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Zoran Predin and Matija Dedic: Tragovi u Sjeti
ByThe record is a generally quiet affair, with a sense of introspective reflection. Zoran Predin is a crooner who knows how to express tenderness without sentimentality, thus giving these songs a chilling beauty. He shows great understanding of the songs he sings without overdoing it, and the songs are better for it. On the other hand, Matija Dedić is a fruitful composer with several albums behind him, his discography including albums featuring jazz covers of some of Croatia's greatest songwritersGibonni, on Tempera (Dallas Records, 2002), and Drugi Pogled (Dallas Records, 2005), with songs by the pianist's father, Arsen Dedić, one of the most celebrated Croatian/Yugoslavian songwriters of all time whose work has encompassed different eras, generations and countries. One of the links between Matija Dedić and Zoran Predin is actually the elder Dedić with whom Predin has worked in the past and has recorded Svjedoci Priče (Jugoton, 1989). Naturally, they included a song of his "Tvoje Nježne godine."
The choice of songs includes works by celebrated songwriters and interpreters like Goran Bregović, Đorđe Balašević, Zdravko Čolić, Oliver Dragojević, Parni Valjak and Josipa Lisacall well known as welland a song that Predin wrote for Croatian singer Massimo Savić, "Šta bi mi bez nas." The choice of material is not accidental and this stripped-down approach has not wiped out the history that goes with the songs. The common denominator is the emotions and beautiful, simple melodies. Most of the time Dedić acts as an accompanist, with only the occasional piano break hinting at the scope of his talent.
Historically speaking, the music of former Yugoslavia was a world of its own, a deep well with all kinds of genres, bands and artists that had huge followings and enthusiastic audiences across many generations. Generally speaking, that age fostered a fertile artistic and cultural exchange that affected various other fields. Sadly, those achievements were overshadowed by its recent dark history, with its violent breakup at the beginning of the '90s. That era is often looked upon as a golden age, and was (and still is) expressed through its music. Typically, societies are constantly subjected to periods of equilibrium and turbulence which is best expressed through the notion of Golden and Dark ages. Most often, that aspect of nostalgia and lamentation is turned into merchandising, but despite its nostalgic comforts, Tragovi u Sjeti is far from nostalgia marketing; instead, it's an honest and heartfelt musical document, where fine musicianship really does justice to these songs.
Track Listing
Još jedan prođe dan; Jesen u meni; Te noći kad umrem; Magla; Ti si mi u krvi; Tvoje nježne godine; Azra; Šta bi mi bez nas; Što te nema; Galeb i ja; Priča o Vasi Ladačkom; A sad adio.
Personnel
Matija Dedić: piano, keyboards; Zoran Predin: vocal; Marta Kosturska: backing vocal.
Album information
Title: Tragovi u Sjeti | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Aquarius Records