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Zoran Madzirov: Roots on a Roof
ByWith his previous work, Bottling Jazzy (Aquarius Records, 2006), Madžirov went in a more modern direction, collaborating in the field of electronic music, but in the meantime he continued to hone his personal musical style by playing regularly throughout Europe.On this occasion, the renowned vibraphone and bottlephone virtuoso meets a stellar cast of brilliant instrumentalists for a record where his signature blend of jazz, folk, classical and improvisational music has been distilled into a unique statement.
"The Long Longing" is a beautiful opener, clearly showing the rich confluence of sounds and influences that echo throughout this multicolored music. It begins with lush bottleneck runs and Oliver Josfiovski's determinedly walking bass line, followed by Goce Stevkovski's brushed snare padding gracefully alongside, all driven by Marina Cado's sad violin. Madzirov immediately commands attention with "Monday's Savory," a rollicking dance tune featuring dynamic violin playing that wrestles with the bottleneck, a sublime accordion and urgent bass, framed by clever arrangements. It's rare for music to be this fun without for one moment becoming superficial. It brims inside with an algorithm of complex musical exchange.
Some tracks, such as "Butchers Changes," "Flower Meanings," "Seven Running Perhapses" and "Pleasure of Source," are based on traditional Macedonian reels such as "Kasapsko," "Potrcano," "Ratevka," "Komitsko" and "Niknalo Cveke Sareno"; but, in most cases, the melodies only give a slight hint of their derivation. The tunes don't fixate so much on linear melody, but rather they contribute a constantly evolving line of musicality.
Roots on a Roof is truly a melting point, an intersection of ideas, styles and great musicianship. These encounters are far from smooth and are more kinetic by nature, which in turn brings a different vibrancy to the music. It is a warm and engaging, undeniably upbeat and celebratory album that turns winter into spring and darkness into light.
Track Listing
The Long Longing; Monday's Savory; Balkan Vulkan; Butchers Changes; Flower Meanings, Verve to Serve; Seven Running Perhapses; Cheese Under Lid; Pleasure of Source.
Personnel
Zoran Madzirov: vibes, bottlephone, tapan; Marina cado: violin; Vladimir Krstev: violin (4, 5, 8); Zoran Kraguevski: tenor sax, clarinet; Toni Pecanov: accordion; Oliver Josifovski: double bass; Goce Stevskovski: drums, percussion; Zdravko Angelov: bass clarinet (8); Bojan Petkov: guitar (5).
Album information
Title: Roots on a Roof | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: SJF Records
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