Aleksandar Ordev (Александар Ордев) – Шут

Stotrojka, an independent label run by Kanal 103 radio, delivers a fantastic EP by Aleksandar Ordev. It features tight grooves that are eminently danceable, making it perfect for both dancing and getting lost in the music. Check it out on the label’s Bandcamp site. “Art teacher by day and musician Continue Reading

Various Artists – Canary Records: I’m Not Going: A Macedonian Band from Lorain, Ohio ca. 1954

Canary Records provides yet another stunning archive album, this time from the Macedonian community in Ohio.  From the label’s Bandcamp site: “Bob Nicoloff’s Macedonian band remained active for at least 20 years, playing for dances organized by the Macedonian Patriotic Organization, weddings, and restaurants. Like the two other mid-Western Macedonian Continue Reading

Kočani Orkestar – L’Orient est Rouge

It’s nice to go backwards to find some long-forgotten gems like this one.  From the Kočani Orkestar’s Bandcamp site: “This explosive Gypsy brass band from the Balkans was led by trumpet player Naat Veliov till 2000, and comprises two trumpets, three tubas, saxophone, clarinet, zurla (traditional oboe) and percussion. Their Continue Reading

stotrojka – Најубави

Kanal 103 FM is the best independent radio program in the whole of the Balkans, never mind Macedonia.  I’ve had many friends work there and produce amazing shows, so when Gjorgji Janevski let me know that this compilation was out, I rushed to hear it!  From stotrojka’s (the label associated Continue Reading

Kristo Rodzevski – Black Earth

Here is something rather magnificent coming out of Macedonia in the form of Kristo Rodzevski’s latest album through Defkaz, a great Greek label.  There is hope for the Balkans yet!  From the Defkaz Bandcamp site: “Black Earth has eleven traditional Macedonian songs infused with African aesthetics, including Gnawa undertones, Congo Continue Reading