About Stumari

The group “Stumari” (Guest) was founded in 2002. They got their name quite by accident when they were invited to perform as the guests at a joint concert with some other groups. By that time the group still didn’t have a name. The word “Stumari” (Guest) on the poster was interpreted by many as the group’s name and it stuck since then.

At that gig the line-up of the group was as follows: Davit Khositashvili, Nino Djandjgava, Ramaz Gokadze, Raphael Crohas, Davit Abuladze and Guram makalatia.

The concert brought its results: the members of Strumari decided to work harder and do more. This ended in the first album, Rope Bridge. All titles were recorded and produced in the group’s own Author’s Studio. The album was released in 2004. The Rope Bridge was one of the first significant works of the studio. Musicians appearing in this album are: Davit Khositashvili, Nino Djandjgava, Marina Djandjgava and Guram Makalatia.

The album became quite successful and sold well. It consisted of the following titles:

Dasalotsi (Prayer)

Chiora (Little bird)

Gvtis Brdzanebit (The Will of God)

Khasanbegura

Zgarbunebi (Little Hedgehogs)

Khorumi (A Georgian Dance)

Nana (Lullaby)

Shuqurvarskvlavo (Shining Star)

Betsvis Khidi (Rope Bridge)

Odoia

In 2005 the group took part in the international festival “Manover” in Leipzig, Germany. Stumari performed together with the members of Georgian Martial Arts Theatre. The performance had very large audience and good response. The line-up at that concert: Davit Khositashvili, Nino Djandjgava, Marina Djandjgava.

In 2006 Stumari was invited to the Festival of South Caucasus, which was held in the town of Die, France. For this festival the group was joined by Giorgi Khositashvili – bass and doli (Georgian drum).

In the beginning of 2008 Nodar Man (percussions) joined the group. With this line-up “Stumari” peformed several concerts and in 2009 the second album, Dila (Morning) was released. Most titles are recorded in the Author’s Studio. Two titles, “House Angel” and “Lark And Owl” were recorded at “Step Records”’ Studio by soundesigner Irakli Manchkhashvili. The musicians appearing in the album are: Davit Khositashvili, Nino Djandjgava, Marina Djandjgava, Davit Tsintsadze (vocals), Kaki Djaparidze (doli) and Nodar Man.

Titles of Dila:
Morning
Fox’s Complaint
Lark and Owl
Fish Sing by the Anchor
Scenes from Country Life
Shepherd’s Song
Three Wolves
My House
Artificial Paradise
House Angel

In the end of 2009 Tamuna Mirianashvili (double bass) came to Stumari making the spectrum of the group’s sound even wider.

The band “Stumari” has its own very unique style. In its music Georgian traditional sound are blended with the tunes characteristic of classical music and various musical styles. The musicians don’t confine themselves to narrow genre frames. Instead, they experiment baldly with unusual rhythms and harmonies. Lyrics are taken from archaic and early Christian sources as well as from the modern poetry.

Currently “Stumari” is preparing for the presentation of the second album and the concert dedicated to it. The third album is on the way.