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After two very poor decades for Balkans progressive music, some return to their place on musical map could be evidenced in early 00'. Vasil Hadzimanov band is one of most professional and interesting collective speaking about modern fusion of this area.

Even if Balkan folk was source of influences for Southern European (and far not only - last decade I heard some interesting Nordic bands, heavily influenced by Balkan folk as well) prog for years, VH band uses this material with really rare taste. No Gypsy/village fair atmosphere is dominating on this album's music.

Very technically competent modern jazz fusion, with excellent keyboards and strong jazzy flavour, uses folklore for some tunes and themes, but all the music is played in a key of European jazz rock band. Not often I heard so tasteful touch on musical roots - it's far not the music for tourists,when local attractions are used in the form of souvenirs. This album's music is one of rare successful really synthetic look on folk roots and modern jazz realities.

Besides of Balkan folklore, important elements of music on this album are best modern jazz rock European traditions, from Weather Report to contemporary jazz. Even if electric keyboards are leading instrument , all musicians are equally strong, and electric guitar is of the great jazz rock standard, when drummer is very jazzy. Because of many world music elements (but deep under the skin), the music is very melodic and album is no way boring.

One fresh look on the modern European jazz fusion, really recommended!