Yordan Kostov Quintet: Plush Pig [pmgjazz 009] 2020

>> “Plush Pig” is the first released recording of the quintet led by Macedonia’s most idiosyncratic musician Yordan Kostov – a composer and accordionist of some renown – and featuring an all-star group, comprised of experienced percussionists Dragan Teodosiev (of Svetlost+Odron Ritual Orchestra, amongst others) and Damjan Grujo (in his PMGJazz debut), plus up-and-coming bassist Andrea Mirčeska (winner of Skopje Jazz Festivals’ Best Young Artist for 2019). But, arguably the records breakout character is Filip Bukršliev, Macedonia’s finest guitarist, jazz or otherwise, who sonically dominates the album, tying the whole ensemble in his trademark way, of course known to us from his two previous releases on this label, and his work with Fighting Windmills.

In his wast discography, this is is Yordan Kostov’s only second PMGJazz release, following his unaccompanied accordion album “Sanfona De Grapa” – one of our more interesting records. As long as you are here, you might want to check that one as well. <<

All compositions by Yordan Kostov, except #2 by Yordan Kostov & Filip Bukršliev

Yordan Kostov [accordion]
Filip Bukršliev [guitar]
Andrea Mirčeska [double bass]
Dragan Teodosiev [drums]
Damjan Grujo [percussion]

Cover: Filip Bukršliev
Recorded at Alshar Studio by Ivica Jankulovski
Produced: Vladan Drobicki for PMGJazz

Svetlost: Jazz (to the working class) [pmgjazz 008] 2020

„After their debut album “Odron Ritual Orchestra” (which was featured in Bandcamp’s selection for best jazz records of 2019) SVETLOST are back with a punch and a kick! Unlike the large ensemble performance of “Odron Ritual Orchestra”, this record has the group in its original incarnation – a trio – focused on ambient and electronic noise as much as on acoustic jazz.

This recording from the archives captures the group’s third concert, played in the studio of Skopje’s legendary radio Kanal 103. It was made through the radio’s vintage broadcast mixer Soundcraft SAC200 which contributes to the unique tone of the record, and also the odd crackle and pop heard throughout.

The music on “Jazz (to the working class)” was written specifically for this performance and is unique and unrepeatable – not that that’s a bad thing! The album is dedicated to the working class, to which SVETLOST proudly belong.“

SVETLOST
Ninoslav Spirovski [clarinet / soprano saxophone]
Kristijan Novkovski [percussion]
Deni Omeragić [bass guitar / synthesizer / electronics]

Composed by Novkovski / Omeragić / Spirovski
Produced by Novkovski / Omeragić / Spirovski
Recorded live on air at Kanal 103, January 1st 2018.
Broadcast produced by Ǵorǵi Janevski
Sound engineer – Mladen Pavleski
Recording assistant – Erik Omeragić
Design by Kristijan Novkovski
Executive producers – Vladan Drobicki & Mirko Popov [for PMG Jazz]

Yordan Kostov: Sanfona De Grapa [pmgjazz 007] 2020

“Sanfona De Grapa” is an unaccompanied accordion album by Macedonia’s most idiosyncratic musician Yordan Kostov – a composer and accordionist of some renown.
In his wast discography, this is is Yordan Kostov first PMGJazz release – and to our our delight it has turned out as one of our more interesting records. Recorded in the vast emptiness of Skopje’s premier art-house cinema “Frosina”, by our very own Vladan Drobicki, it’s sound, plus Kostov’s unique musicianship contribute to a quite enjoyable experience. Truly, a record that bears multiple listenings.

UPDATE: Yordan Kostov now has a second PMGJazz release, a quintet recording named “Plush Pig”. As long as you are here, you might want to check that one as well.<<

Yordan Kostov, accordion
Music composed and arranged by Yordan Kostov
Recorded and mixed by Vladan Drobicki
Recorded at Youth Cultural Center, Skopje (MKC)
Produced by Vladan Drobicki & Mirko Popov for PMG Jazz
Cover photo by Vladan Drobicki
Cover design Violeta Kachakova

Kanton6Teichman Quintet: Intercactive Music Lab [pmgjazz 006] 2019

Kanton6Teichman quintet are:
Vladan Drobicki, trombone
Sinisha Evtimov, synths, rhythm machine
Mirko Popov, machine, field recordings
Andi Teichman, electronics manipulation
HannesTeichman, electronics manipulation

