The combination of Balkan and Colombian music is the formula I used when preparing this edition of Izvorišta. We listened to songs from four new releases by Donja Jeka, Mostar Sevdah Reunion, La Sonora Mazurén and La Pambelé.
(you can also listen to this episode on Mixcloud, just click here)
Donja jeka - Sunce te gleda (Self-released, 2024)
Croatian-Polish group Donja Jeka have released their impressive debut album Sunce te gleda. The album features dark, droning versions of traditional songs performed by three female singers against a minimalist and highly experimental musical backdrop. It’s one of those albums that left me completely breathless on first listen.
Mostar Sevdah Reunion - Bosa Mara (Snail, 2024)
Mostar Sevdah Reunion has released their new album Bosa Mara, marking 25 years since their debut. The quality of MSR albums has always depended on their singers, and with the excellent Antonija Batinić in the band, there are no problems here. Bosa Mara ventures into other traditional Balkan songs, not just sevdah. Thanks to guest artists, the album also features touches of flamenco and Latin music.
La Sonora Mazurén - Magnetismo Animal (Barbès, 2024)
La Sonora Mazurén can best be described as outstanding disciples of the Meridian Brothers. The reconstruction of cumbia pioneered by Eblis Álvarez and his Meridian Brothers has inspired many bands worldwide, and La Sonora Mazurén do it brilliantly.
La Pambelé - Nací Mestizo (Discos Elgozo, 2024)
Unlike La Sonora Mazurén, La Pambelé have based their music on salsa. But that doesn’t mean that they have made a typical salsa album, which would be the easiest way to go. No, La Pambelé have also experimented, blending salsa with numerous other genres and playing with the reconstruction of genres. This is an album that at first you don't know why you’re listening to it — but you just can’t put it down.
Tracklist:
Donja jeka - Pjeto pjeva
Donja jeka - Ljeljan hodi
Donja jeka - Žarko Sunce na put polazaše
Donja jeka - Diko moja
Gordan - Šara
Mostar Sevdah Reunion - Djevojka je zelen broj sadila
Mostar Sevdah Reunion - A što ti je mila kćeri
Amira Medunjanin - Damar
La Sonora Mazurén - Quemate
La Sonora Mazurén - Alucinacion
La Sonora Mazurén - Ale Ale Recule
La Pambelé - El Mañana
La Pambelé - Nací Mestizo (ft. Nicoyembe)
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