Broodmen: Liminality

Eastern European jazz is often overlooked, yet there are remarkable discoveries to be made—such as the trio Broodmen. Their debut album, Secondary Emotions, dates back to 2017 (Self Produced). Liminality, while following in the footsteps of its predecessor, unfolds like the soundtrack to an auteur film. It bears the distinct marks of their cultural heritage while embracing a postmodern aesthetic that places this group at the forefront of contemporary European creative expression. Rooted in their shared childhood in Novi Sad, Serbia, Broodmen's sound draws from a rich array of influences, seamlessly blending the melancholic yet soulful melodies of the accordion with the openness of modern jazz and the raw energy of rock 'n' roll.

In the summer of 2021, Dragan Alimpijević Pik and Zoltán Simon came together for a striking live recording session at Studio Road in Serbia. Among the five recorded pieces was a composition featuring the renowned accordionist Lazar Novkov, whose artistry introduced a new and profound dimension to Broodmen's sound. This serendipitous encounter led Novkov to become an integral part of their creative process, contributing to the compositions that would later give birth to Liminality. For those well-acquainted with the contemporary music of Eastern Europe, it becomes immediately apparent that Broodmen is incomparable. Their approach to composing and arranging music conjures vivid imagery, crafting entire sonic landscapes rich with evocative depth.

Recorded in a single continuous session, the album captures the fleeting beauty of chance and intuition, immersing listeners in a world where rationality yields to emotion. Broodmen describe this album as a journey into the unknown, an uninhibited exploration of their collective voice. As they put it, "It is a road leading to the unknown—a path where we explore the emotions hidden beneath the surface of reason. It is an attempt to leave behind knowledge and experience, stepping instead into new and uncharted territory." These words could easily have been penned by an author like Paul Auster, for any writer who closes the notebook upon the final line of a novel or essay experiences the same feeling—knowing that shutting that door will inevitably lead, sooner or later, into the vast unknown of a new artistic creation.

Broodmen possess the rare gift of composing their music as one would write a book, and it is no surprise that their songs evoke such striking imagery. Undoubtedly, the driving force behind their creation is the power of their collective imagination. This phenomenon is common among the greatest jazz ensembles—from Weather Report to the Branford Marsalis Quartet to the Yellowjackets. It is the same unifying force, a shared language spoken between musicians, one that defines a singular and unmistakable style. Let us conclude with the words of Broodmen themselves: "This is who we are—Broodmen—and if you ask us, this is the most honest expression of ourselves." An album as singular as it is captivating, Liminality by Broodmen is not to be missed.

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