Mārtiņš Freimanis music in new sounds at the “Great Amber”

After a long pause this autumn, favoured and popular Latvian musicians will meet in concerts to sing songs by Mārtiņš Freimanis in new versions, which have been recorded for the future tribute album My friend Mārtiņš Freimanis.

The contribution of Mārtiņš Freimanis to the music of Latvia is priceless. His songs are still played on the radio, his written lyrics are still sung in melodies of popular musicians. The name and creative work of Mārtiņš Freimanis is recognized by almost everyone. A talented composer, the heart and soul of the band “Tumsa”, the author of song lyrics, teacher and inspirer of new musicians, and simply a good friend who will remain in the memories and hearts of people as long as his songs are played.

Mārtiņš Freimanis’s contemporaries and new talents have united in a tribute album My friend Mārtiņš Freimanis. It includes recordings of unique, self-created interpretations of songs by Mārtiņš performed by such musicians as Musiqq, Labvēlīgais Tips, Aija Andrejeva, Lauris Reiniks, Olga Rajecka, Rīgas Modes, Līvi, Refleksija, Kārlis Būmeisters, Z-Scars, Zintis Žvarts and Katrīna Bindere.

But musicologist Daiga Mazvērsīte has prepared a voluminous book, which reflects Mārtiņš Freimanis as know by many, and also what has remained unknown about him.

The publishing of these new creations in May has inspired friends and contemporaries of Mārtiņš to unite in a joint concert tour this autumn, to sing together the songs that will be revealed in a new light, to give the listeners the chance to once again be in the world of Mārtiņš Freimanis music, and to present the new book and CD album. Fragments of the book will be presented by the event host Lauris Reiniks, who shared long and beautiful friendship with Mārtiņš Freimanis.

The publisher of the book and CD producer Guntars Račs tells: “All artists who participated in recording the future tribute album, were able to create free interpretations of one of the songs by Mārtiņš. I think that Mārtiņš would have truly liked that, because he was always happy if someone played his song in some unique version. I am truly pleased with this result, which once again reminds us what a talented and versatile artist we have lost, and at the same time proves that the legacy he left behind can still be topical today, here and now. In the name of the “Mārtiņš Freimanis Foundation” I would like to express my thankfulness to everyone who gladly agreed to participate in commemorating Mārtiņš in such an attractive way.”

Concert producer Elita Mīlgrāve: “As time goes the scars are slowly healing, but the memories about friends remain, if we look through them together. In the case of Mārtiņš Freimanis – it is the music which unites us when Mārtiņš is no longer here. I think that the fans of his talent will be glad to meet again to sing together the songs that are still dear and beloved. We welcome everyone to whom this music brings joy and pleasant feelings.”