Music CD details

'BALKAN EXPRESS -
Rare Gems From
Yugoslavian Vaults'

Various Artists

(CS-13)

CD release from Cosmic Sounds London of rare jazz tracks compiled ZELJKO KERLETA.

Extract from sleeve notes:

RTB BIG BAND – BALKAN EKSPRES, RTB Big Band is institution on it's own. It is like a Jazz academy. Almost everyone who did anything in Jazz in Yugoslavia went through this band. It was formed in 1948 and still going strong. In 1978 they released double album for their 30 anniversary packed with quality music. Balkan Ekspres is just one of them. Tough funky fusion with excellent arrangements.

MISHA BLAM - SECANJE (MEMORY), Misha is the best and probably the most used bass player in Yugoslavia also well known for organizing Belgrade Jazz Festivals. He was a long time companion of Dusko Gojkovic and member of RTB Big band but had some projects as a leader as well. Here is represented with extremely tasteful and deep fusion track from his LP "Secanja" (Memories). The track rises gradually and gets you more and more by every second.

LALA KOVACEV - EMINA, Lala is the most original and definitely the best Yugoslavian drummer. Slow and deep fusion with a heavy funky bass line based on the traditional folklore theme. Full of excellent break beats. Check brilliant soulful solos on trumpet and saxophone.

MILAN STOJANOVIC - BAG’S GROOVE, This track is taken from the extremely rare 7" EP from 1961 and was the only record that multi instrumentalist Stojanovic recorded under his name. He plays flute on this track and resemblance to Yusef Lateef is unbelievable. I had to check cover to make sure.

DUSKO GOJKOVIC - QUO VADIS SAMBA, There is no need to talk about trumpeter Dusko. He is the best known Yugoslavian musician. Quo Vadis Samba is taken from the LP "Trumpet and Rhythm Units" and is Jazz Samba at it's best. It drives all the way through. Tip for DJs: Play it in a mix with Shamek Farrah's "Waiting For Marvin".

GABY NOVAK - CARAVAN, Gaby is well known singer but not in Jazz. Popular music and ballads were her forte. Digging through the crates I was supprised to find her Jazz 10" from the early 60’s including this astonishing version of Caravan. Very trippy 60’s sound and beautiful voice of Gaby will definitely move you up. The most enlightening version I've ever heard. Works excellent in clubs.

BIG BAND RTS - NE GA SI PRODAVAJ, RTB Big Band under the new name (Radio Television Serbia) strikes back. After all these years the quality has just improved. Amazing combination of Macedonian and Latino rhythms, and when you expect the least, beautiful string arrangements. It is a masterpiece and knowing that guests are Stjepko Gut, Peter Mihelich, Reggie Johnson and Alvin Queen there is no wonder. It is also worth mentioning String Ensemble “Jazzart”.

BORA ROKOVIC - STRING-EM, Pianist Rokovic was for many years member of RTB Big Band and also known by his work on MPS. String-Em is a soundtrack style composition consistent of several parts. It changes mood several times, from strings arrangements to Jazz-Fusion with solid bass line and back. Other musicians on this track are RTB Studio Ensemble and Mica Markovic on tenor sax with mad, mad solo at the end. 

GBP 9.97

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'BALKAN EXPRESS -
Rare Gems From
Yugoslavian Vaults'

Various Artists

(CS-13)

REVIEWS

ECHOES magazine Elia Rulli 
Enough on here to have you purring for weeks, from the Head Hunters-esque title track from RTB Big Band, to the soundtracky Emina courtesy of Lala Kovacev. But the two tracks here destined to make noise are clear: Bora Rokovic's String-Em which inhabits a world all it's own. Several worlds, in fact, mixing some fine string arrangements with nasty funk. And for vocal fans, Gaby Novak's take on Caravan will have you absolutely fienin'. 

DUSTY GROOVE AMERICA 
In the tradition of the excellent other compilations on the Cosmic Sounds label -- this set features some killer jazz and funk gems from Yugoslavia, the kinds of tunes that we might have missed otherwise, thanks to the Iron Curtain! Finding the set's like discovering a pile of great records in the back of some dusty bookshop in a neighborhood you've never visited before -- as each one's got a different groove, mixing together electric funk with big band swinging and small combo modal grooving. 

STRAIGHT NO CHASER C.P. 
Generally, I'll pass over compilations - there's simply too many available and rarely do you find one that's actually sayin' it! However, three tracks in on 'Balkan Express' I'm compelled to jump to and proudly present one that does. Rare Yugoslavian jazz/fusion gems that you're never going to have the pleasure of experiencing unless you take my advice and hunt this LP down. You needn't be a jazz dance enthusiast to appreciate this glorious tracks. The smokey atmosphere of Pork recordings from Tom Tyler would sit perfectly along side the heavenly Lala Kovacev, ripping it up with horn solos on intergalactic tip. Listening to the jazz samba magic from Dusko Gojkovic I'm transported to Russ Dewbury's Jazz rooms. Extraordinary is the only word fit to describe 'Caravan', which is sung in native tongue by Gaby Novak and simply buzzes along augmented by the funkiest of backing vocals. You'll not be disappointed. (C.P.) 

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