The Balkan Hour

New Music Blog by DJ from Mehanata (Bulgarian Bar)

2010-01-11T19:46:00.003-05:00

There's a new music blog at http://rromix.com. The blog focuses on new Gypsy and Balkan influenced music, mostly of lesser known bands that have a hard time getting exposure on other sites. The blogger is a DJ in the Bulgarian Bar in New York and I am trying to get as many people exposed to this music as possible, especially in the US where it's not yet as popular.

Take a look at the music they talking about there and definitely listen to their selections.

Great Stuff. Great Bar. Nuff said.

Alo Mange Liloro - Ederlezi Avela | Time of the Gypsies

2009-10-17T22:50:00.004-04:00

I received an email a couple of days ago about a Serbian film, The Time of the Gypsies, asking about the song Ederlezi Avela. I thought I would just post our conversation to help out other people interested on the topic:

Here is the video clip that the reader sent me to find out more about the song and were to find it online:

Okay, so I talked to my Roma friends from Bulgaria and I think I know this song. My friend told me that it became famous from the movie, but i'm not really sure. As a United States Peace Corps volunteer, I definitely listened to this song at parties and gatherings. From all my music I have, I wasn't able to find an MP3 to share (but most of the music I have is poorly labeled from my Bulgarian friends) so sorry about that. Someone called Nela Trifkovic from Australia has written extensively about this topic and I encourage you to read it:

http://bradmilo.tripod.com/research/Articles/balkan_as_a_metaphore_chapter3.htm

There are at least two variations of the song, one that is a roma folk song for Ederlezi (St. George's Day, which I can say from personal experience, that the celebration is amazing). The other is based off of goran bregovic. The lyrics are different, as is the sound. Don't confuse this with the more traditional style. So the traditional name of this song is

ALO MANGE LILORO or Ederlezi Avela (spellings will be different)

Goran Bregovic(traditional version): http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Cy0wo4NZ_go&feature=related

From the movie "Time of the Gypsies": http://www.youtube.com/watchv=FPNrmXRarIw&feature=related

An update "Rock" Version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPNrmXRarIw&feature=related

More traditional renditions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEXrtUJhde0 This clip has the lyrics on the side

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRxaWi9iT3s Erdjan is from Bulgaria and a great Roma musician (but definitely with more of a Bulgarian/Turkish style of roma music)

___________________

Goran Bregovic also has a song that is similar:

Erdelezi (By far the most famous, +2 million views): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwA_Zg_zFI&feature=related

Beriut (US indie band): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cCnazx1bdM&feature=fvw

________________

I hope that answered some questions about the Time of the Gypsies and the song Alo

I have stopped blogging because I've started working full time and I've had to focus on other commitments. I also am not living in Bulgaria anymore, so it is more difficult to be in touch with my friends in Bulgaria and know the music that's popular these days. As you can tell, I'm still pretty interested in the music and culture so maybe some day i'll get around to writing some more.

Amza & Dejo | Track Download

2009-03-10T14:35:00.000-04:00

Good Example of Up Tempo Roma Music (Macedonian/Bulgarian Wedding Music)

More Commercialized (General Appeal) Style:

Amza Tairov is one of the most famous Tallava / Roma Music Musicians. Popular throughout most of the Balkan Roma Communities, Amza is known for revitalizing the synthesizer from a cheaper substitute for a original instrument into something regarded with respect in its own right in the Roma Community. With lightning fast finger work combined with lavish embellishments, the music has a ranges from fast paced dancing music to sorrowful notes lingering in the night.

In this particular collection, Amza is paired with a child singer (Dejo). The music is slower and the vocals seem to dominate unlike the Roma Music (Macedonian/Bulgarian Wedding music) that Amza has done as well.

Track List:

7 tracks, unlabeled.

Download Link:
Amza___Dejo__7_tracks_.rar

Disclaimer:

If you know the owners of this content, please contact The Balkan Hour. We are more than happy to remove links upon request. We also would happily post links for CD sales, future concerts or general information. The music here is meant to inform and to altruistically create a larger market for the music. Anyone can stop this link from Rapidshare by clicking this link:

KILL CODE FROM RAPIDSHARE (Removes Music, Don't Click Unless You Want to Remove the Link!!!!)

Внимание:

Ако знаете, собствениците на тази музика, моля свържете се с Балкан час. Ние също така ще бъде щастливо да публикувате връзки за CD продажби, бъдещи концерти или обща информация. Музиката тук има цел да информира и да създаде по-голям пазар за музика.

Sechcet (Sevched) + Cita | 2007 CD | DJ Pesho Studio

2009-03-08T03:27:00.000-04:00

Sevchet: Pare Pare (Track 2)

Sevchet: Chokolada (Chocolate, Track 3)

Cita: Live Recording

This is a more well known CD by Sevchet with many Chalga hits on it such as Chokolada, Pare Pare and others. Cita is also featured on this CD but I can't identify the tracks on youtube for preview. I've attached a live recording of Cita instead. Definitely Check out this CD

Track Listing:

Gio Show
Pare Pare (Money, Money)
Chokolada (Chocolate)
Baro Biav
Track 5 (Cita 2007)
Bajarjum tut michai (Cita 2007)
Vodka Red Bull
Magiq (Magic)
track 9 (Cita 2007)
moda fantaziq

Download Link:
Sevchet___Cita_-_DJ_Pesho_Studio_-_CD.rar

Disclaimer:

If you know the owners of this content, please contact The Balkan Hour. We are more than happy to remove links upon request. We also would happily post links for CD sales, future concerts or general information. The music here is meant to inform and to altruistically create a larger market for the music.

