ORIGINS

It took Miki Petkovski almost 27 years to record a follow-up solo album after his overlooked debut "Ko zna" (1979). In the meantime, he moved from former Yugoslavia to Canada and continued to develop his musical career as composer, producer and owner of his private studio. Suddenly, "Origins" appeared in 2006 and it was interesting to hear how Petkovski adapted to the current digital technology and new musical trends.

Obviously, there is no backing band since he played all instruments by himself. This means he entered the "Vangelis territory" of leisure, soundtrack-like music that is fairly pleasant to listen to occasionally for soothing and relaxation purposes but leaves the more eager and demanding listener unsatisfied. This is particularly true if you know his jazz-rock past, but again, why not change and offer something new? The problem with this CD is that it is too "safe" and unchallengeable at least for my taste. He used famous Macedonian traditional tunes and odd time signatures which surely can be amazing for Western audience but not so for a South-Eastern European listener.

That said, there are a couple of excellent tunes here - notably "Nowadays", "Dance in 9/8", "Past" and a cover of traditional "Koljo Don't Sell" (in original: "Ne si go prodavaj Koljo chiflikot", which should be heard in Vlatko Stefanovski's amazing guitar version, if you ask me). Alas, the remainder, including another popular traditional cover "The Laundress of Ohrid" (original: "Biljana platno beleshe"), is often bordering the "Muzak" territory. Recommended for fans of smooth jazz and general easy-listening instrumental music.

PERSONAL RATING: 3/5

P.A. RATING: 3/5