MELITA & VENO DOLENC

While SEDMINA might be better known in progressive circles for later albums recorded after the breakup of the original matrimonial duo, I'm happy to make the acquaintance of their 1980 debut. Essentially a straightforward collection of mellow Eastern European folk music, the blend of Slovenian vocals, particularly the bell like Melita Dolenc, the creative melodies, and the daunting display of acoustic instrumentation make this a worthwhile listen for most who are not insistent on complexity. Apart from acoustic guitar, colorful piano, flute and violin also grace the arrangements, and the mood is like that of a subdued ITOIZ. Perhaps my favourite is the divine "Jutro", that could have come out of a sophisticated singer songwriter canon, and I suppose it did, while a little more variety in the tempos is welcomed in the form of the clarinet led "Svatba". But since each piece is well crafted, your own preferences may vary. While Melita and Veno divorced sometime after the sophomore album, leaving Veno to carry on the name for a few more releases, it's heartwarming to know they buried the hatchet in 2011 for a series of concerts that returned to this source for a good portion of its setlist. Recommended for fans of non Anglo acoustic folk.