FRAGMENT- A Band To Watch.

Stephen Mougin

Imagine taking four of your acquaintances, flying to a foreign country, and living there for four months. Now imagine that same group, in that same
country, traveling around in a van, sleeping in motel rooms, and performing for audiences who are not quite sure what to expect. Of course I am talking about the Bluegrass band FRAGMENT from the Czech and Slovak Republics. They have gained global attention, winning both the SPGBMA European Bluegrass Band Championship in 1998 and the EBMA Bluegrass Band Competition in 2004, and enjoy showcasing their musical talents in a summer-long tour of the United States each year.

A fragment is something that has broken away from its greater whole, and in this case, a band that has, in part, broken away from its musical heritage.
Performing "newgrass" was the original goal in 1983 when founding member Henrich Novak helped to create the goup. In its twenty year history,
musical focus has evolved, now applying traditional bluegrass ideals to a more contemporary style of song rather than simply copying the newgrass
movement. Currently performing material by such musicians as Flatt and Scruggs, Gordon Lightfoot, and Sting, Fragment draws from a wide variety of bluegrass tradition and continues to look to other genres for inspiration.

The music they perform is, unequivocally, top notch. Their playing has drawn the critical ear of many bluegrass dignitaries, and all seem to agree
- Fragment, simply, is a great bluegrass act.

Fragment is not just one of the better "European" bands--they belong right there with modern American bluegrass groups. They knocked Blue Highway's collective socks off when we heard them in Slovakia back in 1998. The band may have had some personnel changes since then, but the aesthetic behind the music remains the same: Great lead and harmony vocals, excellent instrumentation (as a guitarist, I can tell you Tomas Jurena knocks off some incredible guitar breaks!) and a taste for material appropriate to the context of contemporary bluegrass. If you like this kind of music, you'll love Fragment--I guarantee it. -- Tim Stafford, Blue Highway

As if gaining the approval of bluegrass icon Tim Stafford isn't enough, the band recently began receiving sponsorship from one of the largest string
companies in the business, GHS Strings. A corporation that deals with bands from many musical genres, the endorsement is a testament to the bands
prowess.

Signing with American talent agency "Hope River Entertainment" was another major step for Fragment. Having the assistance of long-time friend Terry Lease, the band had successfully toured in the states for several years. In order to get more shows, he encouraged the group to find a permanent agency that would work year round acquiring bookings. At the 2003 IBMA convention in Louisville, Ky they joined the "Hope River" family which includes powerhouse bluegrass acts; Randy Kohrs and the Lights, Michelle Nixon and Drive, Audie Blaylock and Redline, and others.

Fragment can play and sing, that much we already know! While the music of the band is something that you simply need to hear to fully appreciate, it
would seem appropriate to share some of the rigors of the road to gain a better understanding of the group. Having had the opportunity to travel with
the band for a couple of gigs in 2004, I was able to witness their dedication first hand. I would like to introduce you to the people that make up this fine act, and the roles they take in bringing their brand of bluegrass to the world.
I was impressed at how efficient and focused the band was. This is not a band made up of so-called side men. In order to function as a whole they
work as an army, each member having specific, assigned duties that showcase their strengths. Whether driving, navigating, or speaking English, each
person takes an active role in the well-being of the group.

Jana, lead vocalist and bass player, is the most fluent English speaker of the ensemble and, therefore, handles all communications. When you watch
Fragment perform, you will notice her comfortable stage banter, often joking with the audience or poking fun at a band mate. She speaks with promoters, fans, and media personality regarding shows, and is in constant contact with the agency. The band typically stays in a single hotel room unless concert venues provide otherwise, and she is in charge of finding the most economical accommodations, whether at a friends home or a hotel along the road.

Tomas, guitar player and official navigator of the band, leads them over twenty thousand miles each summer. If you take a moment to review the tour
itinerary on www.fragmentband.com , you will notice that this is a daunting task. Native bands often have trouble finding smaller concert venues without the added nuisance of reading road signs and directions in a foreign language! Though he is responsible for wrong turns and typical travel
frustrations, his most memorable mishap involved his other job in the band. In 2003, at a hotel near Dollywood, the band was afraid that they might have to round up some money for bail. It seems that concerned citizens called security when they saw a young man wandering around the building. After several tense minutes, he finally explained to them that he was in search of an ice machine to fill the cooler that they carry for snacks and drinks!

Richard, the band comedian and banjo player (although those may be one and the same! -sorry banjo players!), handles all of the accounting during the tour. In addition to logging all of the receipts, he logs quite a few hours behind the steering wheel as one of the two drivers for the band. They
traveled over twenty-three thousand miles this past year and they enjoy the opportunity to relax on days off. During down time on the 2004 tour Richard picked up a new hobby when the band discovered bowling. He was pretty good, but we all agreed that he should stick to banjo!

All merchandise is handled by mandolin player and vocalist Milan, who sets up the table and keeps track of sales at each venue. Most importantly, he is the chief chef of the band, and is very good. With his head full of wonderful recipes, he is happy to prepare meals for the group and anyone
they happen to be staying with. This is a nice reprieve for the band, since it is difficult to find traditional European delights at roadside restaurants. Also charmed with a comic wit, he often jokes with fans and fellow musicians.

Henrich the resophonic player is the other driver for the band and handles website design and maintenance. He is a fluent English speaker as well, so
he often assists Jana in conversation with press, promoters, and fans. An avid entomologists, Henrich spends a great deal of time searching for and
collecting bugs. While riding around in a van full of dead critters may not be my idea of fun, the band handles it very well.

In fact, they are very good at getting along! It sounds like a simple thing, but having to spend that much time together is tremendously taxing. They
respect each others space and privacy, and do a really good job of looking out for one another. There is a lot of compromise involved. That's the only
way the group can stay together and tour for such a great length of time.

They love to pick. At any given moment, when they are on the road, someone will have an instrument out! Unless they are eating, which is a favorite
pastime of the band. Tomas happens to be the best eater in the band, often making buffet owners shake in their boots! They love to spend time outdoors in national parks and other interesting locations along the road. And, did I mention, they love to pick!

Fragment is fast becoming a force in the bluegrass world. With the help of GHS strings and Hope River Entertainment, they have forged ahead with their music. Fans, colleagues, and promoters simply cannot believe the fine bluegrass music produced by this wonderful band.

Summergrass San Diego is proud to have presented Fragment in its first-ever California appearance. We'll be bragging about that for years to
come! One of our goals as a festival is to introduce our audience members each year to at least one band they haven't heard before, but will become
one of their favorites as soon as they've heard them. Fragment definitely fit that bill. They were the "discovery" band at our 2004 festival, and they
were such a big hit that they will be returning in 2005, closer this time to a "headliner" than a "discovery."
Betty Wheeler, Entertainment Chair, Summergrass San Diego

Fragment pays homage to the traditional style, while staking claim to their own piece of bluegrass turf. The bluegrass music scene is ever-changing and
the front line of the movement is lead by folks like Jana, Henrich, Tomas, Richard, and Milan. It is nice to see such fine people get together and pursue the music they love. When you hear them, you won't care where they come from, you'll just wonder where they've been.
Both on and off stage, Fragment will make you smile!