Darko Rundek and the ZJM Big Band at the Macedonian Philharmonic Hall

Darko Rundek and the ZJM Big Band
Macedonian Philharmonic Hall
Skopje, Macedonia
September 15, 2023

Croatian singer and songwriter Darko Rundek, a name synonymous with musical brilliance since his days with the renowned band Haustor, recently graced the stage at the Philharmonic Hall in Skopje, Macedonia, for a spectacular performance alongside the ZJM Big Band.

Rundek, a true musical luminary, has been performing for over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. His illustrious career has spanned various types of bands and instrumentation, and his songs, at their core, possess a typical Mediterranean melancholy and beautiful melodiousness. This inherent quality allows Rundek to rearrange his music with ease, as demonstrated in this concert. So, it's no wonder that he accepted to work with a big band and explore other musical avenues.

Having witnessed his performances hundreds of times in different countries and with various projects, Rundek has always delivered the goods, so the expectations were naturally high. The concert, held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Ekotip Company (an organization devoted to a more green future) was an evening that left a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to attend. The songs performed during the evening were based on arrangements previously recorded with the renowned HRT Jazz Orchestra, released as Za vašu poslijepodnevnu razonodu (Menart HRT, 2022).

The concert had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, resembling a family gathering. The venue was packed to capacity, and it was evident that Rundek's music had a devoted following. The fusion of Rundek's eclectic songwriting and the dynamic sound of the Macedonian Big Band was a truly remarkable experience. Rundek took the stage in fit and trim form, sporting a crisp white suit, and opened the concert with a rendition of "Ti i Ja" from the album Ruke (Metropolis Records, 2002). The masterful performance by the Macedonian Big Band, conducted by Dzijan Emin, breathed new life into this familiar song. This serene and evocative opening set the tone for the afternoon, immediately immersing the audience in Rundek's introspective world. The song's gentle melodies and poignant lyrics washed over the crowd, creating an atmosphere of serenity and reflection.

The journey through Rundek's catalog continued with a nod to the iconic Haustor album Tajni grad (Jugoton, 1988). Songs like "Bi mogo da mogu," "Čudne misli," and "Uhode" elicited nostalgic smiles and swaying heads from those who had grown up with these tunes. The ZJM Big Band's skillful performances breathed new life into these classics, infusing them with a fresh energy that resonated with both old and new fans. Haustor remained a focal point as the band revisited the 1985 album Bolero (Jugoton, 1985) with tracks like "Šal od svile," "Šejn," and "Ena." These songs, once accompanied by brass sections as their signature hooks, now found a home within the rich, dynamic sound of the ZJM Big Band, with "Ena" causing the hall to erupt. The audience warmly embraced these songs.

One of the most pleasant surprises was the reinterpretation of songs from Rundek's collaboration with the Cargo Trio. "Wanadoo" and "Slick Senorita" from the Mhm A-ha Oh Yeah Da-Da! album (Menart, 2008), as well as "Ima ih" from Mostovi (Menart, 2015), shimmered like hidden gems. These songs, perhaps lesser-known in Rundek's discography, sparkled brightly in this new context, captivating the audience with their unexpected charm.

Throughout the concert, the ZJM Big Band showcased their exceptional talent. Their synergy with Rundek was evident, allowing his distinctive style to shine through while embracing the jazz orchestra's unique energy. The ZJM executed the rhythmically complex and harmonically advanced score with passion and sensitivity, not to mention technical precision and power of symphonic proportions. The group's sound palette was enhanced by the presence of electric guitar and guests, such as vocalist and trumpet player, Igor Pavlica, and singer Maja Rivić from Mimika Orchestra. Maja literally danced her heart out throughout the evening, apart from doing vocal duties.

Rundek, the star of the show and the featured soloist, delved deep inside the material and supercharged it with a seemingly inexhaustible wealth of invention and intensity. Each song had been meticulously arranged, and the arrangements allowed for individual expression, with impressive solos showcasing the band's talent and creativity. Each of their performances was marked by detail and personality, adding a touch of weirdness that kept the audience engaged throughout.

However, it's essential to note that the concert faced sound issues during the initial quarter, which impacted the overall experience. The venue, the Macedonian Philharmonic, posed acoustic challenges, but the sound improved as the performance progressed. "Ruke" was the turning point where the sound quality improved significantly. By that point, people had begun shouting for their own personal favorites.

As the concert unfolded, the energy in the hall surged. By the end of the show, especially with the song "Apokalipso," it felt as if the entire audience had been transported into the captivating world of Darko Rundek and the Macedonian Big Band. People were on their feet, singing along, and dancing to the infectious rhythms. It was a testament to music's power to unite and uplift. The concert ended bombastically with "Duhovi."

In conclusion, Darko Rundek's performance with the Macedonian Big Band was an unforgettable night, celebrating the ability of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. It underscored the enduring appeal of an artist who continues to evolve and push the boundaries of his craft. As the final notes faded away, it was evident that this concert had left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all fortunate enough to be part of this musical journey. It was, indeed, a beautiful collaboration between a masterful songwriter and an exceptional ensemble.

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