Внимание:

Ако знаете, собствениците на тази музика, моля свържете се с Балкан час. Ние също така ще бъде щастливо да публикувате връзки за CD продажби, бъдещи концерти или обща информация. Музиката тук има цел да информира и да създаде по-голям пазар за музика.

Sevchet (Sevched) 2007 CD

2009-03-06T02:36:00.000-05:00

Sevchet Dade Dade (Track 2)

Sevchet is one of more popular figures of Macedonian Tallava. He straddles many different styles of music ranging from Chalga/Pop-Folk to Rap to Wedding Music. He's definitely a figure to watch. I'll be posting one of his more famous CDs a littler later so be sure to check in again for more Sevchet

Track Listing:

Crazy
Dade Dade
Losno Jak Te Na Dikeltu (.wma file, SORRY!)
Adela
Evropa (Europe)
[title deleted, unknown]
Holla Holla
You Are Me Sexy Lover
Feat. HAJGARA BEND 2007 - HEJT KOLJO AMALA 2007

Download Link:

Sevchet - 2007 CD

Disclaimer:

If you know the owners of this content, please contact The Balkan Hour. We are more than happy to remove links upon request. We also would happily post links for CD sales, future concerts or general information. The music here is meant to inform and to altruistically create a larger market for the music.

Внимание:

Ако знаете, собствениците на тази музика, моля свържете се с Балкан час. Ние също така ще бъде щастливо да публикувате връзки за CD продажби, бъдещи концерти или обща информация. Музиката тук има цел да информира и да създаде по-голям пазар за музика.

Albanian, Macedonian & Bulgarian Tallava / Roma Music - WRFL 88.1 - 03/02/2009

2009-03-04T02:20:00.001-05:00

Listen to the Latest Show of The Balkan Hour:

Download Link Here

More Shows Here

Oka & aliosha | CD Download

2009-03-04T01:58:00.004-05:00

Aliosha Video Clip:

Video of Okka (oka) with Ivo Papasov

Here is a CD of music Aliosha and Oka. Aliosha is (I believe) from Montana, Bulgaria and plays the clarinet. He also sings as well. Oka, or sometimes written Okka, is also from Bulgaria and plays the clarinet but I do not know his origins. Both are Roma and are well known throughout Roma Communities in Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Anyone can find more information about either of these artists by searching: Okka, Oka, aliosha, alioshka

Most of these recordings are live from weddings, graduations or other Roma holidays so the recording quality is sub-par. The spirit and sound is indescribable; it's 5-6 hours of ear splitting music with dancing and celebration.

Download Link:
Tallava__Roma_Music_-_OKA___ALIOSHKATA.zip

Disclaimer:

If you know the owners of this content, please contact The Balkan Hour. We are more than happy to remove links upon request. We also would happily post links for CD sales, future concerts or general information. The music here is meant to inform and to altruistically create a larger market for the music. Anyone can stop this link from Rapidshare by clicking this link:

KILL CODE FROM RAPIDSHARE (Removes Music, Don't Click Unless You Want to Remove the Link!!!!)

Внимание:

Ако знаете, собствениците на тази музика, моля свържете се с Балкан час. Ние също така ще бъде щастливо да публикувате връзки за CD продажби, бъдещи концерти или обща информация. Музиката тук има цел да информира и да създаде по-голям пазар за музика.

England's Ladytron & 1980s Bulgarian Rock; Combined!

2009-02-27T23:46:00.001-05:00

As I was preparing for my latest Balkan Hour show, I was listening to the local college radio station WRFL 88.1 when I caught the strange diction of Bulgarian voices over the airwaves. Turning it up while I was driving around I realized I was listening to a strangely familiar song, remixed. After looking it up on WRFL's playlist, I YouTubed the song Kletva (I oath, I swear) and found the old Bulgarian hit by the Crickets. I learned some of my limited Bulgarian from this song so it brought back memories of my Peace Corps experience. Most Bulgarians universally break in song whenever its played in concert so Kletva is instantly recognizable to any Bulgarian. If you listen to the song, Ladytron pronounces the words slightly different.

The Crickets - Kletva (Oath)

Ladytron's Bulgarian Connection:

Mira Ayoro

The Bulgarian accents from Ladytron are rooted in Mira Aroyo's link to Bulgaria from her childhood. Mira, who left the country for Israel at age 10 with her family, travels back to Bulgaria once or twice a year to see family and vacation. With this introduction, Mira has occasionally mixed Bulgarian songs like Kletva as well as voice samples from the national anthem and other Bulgarian dialogue. When asked why she uses Bulgarian, she profers that the Bulgarian combined with the Ladytron music provides an intriguing sound. Interviews: Sydney Morning Herald, Chief Magazine

Miro Aroyo recently was interviewed about Bulgarian Chalga by Beast Magazine. After being asked whether Chalga music would be involved with Ladytron's next music adventure, she responded enthusiastically. It certainly would be interesting if some of Azis or Galena were sampled in the next album. Interview with Beast Magazine (Great interview, read all of it)

Also, notice the backlash in the comments about the article assuming that Chalga is of Bulgarian origin. Interesting reaction that happens a lot on the Internet.

Their new album Velocifero samples a lot of Bulgarian and they are planning on touring in Eastern Europe with Depeche Mode. Bulgarians go crazy over Depeche Mode (and why shouldn't they?) so the tour should be amazing.

