Harmony Of Dissonance

Traces Of Croatian Traditional Singing

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Traces Of Croatian Traditional Singing

A record that brings together the vocal prowess of the Dalmatia region, the polyphonic singing is showcased brilliantly between the Harmonija Disonance Ensemble and the Jazz Orchestra of the Academy of Music in Zagreb.

“Ispod Panja Javorova/Izvir Voda Izvirala” starts the listen with keys and horns working together on an exploratory jazz adventure, and this continues to the vocally expressive, a cappella, and playful “Procvitala Kitica Fiole”, as well as the frisky, festive brass of “Sve Se More U Valove Dalo”.

Although there’s 31 tracks here, many hover around the 30 second mark, though fuller tune like “Zapjeval Mi, Jaranice Moja” recruit tubas, piccolo, and saxophones for a dynamic effort where mystery and mood are key, while the nearly operatic “Moj ragane, zvore od Drine” uses percussion acrobatics to really illustrate the power available from the ensemble.

An extremely varied listen that’s not like any other big band record you’ve heard, there’s countless genres, textures and ideas unfolding here, as guitars and clarinets are used alongside violins and trombones. Although it may seem like a niche release, those who are open to cultured, jazz influenced sounds will find themselves in awe.

Travels well with: Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge; Arcadian Winds- Windswept