Balkans Without Borders

Amazon.com
In the 1990s Balkan music became an underpinning for everything from Downtown New York jazz to a variety of postrock flavors emerging from the West Coast and the twin cities of Minnesota. Here's an expert collection of both North American and European artists playing their Balkan cards. Judging by these selections, the Balkan appeal is rooted dually in the music's speed and instrumental varieties. Charming Hostess chime in with their Angelite-like voices as drums rumble; the Klezmatics, on the other hand, build on Loren Sklamberg's tremulous voice and a spare piano melody. Then there are the more traditional nods--Muzsikas playing "Máramarosi Táncock" and Grupi Albanët feasting on an Albanian love song that yearns and jolts at once. And it's worth noting that proceeds from this packed CD will benefit the vanguard Doctors Without Borders medical organization. --Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

Dali Tzerni - Charming Hostess
Sjaj Mjesece (Shine Moon) - Zabe I Babe
Hosa Dyna - Brave Combo
Surfin' Albania - Immigrant Suns
Esma - Slobo Horo
Hajde Bukuri (Come, Beauty) - Grupi Albanet
Godecki Cacak - The Reptile Palace Orchesta
The Stars Are Shining (Radio Edit) - Szeki Kurva
Gankino Horo - Farmers Market
Geamparalele Tsambalul - Alexander Fedoriouk & Ensemble 'Harmonia'
Zurle - Balkan Tribes
An Undoing World - Klezmatics
Ti Se Meli (What Do You Care...) - Annabouboula
Maramarosi Tancok (Maramaros Dances) - Muzsikas
Halling From Macedonia - Garmarna
Tiring Night - Meira Asher & Kocani Orkestar
Kako Kolan Da Se Vijem (Like A Belt I'll Wind) - Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band
Izniknami Badem Drvo - Mike Watt & Masina
Rece Cica - Sviraj
Anapse To Tsigaro (Live) - Three Mustaphas Three
Shopetzki Kopanitsa - Boiled In Lead

Amazon.com

In the 1990s Balkan music became an underpinning for everything from Downtown New York jazz to a variety of postrock flavors emerging from the West Coast and the twin cities of Minnesota. Here's an expert collection of both North American and European artists playing their Balkan cards. Judging by these selections, the Balkan appeal is rooted dually in the music's speed and instrumental varieties. Charming Hostess chime in with their Angelite-like voices as drums rumble; the Klezmatics, on the other hand, build on Loren Sklamberg's tremulous voice and a spare piano melody. Then there are the more traditional nods--Muzsikas playing "Máramarosi Táncock" and Grupi Albanët feasting on an Albanian love song that yearns and jolts at once. And it's worth noting that proceeds from this packed CD will benefit the vanguard Doctors Without Borders medical organization. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful CD.......2004-01-16