Kanton6Teichman Quintet release emerged from the Interactive Music Lab project implemented at Kino Kultura as a workshop and live impro session. A collaboration between Kanton6 Trio (Mirko Popov, Sinisa Evtimov, and Vladan Drobicki) – Skopje and Gebrüder Teichmann (Andi and Hannes Teichmann) – Berlin. The project was organised by Lokomotiva Skopje – Centre for New Initiatives in Arts and Culture. Supported by Goethe Institute, Skopje.
Recorded at Kino Kultura in May 2019 by Vladan Drobicki.
Produced by Vladan Drobicki & Mirko Popov for PMG Jazz…
Sleeve design Violeta Kachakova
Sleeve photo Dorijan Milovanovik
PMGJAZZ006 december 2019

SVETLOST: Odron Ritual Orchestra [pmgjazz 005] 2019

“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]

Sethstat: IX9 [pmgjazz 004] 2019

„ PMGJazz proudly presents the ninth album by Macedonian jazz group Sethstat – the not so subtly titled “IX9”.

Described, by our very own Mirko Popov as “their point of no return” this is undoubtedly their finest work to date. It is also, in many ways their most direct record since 2004’s “Rolling Garage” – a milestone in Macedonian punk-jazz.

Truly once in a lifetime collection of compositions, that keeps giving more and more with each spin of the [insert preferred medium]. “

“[…] The same thing that makes you come back to it over again, in order to “understand” it, is the same thing that motivates you to better yourself, and to grow both spiritually and as a character. And we, as a society that is part of the collective human culture[…] have a moral and civilizational obligation and responsibility not only to affirm, but also to support and promote such artistic values. Even to the point of sacrality, why not.” – Aleksandar Elenin, taratur.com

Sethstat:
Vladan Drobicki [trombone, slide trumpet]
Vasko Bojadžiski [tenor saxophone, alto saxophone]
Panče Bujukliev [synthesizers]
Pavel Drobicki [electric bass guitar]
Goce Naumov [drums]

Guests:
Deni Omeragić contrabass
Risto Solunčev voice, lyrics
Dejan Ilijić piano

Recorded by Ivica Jankulovski and Vladan Drobicki
Mixed at „Alshar Studio“ by Ivica Jankulovski
Cover designed by Natali Nikolovska, Panče Bujukliev , Vladan Drobicki, Alexandros Stamatiou.
Visionary of the shot by Panče Bujukliev

Special thanks to Dejan Hristov, Mihajlo Moteski, Zuty&Rozi

All compositions by Sethstat
Executive producer: Sethstat

Bukršliev Omeragić Spirovski: Odron [pmgjazz003] 2018

„Bukršliev / Omeragić / Spirovski’s abstract masterpiece is extremely difficult to describe. It has to be felt. It was probably best characterized by two Macedonian reviewers with similar feelings. Though some of their more colorful descriptions may have been lost in translation. The best way to know – listen!“

“This jazz trio announces the so-called “cleansing” (author’s note) with the first track from the album, titled “Odron II”, which can be briefly described (if we can talk about such a thing as “music description” at all) as a distorted “ear rupturing tendentiousness” that prepares the “musical gut” of jazz fans for all that amplitude variability of the complex musical stimulus that follows until the end of the album.

Already with the second album track, the almost eleven-minute jazz expression on the theme “Lonely Woman” by the cult hero Ornette Coleman, Bukršliev , Omeragić, and Spirovski confidently and uncompromisingly confirm the size and artistic value of their jazz album.

From the gloom of jazz lethargy, through sections filled with instrumental distortion of the auditory senses, to relaxation through jazz harmonizations, through the complex musical fluidity of instrumental virtuosity and “playfulness” which will surely come back to haunt you whenever you feel the need for musical elevation of the aesthetic establishment and condition.” – Aleksandar Elenin, taratur.com

” [..] Macedonian album of the year [..] The opening of the album […] is fierce. Omeragić enters our minds “studs up”, sawing the contrabass and creating “landslides in our thoughts”, with the intention of getting rid of the ego.

[..] This perfectly conceived album, has its own Siamese twin in the sensibility described in the previous paragraph – the music material has a second face, although both are part of the same coin. The key moment for that qualitative duality is the second track, a cover of “Lonely Woman” of the legendary Ornette Coleman. The joint interpretation of Bukršliev and Spirovski on the disciplined notes, as if it were Tartini’s “Devil’s Thriller”, then unfolds into lavish solos, which we can follow in parallel, until both are found again at the same point, at the end of the long-winded song. Brilliant.

