Phoenix: Balkans And Beyond
GLM, 2022
8/10
Listen to Phoenix: Balkans And Beyond
An assembly of 5 very skilled musicians from 4 different countries in Europe, Foaie Verde (Green Leaf) bring Hungarian, Romanian, Balkan, Macedonian, Albanian and Turkish ideas into their diverse and exciting song craft.
“Lassan Kocsis” opens the listen with stirring strings and expressive singing in the traditional Hungarian song, and “Cut To The Chase!” follows with a swift and dynamic delivery that showcases violin acrobatics and strategically plucked bass for the festive climate.
Deeper into the 14 tracks, “Hej!” recruits vibrant melodies for the bajan focused album highlight, while “No. 24” illustrates incredible string prowess amid a dance floor friendly display.
Further still, “Stoican” emits a uniquely rhythmic and playful demeanor of intricate strings and soothing bajan, and “Moldavian Shepherds’ Dance” exits the listen swiftly, with fascinating chemistry between the players on the Sapo Perapaskero original.
This is Foaie Verde’s 3rd album, and it features Mulo Francel from Quadro Nuevo on clarinet and saxophone, which only adds to the album’s appeal of fast melodies, emotional singing and calm moments of cultured beauty.
Travels well with: Quadro Nuevo- Odyssee- A Journey Into The Light; Morello/Francel/Faller- Living Is Easy, Mostly