KAFANKI

Kafanki is the 2nd album made by the Serbian collective, led by keyboard player Vasil Had?imanov. Shortly said, this is very good fusion jazz mixed with Balkan roots, played by talented musicians. The moods are varied, so are the tempi too but one thing stands up clearly: the influence of Joe Zawinul! Direct references in the titles but also more undirect ones like track 1 "17 Accordions" or track 5 "Paco", the latter referring of course to drummer and Zawinul's Syndicate member Paco Sery. The references to Zawinul don't stop with the titles; the music also shows clear twinkles of the eye sending back to Mr. Z (synth sounds, those quick 16th-notes-based melodic phrases and drumming) but without ever being felt as poor musical clones. Keyboard lovers will be delighted by the many instruments displayed here and fans of Balkan rhythms will have a treat! This is real fusion, in the sense of integration and smelting of musical cultures; three video clips are the cherry on the cake, listen, watch and enjoy!