Eastern Europe tour!!!! (and others)

May 16 2009 Beck’sperince @ Parc Izvor w/ Depeche Mode | Bucharest
May 18 2009 Tuborg Greenfest @ Vasil Levsky Stadium w/ Depeche Mode | Sofia
May 20 2009 Tuborg Greenfest @ USCE Park w/ Depeche Mode | Belgrade
May 21 2009 Tuborg Greenfest @ Arena w/ Depeche Mode | Zagreb

Here are some other songs by Ladytron's Mira Ayoro in Bulgarian:

Ladytron - Black Cat

Ladytron - Commodore Rock

02/23/2009 - Bulgarian Folk Music - WRFL 88.1

2009-02-23T16:48:00.002-05:00

Download Link

Peace Corps Connect | NGOs and Organizations join now to network professionally

2009-02-20T16:30:00.003-05:00

I am volunteering a little (marginally) with the National Peace Corps Association to try and help them with their new networking website called Peace Corps Connect. I talked to the Peace Corps manager of the Peace Corps Connect website and she encourages NGOs to join the network.

Please join and create a group for your NGO so you can start networking today with Returned and Current Peace Corps Volunteers. Here are the reasons that I think NGOs should be interested in joining this network:

Easy access to potential donors for future projects (known and unknown, unlike facebook)
Easy access to potential volunteers for projects and knowledgeable people about your area of interest
Database of past PCV projects and contact info for partnerships (unveiled next week)

Website:

community.peacecorpsconnect.org/

I realize this takes work and it may not be benefical to your organizations in your eyes in terms of time commitment. Here are some of the things you can easily setup for your NGOs or organizations:

Integrated RSS of your blog/s on the site (linking back to your own site) that updates automatically
Integration of Flickr accounts into the Peace Corps Connect network
Uploading and maintain photo galleries from your site accounts
Creation of Groups for your cause

This a great way to specifically target potential donors and volunteers for your specific causes. Unlike Facebook, which basically limits interaction between friends and area networks, the Peace Corps Connect allows people interested in particular issues to join groups specifically designed for those subjects.

While Facebook is also a viable venue, I feel this is more professional and specific for the Peace Corps. Right now we are concentrating on building a larger online presence. We hope to provide a database of current and past projects so that current volunteers can know what options are available to them as they serve and how returned volunteers can continue to contribute to causes that interest them when they return to the United States.

If you have any questions, please let me know and I hope some of you find the site useful.

Bulgarian Chalga / Pop-Folk; Brass and Beats - WRFL 88.1 - 02/16/2009

2009-02-16T21:16:00.000-05:00

Download Link

Eastern Express from Sweden | Blog, Concerts, Film and Culture

2009-02-16T10:47:00.004-05:00

I've found another Balkanization force in Europe called the Eastern Express which is based out of Sweden. The Blog just started but they look like they've been around for a while.

Dually based out of Stockholm and Uppsala, the club organizes concerts, film viewings and events. They even have a mini-bus that travel between the two cities for members to connect even easier (and cheaper).

Here are the listed goals of the Eastern Express:

We organise monthly movie projections in Uppsala - check the program
We organise concerts in Uppsala and Stockholm - check the program
We inform about events related to eastern europe culture ongoing in Uppsala and Stockholm area.

The people organizing the events really seem to understand the european scene and its influences. Just check out some of the bands they follow, promote and work with on their blog. Instead of just being a promoter or a band, the organization really seems like its greater goal is the promotion of Eastern Culture and the celebration of a fun and unique part of the world.

Membership is around $12, which is nothing and gives you access to movies and the minibus transportation. If you live in Sweden, definitely check out what these guys are up to.

CONTACTS:

MYSPACE

Website

Facebook

-------------------UPDATE-------------------

From Prune, one of the members of Eastern Express:

thanks for putting us up on your blog ! we are actually open to any kind of easterneurope culture, ranging from traditionnal folk to punk music. We like diversity ! We started only last july, and since then we have received a lot of positive responses - we are building up collaborations with different concert places, one of us is taking a projectionnist course to be able to carry our monthly movie projections in a real movie theater.

We are just laking money, but hopefully this will come at some point...

cheers !

Prune.

Rakia, Bulgarian Wine and Bulgarian Snacks in America!

2009-02-10T18:53:00.007-05:00

SofiaUSA.com

I think I've died and gone to heaven. After my trip to Chicago, I started looking to for a company that ships Rakia or Wine to Kentucky (where I'm living now). Sofia Liquor USA is a store in the greater Chicago metropolitan region that sells Bulgarian wines, liquors and snacks. And it ships too!

I've actually never bought Rakia or Bulgarian Schnapps or Brandy. Since I live in a small town with many friends, I always was treated to Rakia from my friends from their own personally distilled spirits. Called Domashna (homemade) Rakia, it packs a much stronger punch than its much more refined cousins sold in stores. Running around 50-55 percent alcohol, Domashna Rakia is much more akin to moonshine or a very strong whisky. The store bought Rakia is roughly 40 percent alcohol. Anyway, Sofia Liqour sells and ships Rakia from its Des Plaines address. Also, the importers of most Bulgarian spirits are from Des Plaines as well (probably not a coincidence). But if I was forced to pick a Rakia for a guest, I would probably pick Burgas 63 (shown below). Rakia is strong but it has its own grape or plum flavor that lingers after the punch of the strong spirit. Known as Slivovitza in Serbia and throughout most of the Balkans, this spirit is a great cultural treasure of the Balkans--enriched by the traditions of each family making their own spirits for the year to share with friends.

