Richard Cifersky Archives - Bluegrass Today

Introducing Leveled Floor in the Slovak Republic

Great news from our friend, banjo player Richard Ciferský in The Slovak Republic. On top of his many entrepreneurial ventures with his Banjolit company, and his recent children’s book, The Adventures of Willo the Dwarf, Richard has announced the formation of a new band, Leveled Floor, to play his original compositions for banjo.

Ciferský’s music has always leaned towards a jazz orientation, and now he has gone all out. Leveled Floor consists of himself on banjo, Michal Vavro on guitar, Marian Jaslovský on sax, Jozef Madola on bass, and Jakub Valíček on drums. They perform Richard’s instrumental pieces, as well as work from other composers and vocal music.

According to Richard, the band fell into place over a few months time.

“Everything started in February when I was planning a release party for my book and CD, The Adventures of Willo the Dwarf.

I asked Michal, the guitarist who recorded on the CD to play, and I asked my old friend Marian, our saxophone player, if he could cover the fiddle parts which are on the original recording.

After the release party I got so much positive feedback, and the musicians pushed me to continue and create a regular band.

Marian brought on board new bass player Jozef, and he immediately became a member and started co-working on the arrangements of my songs. Then in September I got in contact with Jakub and asked him to play drums with us.

At the end of September we had our first concert.”

To offer a flavor of their sound, they have released a music video for Don’t Drink My Orange Juice, which seems to indicate that Richard’s bandmates aren’t very good at taking direction.

Have a look/listen…

You can learn more about Leveled Floor by visiting their web site, where you can contact the band about performing.

Changes afoot at Banjolit

Richard Ciferský in the Banjolit shop

Richard Ciferský in the Slovak Republic has announced some big changes with his internationally popular banjo accessories company, Banjolit. His partner of the past 11 years, Miroslav Durai, has decided to break away to focus on his banjo and mandolin business, Coall Instruments, also located in Slovakia, and Richard has had to prepare a new workshop in Bratislava to build and finish the various products he offers.

Perhaps their most popular items are wooden armrests for banjo and mandolin called Dr. Arm. Banjo players like that it presents a wooden surface to their forearm rather than the metal, which not only gets quite hot in the summer, but also causes allergy issues for people who are sensitive to nickel. For mandolinists, Dr. Arm allows players to avoid damaging the finish of their instruments through contact with their skin.

To fabricate these and other BanjoLit products, Richard has built and fitted a new workshop, with new machinery to help him turn out Dr. Arms, and their Banjo Picking Trainers, a small wooden practice device for banjo players to work on rolls and right hand patterns without needing to break out your banjo.

Richard is very proud of his shop, and shared some photos of his new work space.

Banjolit also offers high quality leather straps, a very handy banjo multi-tool, and a number of products designed for acoustic musicians using professional sound reinforcement. They also have their own line of banjo strings. All can be seen online.

Congratulations and best of luck, Richard!

The Adventures of Willo the Dwarf

Slovak banjoist Richard Ciferský, founder of innovative music accessory company Banjolit and banjo man with Bill Faster in the Slovak Republic, has released a unique and interesting project called The Adventures of Willo the Dwarf, which combines an audio CD with new, original bluegrass songs, with a children’s book he has written.

Sized like a normal CD, the package opens to reveal a 20-page book, with charming illustrations by Kateřina Hruschková, that follows the story of Willo and his search for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Each section of the book’s text corresponds with an audio track on the CD, and the reader is prompted to listen to the song at the end of each brief chapter. One can easily see a young child or grandchild wanting to “read” the story over and over, insisting on also hearing the songs that complete the tale.

Richard wrote this story in his native Slovak language, and then translated it into English with the assistance of Becky Buller, who also wrote one of the songs.

Willo’s adventure brings him into contact with all sorts of things youngsters love, like fairies and friendly dragons, and the moral of the story supports belief in our dreams, along with the values of love and friendship.

