Baklava, from Skopje, North Macedonia, plays music that could be best described as traditional Macedonian folk music played with traditional instruments, but infused with contemporary sensibility. This sound was crafted through their many live performances and concerts which culminated in the recording of live album “Baklava” (Skopje Jazz Festival Records, 2007) this contains both traditional songs and its own compositions.
Elena Hristova – vocal, kaval (wooden pipe)
Plays a variety of instruments. Trained in opera, choral and traditional folk singing which lately has been her primary passion. Constantly in search of new and fresh sounds, she has taken part in various projects, albums and has played in many countries throughout Europe.
Nikola Nikolov – tambura
Plays multiple instruments. The tambura has come as a natural progression from his primary instrument, the guitar, introducing utterly new and contemporary elements in his style of playing. Previously, he has been a member of a variety of bands (heavy metal, funk, rock). Currently, he is also the guitar player in the jazz-band “Plan B”.
Aleksandar Stamatov – tambura
Student of the great maestro of traditional Macedonia folk music, Pece Atanasovski. His style comes closest to the traditional style of playing. Unwavering in his sound, it is telling that he has never been curious about other instruments. He has been a guest on a great variety of music projects.
Dejan Sibinovski – def
Another student of Pece Atanasovski. He is self-taught in the tef, learning from watching and hearing Turkish dervishes, but owing his prowess mostly to Sabit Tahiri. He also plays multiple instruments. Like the others, he has also taken part in a wide range of projects, as well as collaborated with various performers.
In 2011 the band released a Sephardic music album titled Me mankas mucho. The 2011 lineup included Elena Hristova on vocals; Dejan Sibinovski on daf, percussion; Cengiz Ibrahim on– kanun, bagğlama; Petar Hristov on clarinet, saxophone, guitarro; Dejan Teodosievski on cello; Trajce Ristovon– darbuka, dajre, tapan; and Vladimir Krstev on violin.
Discography
Baklava (2006)
Kalemar (2008)
Me mankas mucho (2011)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.