I have known Irina Allegrova since meeting her backstage at Roosevelt Middle School in SF, CA on the 6th of May in 1995 (her 1st solo US tour, had a front row seat). Since that time, I’ve attended each of her US performances via 1st row, most recently at the Kodak Theatre (her first solo, second over-all performance at the respected venue) see photo below. I also created the very 1st website about Irina Allegrova, back in 1994, when I was just a kid, it was a very simple Geocities site … just recently found an old version of the site here: http://www.starbacks.ca/Paris/Rue/1589/

As a fellow artist and admirer of Irina’s work, here is a unique perspective …. it is exactly 20 years since Irina’s solo career began in 1992, with the release of her LP ‘Strannik Moi’ / ‘My wanderer’. And this year, Irina has announced that she will be saying farewell to her touring schedule. This year, Irina will have a round anniversary birthday and with the 20 year solo career (much earlier if you consider her songs with the God-Father of her career, Oscar Fetlzman and Electroclub creator, David Tuhmanov) and 60 years of youthful beauty, I believe Irina is simply starting a brand new chapter.

It may or may not be true that she plans to open a much-desired bakery (a family talent) and purchase a white yacht in Italy, but as she states, her love for the stage will continue. She may appear during holiday programs like ‘Pesnya Goda’, ‘Goluboi Ogoniok’ etc., as she loves celebrating the Holidays and I certainly hope she releases some gift versions of her works (both previously releases and unreleased) and perhaps an official, limited and signed mp3 album of all her works (would be great if appreciators from around the world could purchase such an item, directly from her site www.IrinaAllegrova.ru)

I would also highly recommend her to provide a-capella versions to remixers and release a strong and professional remix collection. Many years ago, I recommended to Irina to perform at the Kodak and I was proud to see her there, fulfilling HER dream! I would also recommend to perhaps one day release the single ‘Steklinni Dom’ with a strong visual element (music video) as well as an Alan Badoev video to the super-hit ‘Empress’ at a real royal residence. ps I would be happy to direct the Steklinni Dom video (having a clear vision of the track & its meaning).

Irina has some incredible, unreleased tracks, such as her one-time favorite track ‘Karoli’ by Garnizov, and the incredibly soulful ‘Clown’ and ‘White Bird’ by Erikona. Also, her original performance of ‘Pravo Poslednei Nochi’ by Krutoi. These and other quality tracks (like the self-penned lyric of ‘Po Lezveu Lubvi’) should hopefully see the light of day, as they are diamonds.

Did you know; the track ‘Odinokaya’ appeared on two albums possibly because of a mastering issue, the re-recorded duet of ‘Nezakoncheni Roman’ w/ M. Shufutinsky many years after the original w/ I. Krutoi has true full-circle meaning, that there was an official 3 track CD single from the ‘Tuchi’ album and that Allegrova released three romance novels? There are many more truly unique facts in the artistic career of such an impressive stage artist & singer. By the way, a cook-book release by Irina, would be appreciated by many of her fans.

All in all, Irina is both an extremely sensitive person, a truly gifted chooser of material and an honestly expressive talent of it’s meaning. She has amazing charm and knows how to connect and disconnect like no other.

To me, she is a teacher and a lady I respect.

Thus I wish Irina Allegrova lots of love & success with her endeavors.

Sincerely,

Mikhail Tank