Burgas 63

For anyone wanting the extra something in their lentil soup, they used to sell Savory or chubritsa but its currently out of stock:

Chubritsa -Savory

Most people don't realize this but vafla or wafers covered in chocolate have allowed roughly half of the children in Bulgaria to survive without hunger during schools days and about twenty five percent of all workers in Bulgaria forgo lunch in lieu of the chocolate sugar rush. For anyone wanting to understand the finer points of Vafla, I urge you to look at the documentation other volunteers have made on the subject in a now defunct blog: B22 AllStars: Vafla tag

Regardless, imagine my surprise to see that Sofia Liquor selling the coveted valfa and croissants on their website. From now on when I get my chocolate cravings or I want to have a Bulgarian Party, I'll be be sure to try these guys out. Has anyone used them? Any feedback or comments? Enjoy!

Vafla and other Bulgarian Snacks

Great World Music Website: NoNaMe from Russia

2009-02-05T23:04:00.004-05:00

NoNaMe - World Music

The name may not be the clearest and the Russian may be a little daunting to non-cyrillic speakers, but NoNaMe and its world music website has some of the most eclectic world music I've seen on the Internet. The site seems to have a special love for Balkan music while still having selections from around the world.

You have to register which is just a simple login, email, password and password confirmation. To non-cyrillic speakers, you have to click the " регистрация" in order to get the registration page. Or you can just click here to register. I know, its daunting at first but all the posts are in english and its pretty easy to navigate

Here is just a quick list of the quality Balkan Music I've found on the website:

There are 92 pages of music, at roughly 15 posts each. . . makes almost 1400 entries of fully downloadable music with reviews, commentary and history of each artist. This is definitely a great resource for those wanting to learn more about Balkan Music and World Music in general.

Enjoy!

Balkan Beat It is Back! Italy's Balkan Beats resumes after being Hacked

2009-02-05T12:48:00.003-05:00

Balkan Beat IT (which stands for Italy) has resumed posts after the previous web address was hacked and all the content was taken down. After a brief repose, Balkan Beat IT is back in all of its glory. Self-described as an Urban Gypsy Music Magazine, the format utilizes wordpress by making categories of Balkan Parties, Balkan Mixes and Balkan TV (videos).

I'm going to link to one of my favorite posts that gives the Top 10 Myspace Pages for Balkan Beats. Its amazing research and really gives the reader a feel for the organic Balkan Beats movement going on in Europe right now. So here is an example the great things from the Balkan Beat It magazine

10 Gypsy Bands and their Myspace Pages

DJ Hat has been mixing Balkan beats in the Italian club scene (I believe Milan) and last year started the online magazine to help document the Balkan Culture scene. Here is the latest come from DJ Hat. You can find all of the DJ Hat's mixes on Balkan Beat It Mix Page. Here is DJ Hat's latest mix called

Gold Teeth (pop up)

Pacemaker.net Webpage

On WRFL 88.1 Lexington, I've played some of DJ Hat's work and I plan to continue in the the future. So, check out the site and constant posts, videos and interviews. Definitely a keeper.

Welcome back!

Ljubinka Jokić - Bosian Singer - Reader/Listener Recommendation

2009-02-03T22:05:00.006-05:00

Ljubinka Jokic is originally from Bosina but currently lives in Vienna, Austria. She worked at a local renowned Cevapčići shop called Pomali Grill in Vienna, Austria. Mapped Here tsevapchichi (Cevapčići) are like minature sausages are distinct to Bosnian/Serbian cuisines but have similarities to Chepapche (Bulgaria) and others throughout the Balkans.

Her sound is an amazing mix of traditional Bosnian/Yugoslavian songs with Roma anthems/themes while still playing a the guitar masterfully. Definitely a great fusion of influences. As I listen to her jam, I can recognize the songs she's pulling from just as she personalizes it as her on with a wailing guitar or overpowering voice.

I honestly don't know much about about her apart than what Bill Santen has directed to me. From my hap-hazard research, she seems like a great emerging artist reinventing the Balkan feel once again. Enjoy the live music recordings below and the Myspace samples-- they are great.

This a video recording by Bill Santen of Kentucky. He had the opportunity to record some live music with Ljubinka Jokic. Thanks for sharing the video and the recommendation. Check out his page for more about this

YOK!Myspace Page
2 singles ready for audio pleasure. Click it!

Here is a link to their album labeled (about 20 Euro)

New 2008 Album: Ljubinka Jokic & Yok

Live Concert Recordings of Ljubinka Jokic:

Balkan Fever Festival 2006:

Live recording (Real Player Stream)

23. - 25 Juni 2006 23th Donauinselfest - Weltmusikbühne

LJUBINKA JOKIC & OTTO LECHNER´S WINDHUND ORCHESTER (Real Player Stream)

Booking and Label:

triart

Imeem Playlist: Good Music, Check It Out!

2009-02-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

Balkan Hour

Restaurant Bulgaria | Bulgarian Cuisine in Chicago

2009-02-01T11:44:00.003-05:00

Last night I went to Restaurant Bulgaria (the website account has been suspended, so we are using yelp) in Chicago with some friends of mine from the Peace Corps. The restaurant, aptly labeled "Restaurant Bulgaria" was a great experience that remind us of our time in Bulgaria.

The have live music every saturday starting around 9-10pm to 3am until they close. The music is typical music that would be played in a Mehana. It a mixture of country/folk music, Bulgarian wedding music and folk music. A Mehana is a place that people go to eat, drink and dance for hours. Something like a tavern or club with food. Its hard to explain.

This particular restaurant is almost a perfect replica of a authentic Bulgarian experience. The waiters speak broken english, the restaurant decor is painted some strange orange and there are disco ball things that light up when the band starts to play.

