Ljova and the Kontraband recently delivered a captivating Tiny Desk concert showcasing their unique blend of Western classical, jazz, tango, and Eastern European and Balkan folk music. Led by composer, arranger, and viola player Ljova (Lev Zhurbin), the band features top-tier musicians from Russia, Lithuania, the U.S., and Switzerland, resulting in a truly eclectic and innovative sound.

Among the standout moments of the performance was the rendition of "By the Campfire," a song with roots tracing back to 12th-century Germany, skillfully brought to life by Ljova and his bandmates. Ljova's musical background, including collaborations with notable artists like Jay Z, Asha Bhosle, and Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, underscores his versatility and wide-ranging influences.

The concert's atmosphere ranged from deep earthiness to fragile tenderness, with ebullient humor and quicksilver shifts in texture adding layers of complexity to the experience. Ljova's wife, the talented Lithuanian vocalist Inna Barmash, further enhanced the performance with her sweet voice, contributing to the ensemble's enchanting presence at the Tiny Desk.