Boris Grebenshchikov, the St Petersburg star of Russian rock sensation Aquarium, unveiled his latest solo album "The Navigator" last week.
Recorded last month at London's Livingston Studios, the album is out for general release on September 1.
This album, his 23rd, contains 13 melancholy Russian songs. It has been hailed as his most creative in recent years.
The lyrics plow through a range of unhappy, tortured emotions, with lines like "I don't care -- only want you to be happier." Others are more mystical: "My death is riding in a black car with a blue butterfly." Some lines are aggressive, "I'm not sorry I was born here... but if I can catch the person who arranged it, I would like to strangle him."
The melodies range from deeply Russian to the accompaniment of an accordion, to hard rock styles somehow reminiscent of a shaman dance in the night forest.
"I wrote each of these songs in 2-3 hours, and each was completed in a day. Yes, we did it quickly but then perhaps someone might have needed these songs," said Grebenshchikov.
In addition to the members of his rock-band Aquarium, 14 British musicians participated in the recording sessions, including his friends, Dave Mattacks (drummer), Mick Taylor (guitar) and Danny Thompson (double bass).
Mattacks is known for his work with the bands Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull, and the singers Elton John and Paul McCartney. Taylor has worked with the Rolling Stones, while Thompson has collaborated with Pentangle and Donovan.
"The recording got of to a good start, went on well and finished well," said Grebenshchikov. Our English colleagues were surprised how quickly we completed everything -- in just over one month.
"People ask me why it was recorded in England. Well, I was brought up on English music; it was instilled in me from my childhood," he added.
Grebenshchikov said he was grateful to London's Livingston Studio, which was "the ideal place for recording," and that he will be delighted to record his next albums there as well.
To pay for its production expenses, the rock group took out a bank loan in the hopes that the album will be a success.
And what's next on his list? Grenbenshchikov simply said, "Now I'm off to my summer house in Valdai to write some new songs."