Anyone interested in an authentic experience for Bulgarian cuisine, music and dining experience should definitely visit this restaurant before they travel to Bulgaria. The music is good and the Bulgarians should dance all night long on saturday night.

Restaurant Bulgaria -

Neighborhood: Albany Park
4724 W Lawrence Ave
(between Kilpatrick Ave & Keating Ave)
Chicago, IL 60630

(773) 282-0300

New Kukeri Videos from Pernik, 2009!

2009-01-28T16:11:00.004-05:00

Here is a clip of Kukeri or sometimes referred to as Surva. This particular clip is from a Bulgarian friend of mine who attended the festival this year. The tradition has been loosely traced to Thracian times and has a rich cultural history throughout Bulgaria. The costumes are made of goat hair and each village or city has its own particular style. This style is from the Pirin region (Blagoevgrad, Simitli, Razlog, Bankso). The music in the background is called Zurni which is the name of a clarinet instrument called a zurna. I posted about Zurni music a couple of months back. The music is historically based from Turkish Mehter Marching Music.

Surva.org is the official website for the Pernik Festival and more travel information can be found there. Anyne thinking of traveling to Bulgaria during the winter should seriously consider attending one of these festivals. It is a hidden gem of sorts that isn't advertised as much in the travel guide books. There are festivals in the month of January (but not limited to) at Razlog, Pernik, Simitli.

Here is another clip from the Pernik festival. The style is from the looks of it from Pernik but i'm not completely sure. I've got more clips and videos and I hope to upload them later. Email me if you are interested in more of these Kukeri clips.

The Balkan Hour | January 26th, 2008 | First Official Show

2009-01-26T12:27:00.003-05:00

Today was the first official show for The Balkan Hour on 88.1 WRFL Lexington. This semester the Balkan Hour will be from 2-4pm on Mondays at 88.1 WRFL. For those of you interested, you can stream WRFL live through the website or you can download the archives of the show.

My DJ login is called Balkanhour on the server, so you can browse my playlists from previous shows as well.

Today, I divided the music into genres or sets so people could see the differences between the musicians and style throughout the Balkan Music scene. I actually didn't get a chance to play everything I wanted, so keep in mind that this isn't definitative.

.Mp3 Links: The Balkan Hour 2pm -3pm ||| The Balkan Hour 3pm -4pm

I'm looking for a good .mp3 player to play these large .mp3s on the Blogger setup but I haven't had any luck as of yet. Does anyone have a suggestion for a service that would work. I have my own webhosting as well. Suggestions are welcome.

I'm also trying to figure how to put the playlist of the show up. The WRFL playlist doesn't allow you to edit it for mistakes or add musicians so it is never a complete and accurate list. However, it seems redundant to retype it on the blog as well. If there is a track you would like identified, please let me via email or commenting.

Great Balkan Music Blog with Downloads

2009-01-26T01:46:00.002-05:00

I happened upon a great blog with music dowloads for Balkan Music. They've got a a lot of Balkan influences like Gogol Bordello (Entire CD collection) but also some Balkan classics like Kocani Orkestar and Goran Bregovic. It looks like the blogger is Turkish but I'm really sure. Enjoy the music.

Definitely Check This site out!

Balkan Music - Free Downloads!

The Luminescent Orchestrii | NEW CD - NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER

2009-01-20T19:55:00.005-05:00

The Luminescent Orchestii just released a new CD called Neptune's Daughter from the Nine Mile Records label. Luminescent Orchestrii is another great example the fusion coming out of the New York music scene. They get interwoven with Gogol Bordello and other musicians fusing Roma and Balkan influences to create great music the acts like a spokesperson for the region and the sound. Neptune's Daughter still has these Balkan influences but you can tell the the musicians are creating their own sound and one should be careful to label them as a definitive representation of traditional Balkan music. However, one should feel comfortable in their musical ability and distinctive sound.

My Introduction to the Luminescent Orcherstrii:

It was the fall of 2003 and I was visiting my sister in NYC while she was in school in Brooklyn. For whatever reason, we were wondering around DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) on a Saturday as the evening drew close. If I remember correctly, it had rained and we were looking for a place to get out of the rain but most of the shops were closing. As we searched, we started here some form of music emanating from a loading dock / garage on Main St., it seem like an impromptu concert space because I can't find the location online.

We happened upon the beginning of the a set by Luminescent Orcherstrii just as it was getting dark. The crowd was typically Brooklyn, meaning beyond definition and characterization other than hipster/young professional in New York. As we walked in, they played one of their more well known songs, Taraf Hijacked, which is a loving imitation to the Romanian Roma band called Taraf de Haidouks. My sister, on impulse, promptly bought their Live recording without either of us understanding the genre or even really the name of the group performing. Until this year, the record sat dormant until I rediscovered it while searching for more Balkan Music.

Taraf Hijacked - Bulgarian Bar (Mehanata)

Better Quality Audio:

The Luminescent Orchestrii and Neptune's Daughter:

This is by no means a Gogol Bordello record, neither is it Balkan Beat Box reformed. Luminescent Orchestrii uses these catchwords as most lessor known musicians do to allow people to notice their music. I'm by no means an expert but I would consider that Luminescent Orchestrii leans more towards folk music (spanned internationally) than it does have something to do with "Gypsy Punk" or Balkan Beat Mashups. However, if I was Luminescent Orchestrii, I too would use the same strategy to market my new album. The music is within the same sphere and music scene. Anyone that enjoys Gogol Bordello or Balkan Beat Box should give Luminescent Orchestrii a chance to expand their folk and Balkan knowledge ( I also recommend listen to native Balkan musicians as well). They play at the same clubs at Gogol Bordello and other Balkan musicians at the the Bulgarian Bar or Mehanata.