Performing on the CD are Michal Vavro on guitar, Richard Ciferský on banjo, Martin Burza on fiddle, Henrich Novák on reso-guitar, and Loes van Schaijk on vocals.

It’s hard to imagine a young child or early reader who wouldn’t enjoy The Adventures of Willo the Dwarf.

It can be purchased for $19 from the Banjolit web site.

Two new bluegrass jam videos from Czech and Slovak Republics

Evidence for the influence of bluegrass music in eastern Europe grows more obvious by the day, as we hear and see music from former communist countries that rivals anything produced here in the States.

The story of bluegrass in both the Slovak and Czech Republics goes back many years, when the then clearly American sound of the music was part of underground efforts to learn about the outside world which the Soviets tried to prevent their citizens from doing. Bluegrass, along with blue jeans and many other American or western things, was a symbol of freedom to young dissidents in these one-time satellite nations, secretly obtained shared amongst themselves. So when these regions opened up after the fall of the USSR, the west discovered a burgeoning bluegrass scene already in place.

Now a second generation of grassers in eastern Europe is continuing the tradition, producing some truly brilliant players and singers the match of the best we have here in the US.

As evidence, here are two recent videos produced by Ralph Schut of the Czech bluegrass band, G-runs ‘n Roses, along with some of his bandmates and friends in both the Czech and Slovak Republics. Like their compatriots around the world, COVID restrictions had made travel and live performances rare for them this year, but they created these videos remotely to whet their bluegrass appetites all the same.

Up first is this version of Jesse Brock’s Kickin’ Grass, featuring Ralph on guitar, along with Honza Maca of the legendary Czech band Poutnici on mandolin, Richard Cifersky of Bill Faster on banjo, Milan Benkovic of the Slovak country band Neznámi on reso-guitar, Martin Burza of G-runs ‘n Roses on fiddle, and Erik Banic of the band East-West on bass.

In addition to serving up some stout grass, keep an eye on Martin’s antics leading up to his fiddle break.

This next brings in a couple of other artists for a rendition of the Randall Hylton classic, Cold Sheets of Rain, with Ralph’s brother Chris on lead vocal.

A full personnel listing includes Chris Schut of the rock band Holy Water on guitar and lead vocal, Erik Banic on bass and tenor vocal, Ralph Schut on mandolin and baritone vocal, and David Benda of the Czech bluegrass band The Milkeaters on banjo.

Chris did the audio mixing for both tracks, with Eric handling the video editing.

All of the bands represented by these pickers are worth your effort to investigate and learn about the music being made in eastern Europe under the bluegrass banner.

Well done all!

Bill Faster returns in eastern Europe

With banjoist Richard Ciferský’s return to the Slovak Republic after a time in the US, he has created a touring duo with fiddler and vocalist Martin Burza. They have chosen to perform under the same name they had used in a band together previously, Bill Faster.

They have shared one of their tunes via video, one Richard wrote called Don’t Drink My Orange Juice.

You can keep up with Richard and Martin online.

Richard Cifersky leaves Dale Ann

Richard Cifersky has announced his departure from Dale Ann Bradley’s band. He had been touring with her since he arrived in the United States this spring from his native Slovak Republic.

An experienced, professional banjo player, Cifersky spent more than a year raising the money and preparing the paperwork required to be granted a work visa to come to the US and play bluegrass. The terms of his visa allow him only to work in the music industry, so Richard is hoping to find a gig with another bluegrass group.

He is currently based in Knoxville, TN where he works with country/bluegrass duo, WestWend.

Richard is also a dedicated bluegrass entrepreneur, having launched a number of bluegrass and banjo-related ventures. His 24/7 online bluegrass radio project, Radio Velvet, recently ceased operation in the Slovak Republic, but his Banjolit company, which creates and markets innovative products for banjo players, remains in operation.

The job with Bradley was a big help in obtaining the necessary immigration status for Cifersky, and he expressed gratitude for her assistance.

