This is the second album by the Macedonian supergroup “Leb i Sol” released in 1978. It was a true revelation back then (the band and the album) – only several years after jazz-rock and fusion music became popular in the U.S.A., these (then very young) talented musicians from Skopje brought this sound to Eastern Europe, in a socialist country (Yugoslavia), sounding as fresh and convincing as their western counterparts (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever etc.).They even went a step ahead by implementing the traditional folk music of Macedonia into their cultivated, but energetic style of fusion. They were welcomed as a musical miracle in the Balkans and still are considered an iconic music collective in these parts of the world. Started as a band of four musical prodigies, Leb i Sol lasted for 15 years before disbanding around the same time with the breakup of the Yugoslav federation, releasing dozens of studio and live albums, soundtracks, TV and theater music. Their solo careers proved further the quality of their musicianship and dedication to good music. Vlatko Stefanovski is considered a guitar “God” in the Balkans, Bodan Arsovski is one of the best bass players around, Nikola Dimusevski is still a leading composer in the fields of jazz and contemporary music and Garabet Tavitjan is a monster on the drums and a living legend. All of them are pretty iconic as musicians, especially in the ex-YU republics.
This was the first of their records I listened to when I began exploring the realms of music. Actually I knew their music from the earliest childhood - they composed the music for the legendary children’s educational TV series “Busava azbuka” (Tousled Alphabet), in which Vlatko and Bodan were acting characters in the show. But as I said, this was the first LP that I picked up as a music enthusiast. It represents fusion music at it’s finest. The complex, but grooving songs are showing their superb musicianship and imaginative composing skills and the mastery over uneven meters like 7/8, 9/8, 11/8 and similar beats characteristic for the Macedonian traditional music. The songs range from smooth vocal songs to explosive instrumentals, all exciting in their own way.
Through the years, Leb i Sol shifted from jazz and fusion into art-rock, always keeping their original sound, mostly achieved through the combination of Vlatko’s guitar and Bodan’s fretless bass sound. Every album they have made is a masterpiece. This is my favorite from their early period, I guess because it was my first encounter with their music, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is an excellent material, especially for those who like fusion and progressive music. My recommendation – check all of their albums and enjoy!