The tracks vary in style and tempo ranging from Bulgarian and Moldovian traditional folk to folk ballads of their own making. For the most part, the cd takes on a slow tempo that matches its folksy sound and lyrics.

Plays:

3. Nasty Tasty -- Upbeat

7. Dreaming in Turkish -- Chill slow jams, similar to Bulgarian wedding music

9. Jarba (Boyash Gypies ) Upbeat tempo, good fiddle rhythm MY PICK

13. Neptune's Daughter -- Ballad, uptempo

Bottom Line: Good folk music from New York with Balkan, Turkish and Cuban influences. Definitely listen to it. Its another great example of how Balkan music is influencing music around the world.

Neptune's Daughter: WHOLE CD

The Balkan Hotstep Sound System | DJ Typsy Gypsy

2008-12-24T02:57:00.010-05:00

I've been playing a lot of The Balkan Hotstep Soundsystem and DJ Typsy Gypsy over the Christmas break. I've been amazed by the feed back. These lovable mashups are pretty catchy and I've had lots of people call in asking who they are and where they are from. What's great about this music is it samples some of the best Balkan musicians, mostly Roma, and mashes them up with hip-hop that we are all comfortable with. For the most part, everyone loves the Balkan sound but a lot of people either don't know how to dance to it or aren't used to the sound. The Hip-Hop takes away for foreignness and lets people just enjoy the wonderful Balkan music. Definitely fun and clever, be sure to download some of the mixes (bottom of page).

BIO:

Balkan Hotstep Soundsystem, or sometimes referred to as the Balkan Hotsteppers are based out of Leuven, Belgium that formed in 2006. They gained a lot of buzz from their online mixtapes put together in 2007 and released online to masses via Myspace. Balkan Hotsteppers is comprised of DJ Sam Raban and DJ Typsy Gypsy. DJ Sam Raban can be found at the girafe Cafe Leuven, Belgium on Thursdays.

Extended PDF Press Release

Myspace Links:

Typsy Gypsy
Great Hip-Hop Mashups, check it out on Myspace!

Balkan HotSteppers

Bookings and Gigs:

B-Side Bookings does there booking.

Downloadable Mashups (Straight from Myspace):

download demomix
download BalkanBangers
download Let The Vodka Roll (Shantelmix)
download Balkan Club Night @ Rio Loco Toulouse

12/21/2008 WRFL (trial run

2008-12-21T16:51:00.000-05:00

Download Link

Guest Hosting World Beats at WRFL 88.1; Cambodian Rock Music from the 60s - 70s

2008-12-20T02:41:00.008-05:00

UPDATE:

Here are the links to the WRFL show from last Sunday. Please feel free to download and share.

FREE and Downloadable (But Please Support the Artists):

Sunday, December 21st, 4pm - 5pm

Sunday, December 21st, 5pm - 6pm

Check'em out.

________________________________

On Sunday, I will be filling in at WRFL 88.1 for Marc Heft who currently shares a World Beats show with William Cheeves. Since I'm going to be filling in for an already existing World music show, I originally was going to just play some more Balkan Music. However, I happened upon some old Cambodian Rock from a friend and after about 6 non-stop hours (honestly) of research on the internet, I'm addicted.

So, since I'm filling a slot for another fellow DJ of world music, I figured I would just get my Khmer Rock and Roll fix out of the way in one sitting. I thought I would just pepper my usual accompiment of Balkan music with some Khmer stuff, but I've found hours of fascinating music online.

Why?

The Khmer or Cambodian music is fascinating to me because of a combination of two unlikely but equally poignant aspects; great music and contextual sadness. First, if you listen the the Khmer music of the 1960s and 1970s, you can defintely hear the Western and American influences in the form of Garage Rock, Psychedelic Pop and other popular genres of the time. Combine this with the amazingly innovative talent of the musicians and the beauty of the Khmer language and it just rocks; plain and simple. Additionally, there is a more serious historical background to what was an explosion of musical innovation in the 1960s and 1970s--The overbearing knowledge of the Khmer Rouge that started in earnest in the mid 1970s. Almost all of these musicians were targeted and killed during the Reign of Pol Pot. This is another sad and less fortunate example of how music shapes and affects culture insomuch as political leaders see the musicians as threats and actually exterminate them.

While the music is great, its a shame that there isn't a lot of master tracks for fellow listeners to work with. Most of the copies of the music (both masteres and commerical copies) were destroyed during the Khmer Rouge because of its percieved threat. Aside for the cassette and vinyl recordings that were found in Cambodia by westerners searching for more Cambodian Rock, there really isn't a lot of source material in the western world. The online community, however, is changing that. Myspace is filled with "profiles" of long since passed away Cambodian musicians almost as if to create awareness the almost forgotten greats of their time. And currently there are two documentaries working to create a historical imprint of the time for years to come as well.

Cambodian Rock Documentaries:

Don't Think I've Forgotten - http://cambodianrock.com/

The Golden Voice - http://www.thegoldenvoicemovie.com

In 1996, Parallel World released one of the first western market CDs of this Khmer Rock music. Paul Wheeler made the CD based off of material he had found on vacation in Cambodia. After interest gained, another companies started releasing compliations of the Cambodian music. Probably one of the bigger breakouts for the Cambodian Rock'n'Roll pre-Khmer Rouge was on the City of Ghosts soundtrack where many (I unknowingly) heard this music for the first time. The City of Ghosts soundtrack is selling for about $100 on Amazon.com if that's any indication of popular demand of an out of print album.

