“This is an album that’ll get into your bloodstream. This 11-piece ensemble is a throwback to the avant-garde big bands of the ‘70s, where chaos and raging intensity amplified sweet melodicism and a thundering groove. The Skopje, Macedonia ensemble Светлост (or Svetlost) radiate an energy that is positively infectious, with a rhythmic approach that borders on foot-tapping catchiness, and harmonies as warm as a fireplace in an Alaskan winter. And for an album with such a massive presence, the ensemble weaves all kinds of lovely textures into the fabric of the music, with four saxophonists, two trombonists, a pianist, and a minibrute keyboardist—and plenty of percussion to boot. This is one of the best things I’ve heard all year.” – Dave Sumner, The Best Jazz on Bandcamp: September 2019″

“The 2019 release from the Skopje, Macedonia ensemble Светлост (or Svetlost) is a cathartic experience. The 11-piece ensemble modulates between a chaotic intensity and an uneasy serenity, skipping melodic fragments over a raging groove like stones across the waves. The connections between an individual and a work of art are as nuanced as the qualities that make us all individual people. It can be impossible to break it all down to cause-and-effect. Светлост cuts that Gordian knot right down the middle by letting everything out. Unguarded and sincere, the ensemble opens every possible avenue in order to connect with the listener. It’s a throwback to the avant-garde big bands of the ‘70s that feels immediate and relevant to us today.” – Dave Sumner, The Best Jazz Albums of 2019

All compositions by Kristijan Novkovski / Deni Omeragić / Ninoslav Spirovski

Recorded at “Alshar” by Ivica Jankulovski & Vladan Drobicki [Skopje, 23 May 2019]
Recording assistant Bisera Anastasova
Mixed by Vladan Drobicki
Artwork photos by Bisera Bazer
Band photo by Mirko Popov
Design by Kristijan Novkovski
Executive producers: Vladan Drobicki & Mirko Popov [for PMG Jazz]

SVETLOST + ODRON RITUAL ORCHESTRA

Ninoslav Spirovski [clarinet / soprano & tenor saxophone]
Petar Hristov [soprano saxophone / alto saxophone]
Ivan Trajanoski [alto saxophone / baritone saxophone]
Vasko Bojadžiski [tenor saxophone]
Bisera Bazer [trombone]
Vladan Drobicki [trombone]
Kristijan Novkovski [drums / percussion]
Dragan Teodosiev [drums / percussion]
Konstantin Hadži Кocev [piano]
Panče Bujukliev [minibrute]
Deni Omeragić [contrabass]