very, very good
author: Yusef Malenky
Except for a couple of commercial moments, this is an excellent example of Bulgarian Wedding Music. Good way to get going in the morning. Buy it, you won't regret it.
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Perfect knees-up music
author: Harriet
This CD is particularly entertaining. It is difficult to listen to in large doses due to the sheer unrelenting energy of the music, but it does have great comedy value and the musical dexterity of the performers is really impressive. It is a very tight recording of some great music.
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author: Helmut Wetter
It´s a wonderful CD with an extraordinary band with great musicians like Ivan Milev or Entcho Todorov playing the violin. I like especially the pieces influenced by the Bulgarian music.
I could hear some years ago a live concert with Ivan Milev and Yuri Yunakov (saxophone) Do you know, if there is available a record of the both? I´m very interested in this music.
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Stunning Balkan Beats and Bulgarian Grooves guaranteed to combat dancefloor coma
author: Campbell Weber
IN A LAND FAR, FAR AWAY
True, it is the title of the lead song from the brilliant new album, THE FLIGHT OF KRALI MARCO, by the Ivan Milev Band, but it also stabs at the heart of this glorious music's esence. If you are already familiar with Balkan/Bulgarian gypsy music then no need to read on, you already know about the power and beauty of such sonic wonder. Simply pick up this album; it carries on the rich tradition and won't disappoint.
However, if you are a newbie to Balkan music, then the IVAN MILEV band's latest effort is a fine place to embark. This is music that plays on both ends of the human spirit, from melancholy to glee, ruminative yet festive, sometimes all within the same song. Whether it is the spirit of longing found on tunes such as In A Land Far, Far Away or Uncharted Territory (spearheaded by the riveting singer, Maria Koleva) or the frenetic fiddlework and spitfire accordion that rivets throughout Rachenica and Crossing Gypsies, the listener is taken on quite a journey. Your guide Mr. Milev clearly demonstrates he is a master accordionist and bandleader (having such dexterous sparring talent as violinist Entcho Todorov doesn't hurt either) willing to take risks as well as thoroughly entertain.
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