Album List of Cambodian Rock Music:

Cambodian Cassette Archive Not Recommend Alternative

Cambodian Rocks (MUST DOWNLOAD, free .mp3s):

http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2007/12/cambodian-rocks.html (Full CD)

Khmer Rock Music from the Cole Ranch (Free Downloads):

http://khmermusic.thecoleranch.com/

Cambodian Swing Machine ( Compilation )

Cambodian Rocks Volume 1 On Amazon

Cambodian Rocks Volume 2 On Amazon

You Tube Video Archives:

Old Songs with Stills: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=872D9A48223F5F9A

Old Movie Songs: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D7494F417654C522

There more floating around but that just a start. Of course, you could always travel to Cambodia and buy up old rock records.

Radio Set Up:

Pronounciation Guide:

Sinn Sis-sa-mott - Sinn Sisamouth

Ros Sereysothea

Guest Hosting of The World Beat Hour:

Clash the Casbah DJ Ari Judah

Street Noise Dub - DJ Ari Judah

Birds Are Singing But My Lover Won't Return - Unknown

Track 4 - Meas Samon - Cambodian Cassette Archives

Track 8 - Srey No (Lady Named No) - Unknown Cambodian Cassette Archives

skhe-diev Smithsonian

Sinn Sisamouth - Porps Samnang - Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/sinsamuth

Tonsai Sdai Jun- Sin Sisamouth - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSp6IE8ruho

Nee keu karm kyom - by Ros Sereysothea - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEkrbVKiNBY

Rous Sareysothea - #4 - Bomplech oun tov - http://www.myspace.com/roussareysothea

Rous Sareysothea - #5 - Ngam Srah - http://www.myspace.com/roussareysothea

Raurm Men Cha'eat - Pen Ron - http://www.myspace.com/penronx

Mou Pei Na - Sinn Sisamouth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa2fVsqQ0mg

Khnyom Jah Karake - Meas Samon & Tet Somnang http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXJoN49vw3o

Rom Ago Ago - Pan Ron - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCotIDR3k3E

Soriya Psong Snae - Sinn Sisamouth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M_H_vCwrfY

Closer:

Last Christmas Preap Sovath: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8R9qmOiCiU

Beam Preash Mok Sbot | Preap Sovath | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU6xVx4cmhI

Where's the music at? Why one view can't encompass a whole region; but can try

2008-12-15T02:17:00.006-05:00

Recently, I've received some well founded criticisms of my approach to what I define as Balkan and Bulgarian music. Here is what one reader had to say:

I strongly disagree with any presentation of Bulgaria that concentrates on chalga. Although, this is the most popular "music" right now, it is the last thing I would like people to associate my country with.

We do have a lot of world renowned musicians and singers; this is an offense to them, at the very least. You can check out The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, Theodosii Spasov, Raina Kabaivanska...and so many more...

The Argument:

To some degree, music defines a culture. So the possibillty of my characterizations culturally offensive

---The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices; Where are they?

I always appreciate comments and suggestions; I have to agree that I have not addressed the topic of Bulgarian Folk music as much as I would have liked. And it has been rightly pointed out, I plan to talk about musicians such as The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices. I haven't wrote about them mostly because my interests have been elsewhere and there already exists a large body of work on the internet about their singing.

Chalga or Pop Folk; Is it Bulgarian or Balkan Culture? Yeck, I know . . .

I feel that Chalga (info) is a part of Bulgaria's culture just as much as American Hip-hop is to America's culture. It may not be the most positive representation in some person's eyes but it is an aspect of Bulgaria's cultural sphere. One of the reasons I write about it is that not many people in America know about Chalga nor do they understand the interesting mixes and borrowing of culture.

Why don't you talk about this artist? (Insert your preference)

Odds are, I've never heard of the artist or group. Or, I've heard of them but have been too lazy to talk about them. Regardless, if you feel that there is a form of music that is missing a voice, be sure to email me through my profile with your contributions and suggestions. Also, please remember that I'm an amateur that sees this more as a hobby than a definer of culture, music or nationality.

++++----++++

That said, enjoy the blog and definitely remember that this is just one viewpoint out of many so be sure to look into other sources as well.

Kurdish Halay! Is there a common link in folk dancing in the Balkans?

2008-12-01T20:42:00.001-05:00

I found this video about Kurdish Folk Dancing on-line. The type of Folk dancing is originally called Halay which is also claimed by the Turks (I seriously don't want to judge the origins of Halay, but I think its suffice to say its from the Middle East and Balkans). If you look at the responses to halay online all they do is argue about the origin of the folk dancing.

What really struck me about this particular video are the number of views (1.3 million) and the hip-hop style the young women bring to the traditional folk dancing. Frankly, it just looks cool and certainly looks transferable to the western hip-hop society

A male version of the Halay, still informal

Also another male example of the dancing.

Now I want to compare the first video to the video of Halay below. As you can see, this form of dancing has a more traditional. The first video was probably filmed at a wedding, festival or a private party outdoors informally whereas this video is filmed indoors and is an organized dance troupe. What is being highlighted in the informal dancing is just part of the organized structure of the halay dance. If you go to to the end of clip (about 70%) you see the same format used in the formal and informal halay dancing (women in a line, holding hands, indescribable leg movements in unison).

Here is an example of the Halay dance making inroad into the Hip-Hop and MTV world. The real halay is the women together dancing throughout the video. Its an example of Halay beginning the cross over to western dance and music.

What's interesting about Halay is the striking similarity to most other forms of Balkan and Middle Eastern folk dancing but with distinct evolutions in each country. This music, created by a drum, duval and zurna, is rather simplistic with an overpowering and danceable beat.

