Search - She'koyokh Klezmer Ensemble :: Sandanski's Chicken

Surpasses My Highest Expectations!

Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 05/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My enthusiasm for the music on this CD is infinite! I am either dancing, snapping my fingers or humming most of the melodies and tunes as they are playing. Shékoyokh Klezmer Ensemble are master musicians who have created an outstanding CD with an array of distinctly different musical rhythms and melodies from many countries of Eastern and Central Europe, the Balkans, and even the Middle East. I hear music from Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, the Ukraine, Greece and Roma (gypsy) music of the Balkans.



Their rendition of "Kopanitsa" (track #2) is as good as that played by any authentic Bulgarian band from the old country. The distinct 11/8 time is evident and just as complex as one would expect, accompanied on the clarinet which sounds like a zurna at times and the accordion which at times sounds like a gaida (bagpipes). Track # 3 "Greek Tune" is very familiar and joyful. There may be many variations of this traditional folk tune throughout Greece and Macedonia. "Bavno Oro" is another favorite Bulgarian melody with a soft and gentle tempo, much slower than Kopanitsa. Bavno Ora has absolutely astonishing clarinet solos that will thrill any folk dancer and afficionado of Balkan music. It has a mesmerizing melody and rhythm.



Track #7 "Dem Rebns Nighn" is a klezmer tune filled with deep emotional violin solos creating absolutely spine-tingling sensations. The violin playing is beyond word descriptions - it just has to be heard! "Nikolaev Bulgar" (track #8) is another exciting klezmer tune in which the clarinet takes lead, creating a joyful almost carnival-like atmosphere. # 9 "Krivo Sadovsko" is strictly Macedonian or Bulgarian, played in the wild and exciting 13/8 rhythm that leaves one breathless just listening. I can only imagine the fancy footwork which advanced folk dancers have mastered and love to perform ... # 10 "Amarantos" has a haunting Greek melody with a fantastic clarinet intepretation and equally impressive violin accompaniment.



This group has mastered the nuances of the musical forms and rhythms of many countries. Meg Hamilton passionately plays the klezmer violin creating joy or sadness. She takes the listener on a deep emotional journey, exploring one's own soul. Susi Evans plays the clarinet with obvious enthusiasm and talent, expressing the klezmer sound with ever winding pathways exploring new boundaries, yet expressing the ancient heritage and traditions equally well. At times, the music is so haunting and ethereal, it takes the listener to a whole new realm of musical appreciation. No one who hears this music can remain emotionally umoved. My highest endorsement to BUY. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

"