Undisputed King of the Macedonian Clarinet
Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 06/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tale Ognenovski, the "King of the Macedonian Clarinet", created original musical compositions covering a wide range of technical expertise and artistry that is showcased on this CD. For over 45 years he has entertained Macedonians with his improvisational skills on the clarinet and reed pipes and in the last two years on the small bagpipe and zourla. In the mid to late 1950s, he traveled throughout the USA and Western Europe, mainly Germany and France, playing the reed pipe and clarinet as accompaniment for the dance group, "Tanec" (the former Yugoslavia's National Folk Ballet). His first performance on the small bagpipe and zourla were on a CD recorded in May 2001 in Skopje, Macedonia. Tale Ognenovski is an undisputed leader and innovator of Balkan style improvisational jazz on the clarinet. What makes this CD so special is, not only do we hear the master musician on the clarinet, we also hear his son, Stevan, and grandchildren, Nikola and Kliment, accompany him on the drum and reed pipes. Great music has no borders or politics as proven by this magnificent production. The artistry and talent of Tale Ognenovski is world-class ...Tracks 1, 2 & 3 are called "Tale Ognenovski Jazz Compositions No. 1, No. 5 & No. 8." The first reminds me of American jazz, such as played by Bennie Goodman & his band in the 1940s. Gradually, in a very fluid fashion, the music changes to Macedonian tunes and melodies. No. 5 & No. 8 have exotic musical phrases that only a master musician can create on a Balkan clarinet. My favorite tunes are the folk dances which demonstrate his innovative skills using the minor musical scale, unique rhythms and melodies that predominate in the Balkans. The titles of the tunes, "Brusnichko Oro", "Nevenino Oro", "Bukovsko svadbarski oro", "Talevo kasaspsko oro" ... sound as mysterious and enticing as the music itself. Spine-tingling sensations arise as one listens to the spiralling musical notes played with so much passion and talent. Track # 8 "Stevchevo Oro" is a unique blend of sounds created by the reed pipes, small bagpipe, and zourla which alternate on different musical paths. The reed pipes are like a chorus which respond to the independent voices of the bagpipe and zourla. Track # 10, "Tale Ognenvovski Concert for Clarinet No. 1", is an amazing musical labyrinth, an extravaganza of magnificent proportions and dimensions. Although it lasts about 29 minutes, there is nothing boring or repetitive within the entire musical fete. It is a meditative exploration on the clarinet of a new musical form, a fusion of modern Westernized jazz improvisations with ancient Balkan rhythms and melodies. At times, there are rapid twists and curves, like a car racing in competition and other times, there are very spiritual and meditative passages, as heard within a Zen Buddhist temple. Anyone who loves clarinet music and the Balkan sound will also love this CD. Erika Borsos (erikab93)"
Totally Different and Mesmerizing.
W. Grandy | windsor, nova scotia Canada | 05/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an album of folk dances, classical music and jazz. The quartet consists of Mr. Ogenenovski, his son and two grandsons. Instuments used are clarinet, reed pipe, small bagpipe, zourla and drums. All selections are written by Mr. Ogenenovski. This album crosses all of the above genres with finesse. A don't miss, feel good recording. Check out the drums. Tops my list of jazz recordings."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1