From the label Dancing Bear in Croatia comes Ivan Kapec Trio’s Lancun, proving at least one thing. Music IS universal. When the instruments are the same – guitar, bass, drums – it doesn’t matter where the meter’s from. ‘No Matter’ proves it. Ivan’s lead guitar ambles on like a disinterested party jamming with a few professionals for the first time, until you suddenly realize, hey, this guy’s a pro too!

‘Rakitje Lake’ is one of the coolest, mostly from front man Miro Kadoic’s soft flute that melts like margarine through rock drums that have been quieted down for the track. Ivan comes in again with his solo time, but with such a flocculent tread, it takes a moment to register that there’s a different instrument frosting things here.

However, what Does make this an unusual jazz album might be the 3 remixes present. The first is ‘Gift,’ though I don’t see an original from which to remix. That doesn’t stop ‘Gift,’ which winds itself up with Latin rhythms in close-to-the-ears stereo while Ivan moves ahead and Borna Sercar cranks away at a deliciously percussive pace, like bossa nova or romantic salsa.

The nearly 7 minute remix of ‘Mirabile’ goes in the same direction, with an electronic beacon pointing the rhythmic way while Borna again goes crazy with all the little extras remixes allow. A thoroughly layered addition that crafts an entirely new tune out of the title. Busy but bitchin’.

Find the cd if you can. The label’s website is a little frightening to English speakers, but the disc is well worth the expedition.