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Serbian Jazz Bre Band: Serbian Jazz, Bre
ByOut of this project came a band consisting of jazz musicians from different generations and experiences, initiated by Grlić and his activities. The Serbian Jazz Bre Band is a potent mix of youthful vigor and the fruitful experience of some of its elder members. Fronted by pianist/chief writer Aleksandar Jovanović Šljuka, this mash-up of youthful panache and maturity seems to have sparked inspiration on both sides of the generational divide. As the title indicates, this is not strictly a classic jazz record, but flits between styles, as the compositions reveal considerable influences of various jazz styles and, in equal measures, Serbian folk melodies.
Those inclinations and influences are evident from the start, with the folkloric melodies of the playful opener "Traveling High," the proceeding to various other tracks like "Vrelo," the tender "Tears of Earth" and, evidently, the folk ballad "Ej vi Magle," sung by Nevena Jelić. Although the ambiances and moods vary with the mix of jazz improvisation, a very virtuosic side to the group's performances is demonstrated through plenty of instrumental battles led by pianist Jovanović and violinist Filip Krumes. "Only Nothing is Enough" resembles pianist Brad Mehldau and his trio, but the spindly, casually sown folkloric melodies are constantly enriched by both the violin and firecracker rhythm section, as the band collectively unfolds them.
On the joyful "Bojerka," Jelić's wordless chanting and the piano shape a sneaking and elegant line over a fat groove that, midway, turns into a drum solo with time stops as the orchestra jumps in various sequences without losing the tempo. Then it proceeds to bring in a touch of soulful funk on "Gavrilo and Gibril Fly Above Constantinople," with its affectionate melodies, as it moves more closely to lounge jazz with soulful inclinations and wordless singing.
The album closes with the short "Bre!," written and performed by legendary trumpeter Stjepko Gut. It's a solo piece and its howling melodies closely evoke the hurried melody of fellow trumpeter Miles Davis' "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down." Gut's playing is effectively overdubbed, creating a layered and echoing sound sculpture.
All of the tracks have a dreamlike quality, and the bandwith its strong, melodic playingcontributes equally to transcending genre conventions. There is a conceptual unity that links these tracks into a cohesive achievement and it's rare to encounter a debut album marked by the poise, vision and ambition that distinguishes Serbian Jazz, Bre.
Track Listing
Traveling High; Only Nothing is Enough; Ej vi Magle; Tears on Earth; Vrelo; Bojerka; Gavrilo & Gibril Fly over Constantinople; Bre!.
Personnel
Bitches Brew Band
saxophoneAleksandar Jovanović: piano, keyboards; Filip Krumes: violin; Nevena Jelić: vocal; Marko Fabry: electric bass; Aleksandar Cvetković: drums; Uroš Šećerov: percussion; Stjepko Gut: trumpet, flugelhorn.
Album information
Title: Serbian Jazz, Bre | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Serbian Soul Bre
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About Bitches Brew Band
Instrument: Saxophone
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