“After five months working for Dale Ann Bradley, I am excited to see what the next step in my music and personal life will be. Dale Ann and I had a conversation about her personal and band preferences for the banjo player in her band, and we agreed to discontinue our cooperation. I had amazing time with her band and, for me, it was a new experience to work with US musicians. I would like a say my personal thanks to Dale Ann for all her help, and I wish her all the best for her future plans.

Right now I will start working on my own band, and will continue working with my friends Jonathan and Wendy from WestWend. Also I am excited go next month to the studio and work with Anteflow Records on my new duet CD, which will be part of the fairytale book I have written.

I am also open for any new cooperation with other musicians as this is one of the reasons why I came to the USA. I would like to learn and be a better player. Maybe to some I am not a straight bluegrass banjo player, but I am happy and proud that many people like my style, and they know that is me on the stage.”

More information about Richard and his music can be found online, where anyone seeking a banjo picker can contact him directly.

Congratulations Richard and Kiki!

It’s definitely bluegrass wedding season!

On August 8, Kristýna Otáhalová and Richard Cifersky were married in a beautiful mansion garden in Velky Tynec, Czech Republic. Richard is currently the banjo player with Dale Ann Bradley, and has only recently come to America on a work visa.

Kristen (Kiki) is from Czech Republic and Richard from Slovak Republic. They were happy to bring all of their families together for the wedding, followed by a lovely lunch reception in nearby Olomouc. The couple had known each other for the past six years.

And yes, they did pose for a wedding photo with his banjo!

Richard is now back in the USA and Kiki will come over at the end of next month so that they can start their life together in Tennessee. They are both looking forward to seeing everyone at World of Bluegrass.

Congratulations Richard and Kiki!

Radio Velvet to shut down

More sad news from the world of internet radio…

Richard Cifersky has informed us that his European online bluegrass radio project, Radio Velvet, has discontinued their streaming service. The Slovak-based 24/7 network has been operating for the past two years, managed by Cifersky along with a team of both US and European show hosts.

Their goal had been to offer a place where European bluegrass and acoustic music would be presented, mixed with popular bluegrass artists from the United States. Richard succeeded in finding an audience for the service, but as he has now moved to the states to build a career as a banjo player, he is unable to continue operating it on his own.

Here is the statement he provided to explain his decision.

After a few months of preparing and almost 2 years running my special project called Radio Velvet, I have decide to discontinue this unique internet radio station project.

You may be wondering why… There are only 2 reasons. One is that I was unable to find any real partners that were interested in running this radio station with me, as this project needed more than one person. The other reason is financial. Royalty fees for the internet radio station will cost 3 times more beginning July 2016, and I am unable to pay the Radio Velvet expenses by myself.

I am still so happy that I was able do something like this, and I was lucky to meet such great people that helped me start this programming. I am also thankful for those who helped me to pay the Radio Velvet bills and also for the people who provided a show on Radio Velvet. I would like a say big thank to these people, for without them Radio Velvet would not be Radio Velvet.

Thanks to:

3K Media – insure the Radio Velvet streaming

Jirka Markalous – Radio Velvet iPhone designer

Jaroslav Lunacek / ELBH – financial support

Soza – they give us in 2015 financial grant for special music project in Slovakia

Exo Hosting – web hosting support

Stu Vincet – Radio Velvet Dj – Bluegrass & Beyond show

Tom Adams – Radio Velvet Dj – Adams County Banjo show

Mark Welch – Radio Velvet Dj – The Global Grass show

Henrich Novák – Radio Velvet Dj – Resoland Country show

Paul Lyttle – Radio Velvet Dj – Blue Waves show

Spencer Sorenson & Arne Sorensen – Radio Velvet Djs – Scandinavian Spotlight show

Gordon Prest – Radio Velvet Dj – Up North, Down South show

Honza Máca – Radio Velvet Dj – What Musicians Listen show

Cia Cherryholmes – Radio Velvet Dj – Hit of the Week

Also I must say thanks to all the listeners who enjoyed Radio Velvet programming.

