PJEV/ Kit Downes/ Hayden Chisholm – Medna Roso (Redhook Records, 2023)
“Medna Roso” by PJEV, Kit Downes, and Hayden Chisholm, released under Red Hook Records, stands as a testament to the transformative power of musical communion. This remarkable recording unites the talents of Kit Downes, the BBC Jazz Award winner and Mercury nominee, on the organ; Hayden Chisholm, the renowned New Zealand saxophonist celebrated for his distinct microtonal tuning system, contributing his alto saxophone, shruti box, analog synthesizer, throat singing, and vocals; and the enchanting voices of PJEV, a remarkable female a cappella vocal quintet from Zagreb, dedicated to preserving and cherishing the traditional vocal music from Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hayden Chisholm first crossed paths with Jovana Lukić, the director of PJEV, now residing in Zagreb. Their encounter took place at a kafana (traditional Serbian restaurant) in Dorćol, an ancient neighborhood in Belgrade, Serbia. Reflecting on this fateful meeting, Lukić effuses, “Encountering someone like him in Belgrade was a rarity. He is a true artist and lover of life, a presence that resonated deeply within me and became a profound source of inspiration.”
Immersed in Belgrade since 2016, Chisholm found himself profoundly moved by PJEV’s exquisite preservation of the a cappella singing traditions of the Balkans. It was this resplendent preservation that captivated his soul. Thus began their mutual exploration and musical experimentation, with Chisholm gradually incorporating the saxophone, delving deeper into the essence of the songs and embracing various performance styles.
Chisholm reminisces, “The emotional directness, the resonant harmonies, the pure intervals, and the raw physicality of PJEV’s sound struck me instantly. Thus commenced my journey of delving into the meaning of the lyrics, the contexts in which these songs are sung, and the gradual fading of this tradition’s cultural prominence over the last decades.“
This extraordinary album features traditional songs that represent diverse regions of the Balkans, each imbued with a distinct vocal style that has evolved through centuries of cultural evolution. Accompanying the music, the album includes extensive liner notes meticulously detailing titles, lyrics, and translations of the songs, acting as a guiding compass for the curious listener embarking on this musical odyssey.
Lukić confesses, with a sense of marvel, “Even to this day, the events that transpired in Cologne remain somewhat mysterious. During rehearsals, we grappled with the acoustic challenges of the church, unsure of how our sound would meld within its sacred confines. However, when the concert commenced the following day, an inexplicable magic unfolded. From the very first moment, it felt as though we had sprouted immense stork wings, soaring effortlessly. The resonant and profound music emanating from Kit’s daring organ harmonies and the vibrant imagery of Hayden’s improvisations, akin to a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies, filled the church space. This was an experience to be etched into our memories.“
Kit Downes corroborates this sentiment, affirming that the night immortalized in this recording was not merely magical but a striking embodiment of the harmonious convergence of distinct musical personalities, hailing from diverse realms, eagerly embracing the boundless spirit of improvisation. Downes, personally enraptured by the occasion, particularly highlights the majestic 3-manual Rieger Organ—a monumental instrument boasting a resonant acoustic chamber. He poetically describes its allure, with “booming 32′ reeds resounding in the pedals, shimmering Cymbelstern, crystalline Nazard and Tierce partials, and delicate ascending strings on the swell.“
The fusion of sounds reverberated magnificently and timelessly within the ancient walls of the Agneskirche in Cologne, Germany, a venue steeped in history and tradition. It was here, in September 2021, that this ensemble graced the stage, leaving the audience utterly spellbound during the illustrious Cologne Jazz Week Festival.
Buy Medna Roso.
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.