The vocal divas – Ana, Katarina, Maja, Jelena, Natasa, Irena and Patricia- have, perhaps with historic interest, named their band “Rivers.” The name should be of no surprise to any native Croatian; for Croatia is, after all, a land laden with rivers, its magical hinterland and unforgettable Dinaric peaks.

So what’s their secret? The girls’ repertoire is based on vocal experimentation accompanied by piano and percussion. And picture this: they tackle with gospel, soul and jazz- thus identifying themselves with the world known vocal groups such as “Neri per Caso, Take Six, Swingle Singers, New York voices, Manhattan Transfer,” and the related jazz.

These ladies have already established their claim to fame in Croatia. Their first album has been released under “Aquarius Records,” they have already worked with famous Croatian jazz musicians by the names of Bosko Petrovic, Elvis Stanic, Igor Gerzine and Henry Radanovic, to name a few (there are more), and they’ve also already participated at a myriad Croatian festivals- like the famous fetes of “Sibenski festival Sansona,” “Liburnia Jazz Festival (2003 & 2004)” and additional jazz festivals in Groznjan and Novigrad in 2005.

Just recently, “Rivers” won a music award for the play “Mir s Vama” of ‘The Puppet Theater’ in Rijeka, and they are scheduled to participate in more upcoming plays in Croatia, such as: “Suma Striborova.”

So heads up, Manhattanites! As the savvy seven climb the charts in Croatia, we can sincerely prepare to hear more of them, and this time, here in Manhattan. The sensational seven will, perhaps with efficacy, lionize this coveted term “Croatian Sensation.”

BY THE NYCROATS STAFF