What is the future of Radio Velvet? July 1st we have stopped doing live streaming, but we will keep our website up, and you will be able to listen to 10 previous shows from each DJ – provided the show has 10 previous sessions. We will be running the website until the end of the year. If I do not find anyone who would like to join the RV team, I will completely cancel this project January 1st 2017. If I do find someone, and we find a way to continue, maybe there will be longer future for Radio Velvet.

If you have any comments or any ideas you can contact me via email: info@radiovelvet.eu.

Thanks again to everybody, and I hope I will meet some of you somewhere down the road.

Cifersky is now playing banjo with Dale Ann Bradley, and with Knoxville-based Americana duo, WestWend. He is also teaching private banjo lessons in Knoxville. Current plans involve Richard starting work soon on a duets CD to accompany his recently-completed children book. He says that he hopes to have it ready before the end of the year.

He will also continue operating his BanjoLit web company, which designs and markets accessories and innovative projects for string musicians.

Richard Ciferský to Dale Ann Bradley

A few months ago we shared an appeal from Slovak banjo picker and entrepreneur Richard Ciferský, who was seeking financial assistance with the legal costs of obtaining a work visa to play music in the United States. Richard had visited the US many times, but to work here legally and establish residency involves a great deal of paperwork and red tape.

Ciferský arrived in the US just a few days ago, which coincided with the announcement that Stuart Wyrick was leaving Dale Ann Bradley’s group for Flashback. Dale Ann had performed with Richard in Europe many times before, and snapped him right up for her touring band.

After enduring the rigorous process to be approved for his visa, and making the long journey from eastern Europe, he was delighted to find a gig right away. Richard shared his gratitude for all the people who helped him with the visa issues along with his news.

“First I would like a thank to everyone who helped to me with my new working visa as finally I got it for 3 years, which is the maximum. Also I would like a say thanks to everyone who supported my Indiegogo visa campaign. Specially must say thanks to Jonathan Maness (from WestWend band) who is my visa sponsor, because without him I could not be able be here. Also would like a say thanks for all work to lawyers from Global Access who worked on all of the paperwork for me.

Right now I also have great music news as I got offer from Dale Ann Bradley and I will be new banjo player in her band. I will also play with WestWend from Knoxville and I am interested in building my own project over here.

Also I am ready to record my new solo duet CD, which will include my original music and a small book with a fairytale which I wrote about Willy the dwarf and his adventures. I spoke with some players and I hope I will have on CD great players and my heroes like: Kenny Smith, Adam Steffey, Jonathan Maness, Steve Gulley, Marshall Wilborn, Dale Ann Bradley, Rob Ickes, Alan Bibey and others.”

Bradley was stoked to reunite with her Slovak friend, and complete her stage lineup.

“I have known Richard for a good while now. He has sponsored three European tours for Steve Gulley and myself. You get to know a musician personally and learn what they can do musically when you spend that amount of time with them. So glad to see his dream of playing in the United States become a reality and have him be part of my band. Looking forward to working with the caliber of musician and person that Richard is.”

Look for Richard with Dale Ann starting with the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival next weekend. You can check her touring schedule online.

Cifersky and Kozak – February Mountain Tour 2016

Richard Cifersky and Ondra Kozak have shared this music video they produced to help promote their upcoming February Mountain Tour 2016 in central Europe. The two super pickers are among Europe’s best, and have performed in many of the top bluegrass bands over there.

The duo (banjo/guitar) will have a run through the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Slovak Republic starting next weekend.

Here’s their video performance of Little Maggie.

Richard and Ondra also have a tour planned this Spring with Cia Cherryholmes and Stetson Addison of Songs Of The Fall. They are coming to Europe in April for a week’s worth of shows.

You can find info on the tour dates online.