WRFL Trail Radio Downloads

2008-11-30T20:17:00.004-05:00

I've posted some trial shows on the side column from WRFL 88.1 Lexington, KY. I am learning to DJ at the student radio station and anyone that may be interested may download the radio prodcasts. Its rough and I don't consider it professional but its a start. Enjoy.

===== TO LEFT ===== TO LEFT ======>>>>>>>>>>>

Cheat Sheet, Prep Post

2008-11-28T00:02:00.005-05:00

Radio Show Lines Ups:

Gogol Bordello - Start Wearing Purple

Album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_81l4DXlwM

Nai - Krasivata Malina & Azis [iTunes]

Album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq0P7J12-kg

Opa Cupa - Slavic Soul Party

Album: Balkan Beats Vol. 3

Ivo Papasov and his Wedding Band - Live on the Night Music Show

Album: Filmed at Night Music 1988-90 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLQcknhApjM

Balkanization of Americation - Gogol Bordello Vs Tamir Muskat

Album: J.U.F.

Esma Cocek - Esma Redzepova [ROMA DISK]

Album: The Queen of Gypsies

Silvana Armenulic '76 - Nocas mi srce pati Kafana Music

Album: Live recording '76 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYnohOo2Zus

Sali Bend - Mo Sero Dukal Man (Roma Wedding Music in Bulgaria) [iTunes]

Album: Live Recording

Orkestar Yanista Dale Don Dale - Bulgarian / Roma Style

Album: None

Tarak Haidouks - Migur Mugure (Romanian Roma music) [iTunes}

Album: The Gypsy Caravan - When the Road Bends

Gloydai Moi Gloydai - Fanka Koinarova [iTunes]

Album: The magic of Rhodopa mountain, 100 kaba-bagpipes

Sbogom majko, sbogom tatko - Banski starcheta [iTunes]

Album: none

ZoZorba - A Hawk and a Hacksaw + Han Hangar Ensemble

Album: A Hawk And A Hacksaw & The Hun Hangár Ensemble

Anke Roke, Ternipe [iTunes]

Album: www.last.fm/music/Ternipe/_/Anke+Roke

Tsaparski Zurni - [iTunes]

Album: None

Gulag Orchestar - Beirut [iTunes

Album Gulag Orchestar

Typsy Gypsy - Let The Vodka Roll! - The New Worck

Album: Mixtape: http://tnieuwewerck.blogspot.com/2007/11/t-nieuwe-werck-104-of-balkan-hot-step.html

3 v 1 Upsurt

Album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbib0JTrxdE

11/26 Radio Playlist and Cheat Sheet!

2008-11-26T14:25:00.007-05:00

Typsy Gypsy

Typsy Gypsy is a member of the Balkan Hotsteppers from Belgium. They have been experimenting with Balkan music for club music. Seriously check out his Myspace. He's got a lot of great mashups that really allow people to start understanding the Balkan sound.

Track: Mashup with Intergalatic (Beastie Boys) Download the Podcast!

11/26 Radio Show

J.U.F stands for Jewish Urkranian Freundschaft or Friendship

Track: Muskat (Slishal, No e Zapisal)

5:33 min.

J.U.F. i s a creation of Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello) and Tamir Muskat.

Boban Markovic Orkestar

Boban Markovic is a famous Roma or Gypsy from Serbia. He and his Orkestar are generally recognized as the most accomplished Brass Band from the Balkans. His is also the winner of of the Golden Trumpet from the world famous Gucha Festival in Serbia

Track: Mundo Cocek (pronounced Cho -chek) is from the Boban and Marko album

3:13

<========= Break for station identification =======>

Gypsy Sound System

Based out of Switzerland, the Gypsy Sound System has been mixing music for clubs over the past two years throughout the world.

Track: Gypsy Sound System

4:35

Balkan Beat Box - Bulgarian Chicks

The Balkan Beat Box are probably the more well known DJs working with Balkan music. The Bulgarian Chicks song is a combination of Bulgarian folk singers with Serbian or Balkan brass music.

Max PASHM

Max Pashm is a collective of U.K based Jewish, Greek & Balkan musicians that make dance music. They are based out of England.

Track: Queen of Sikim

3:09 Min.

<========= Break for station identification =======>

Desislava

Desislava is a Chalga singer from Bulgaria and its fun to see Latina music and Balkan music mergred.

Track: Regeton and a Little Chalga

3:30

Ionut Cercel

Ionut is an young Roma singer from Romania. He is in his early teens and is taking the Romanian club scene by storm.

Track: Made in Romania

4:00

<========= Break for station identification =======>

Giorgos Tsalikis

Greek Musician with Laiko music.

Track: Ekana Ti Nexta Mera

4:00

Djordan

Track: Ne boli (No hurt or It doesn't hurt)

3:49

Orkestar Kristali

This Orkestar is probably the best Roma Wedding Orkestar in Bulgaria. They play Roma music with Bulgarian influences. To those familiar with Balkan music, it may sound Turkish in origin.

Track: Purjina (kokaina), "Fried Cocaine"

Aliosha

Aliosha and his band play that live instrumental at a wedding in Bulgaria. Known for his saxophone skills, Aliosha alway is an excellent singer. He style would also be considered Roma Wedding music or sometimes referred to as Bulgarian Wedding music.

The track is unlabeled because its live.

<========= Break for station identification =======>

Boril Iliev

Boril is another Roma musican with the Red Bull orkestar from Bulgaria that play Roma Wedding music.

Track: Akana (meaning now)