Leo Brouwer comes from a distinguished pedigree, being the grandnephew of Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. His grotesque support of Communism aside, he is among the finest classical music guitarists of his generation, and his handling of Astor Piazzolla, in particular, is extremely impressive.
Instrumental
[Music] Bulat Gafarov – Ya JAleyka
I can’t say that I know much about Bulat Gafarov personally, other than he’s both a fine multi-instrumentalist and a friend on Facebook, but he’s really quite an amazing talent. An ethnic Russia, he’s comfortable with music from India, China and Central Asia, as well as the regional music of places like Tatarstan and Siberia.
[Video] ABC Ansambl Angela Vlatkovića – Snovi (1975, LP)
One wonders if Blaxploitation soundtracks were big in the Former Yugoslavia. Here’s Serbian bandleader Angelo Vlatković funking out.
[Video] Ólafur Arnalds -Epilogue
Ólafur Arnalds produces the sort of gorgeous music Iceland seems to be noted for. He comes from an electronic/techno background, but his understanding of composition shows in his delicate compositions.
[Video] The Cinematic Orchestra – Life Of The Bird
The Cinematic Orchestra hail from London, and their sound matches their name splendidly. Rare is the band who can work comfortably in both electronica and something akin to soundtrack music. Some try, but they don’t quite pull it off as elegantly as these lads do.
The Skopje Connection – Branko, Branko, Branko (Live)
Three of the finest musicians Macedonia has to offer combine with Dutch cellist Ernst Reijsinger for an amazing concert I was privileged enough to attend.
The lineup for the evening:
Dzijan Emin – Melodeon
Luca Aquino – Trumpet
Georgi Sareski – Guitar
Ernst Reijseger – Cello
Enrico Blumer deserves a load of credit for making this collaboration happen. He has been a gift to the Skopje music scene.
[Podcast] Ultima Thule #1068 – Bruno Sanfilippo
Ultima Thule #1068 by Ultima Thule Ambient Music on Mixcloud
Sublime working music, courtesy of Bruno Sanfilippo, who is featured today at the Ultima Thule podcast, available on Mixcloud.
Many thanks to Miguel Santos, who will be showcasing Bruno in London later this year.
[Video] SPK – The Garden Of Earthly Delights
SPK had an incredible beginning as one of the brutal first wave of Industrial Music, then dissolved into a dance mess with a couple of utterly forgettable albums. Their swansong, however, is about as sublime as Dead Can Dance was at their best. Zamia Lehmanni: Songs of Byzantine Flowers would be a bridgeway for Graeme Revell to go into soundtrack music, which he is still doing to this day.
[Sample] H.Giray Sönmez – Pandur Song (Caucasus Tushki/Ingush Folk)
H. Giray Sönmez is an Anatolian Turkish musician who interprets music from the Caucasus.
[Video] Causa Sui – Homage
10 minutes of psychedelic/Kraut bliss. I know little about Causa Sui, except that they are a modern band who record for El Paraiso Records currently. They really do wonders for modern psych music.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 