is happening with Stratovor.