[..] Spirovski sounds impeccable and almost perfect, like music for a yet unmade, but imagined film, which always looks different and challenging with each new listening of the material. All of this brought me back to the ’80s and ’90s of the last century, to the films of Wim Wenders and the soundtracks to his work, something that as a sensibility is always recommended for re-exploration and interpretation. ” – Igor Angelov, kritika.mk & “Heroj na eden den”

Odron II [Deni Omeragić]
Lonely Woman [Ornette Coleman]
Dark Elements [Ninoslav Spirovski]
Time Present [Filip Bukršliev]
ALS / Odron III [Bukršliev/Omeragić/Spirovski]
Odron I [Bukršliev/Omeragić/Spirovski]
Time Past [Bukršliev/Omeragić/Spirovski]
Intimen tanc [Filip Bukršliev]

Ninoslav Spirovski [clarinet / tenor saxophone]
Filip Bukršliev [guitar]
Deni Omeragić [contrabass / bass guitar]

Recorded at „Kino Frosina“ Skopje, 20 August 2018

Produced by Bukršliev / Drobicki / Omeragić / Spirovski
Recording engineer – Vladan Drobicki
Mixed and mastered by Vladan Drobicki, September/October 2018

Artwork by Filip Bukršliev
Photographs by Ana Ivanovska
Executive producers Vladan Drobicki & Mirko Popov, for PMG Jazz

Fighting Windmills + Sethstat: IN C Terry Riley [pmgjazz 001] 2018

„Terry Riley’s cult minimalist masterpiece “In C” is performed dozens, if not hundreds of times each year, and every single performance is unique. It has to be – it’s one of the enduring appeals of this composition. The performance you are, hopefully, about to listen is as well – unique! Luckily, we have it on tape. Furthermore, this is a recording of the Macedonian premiere of “In C”, and also the first musical communion of jazz titans Sethstat, and post-jazz renegades Fighting Windmills, making this album even more special. What a better way to launch a record label?

This performance discards some of the conventions of the piece – such as the mechanical pulse, which opens up space for a more liberal interactions between the musicians, which in turn gives a greater rhythmo-textural depth to the sound – especially important in a context where the piece is performed by a small… more

Ninoslav Spirovski [clarinet / soprano saxophone]
Vladan Drobicki [trombone]
Antonie Veskovski [percussion]
Goce Naumov [percussion / electronics]
Filip Bukršliev [guitar]
Panče Bukukliev [analogue synthesizer]
Pavel Drobicki [electric bass]
Deni Omeragić [contrabass / synthesizer]

Recorded live in „Кino Frosina“ – Skopje, on 16 December 2016

Composed by Terry Riley
Recorded by Nenad Trifunovski
Mixed and mastered by Vladan Drobicki
Design by Filip Bukršliev
Liner notes by Deni Omeragić

Crno Sobranie: Live at Laboratorium [pmgrec 211] 2024

This is pure kids stuff. And this kids are great!
High school band playing live and being recorded.
Happened in Laboratorium, probably the coolest place in SKopje at the moment. Kids basically playing their fav other people’s songs and two of theirs in between. It was loud. It was fun. It was a bit of a history there, that night. And thank you kids. You kids are gold.
And it is FREE.

Crno Sobranie:

Kiril Lazarevski, guitar
Martin Atanasov, bass
Darija Maneva, drums
Pavel Petkovski, guitar
Doroteja Solunceva, vocal
Mona Ristova, vocal

01. Paradise Circus, original song by Massive Attack (3D, Daddy G, Hope Sandoval)
02. Apatija, original song by Mozaik (Aleksandar Stankovski, Vele Soluncev)
03.04. Crno Sobranie music and lyrics
05. Nie Sme od Skopje (Mirko Popov)
06.Anonimen Neprijatel, original song by Bernays Propaganda (Vasko Atanasovski, Tina Gorovska)

Recorded live at Laboratorium, 26.02.2024 by Vladan Drobicki
Mixed and mastered by Vladan Drobicki
Curated by Mirko Popov
Sleeve design by Violeta Kachakova
Sleeve photo by Nikola Jovanovic
PMG Recordings 211 / silataEUmladite 001 / 2024