Lele Lele Orchestra – aide, aide! (Aide Aide! Music & Dance, 2024)
Since its inception in 2003, Lele Lele Orchestra, a dynamic Stockholm-based ensemble, has been a driving force in reimagining Bulgarian folk music in Northern Europe. Their dedication to this cause is not just a nod to tradition but a bold reinterpretation that infuses the genre with an exhilarating mix of energy, joy, and creativity. Collaborating with a diverse array of talents, from Middle Eastern musicians and flamenco dancers to renowned Bulgarian artists like Theodosii Spassov and Borislav Zgurovski, the group has continually pushed the boundaries of what folk music can be.
Their discography, though concise, is impactful. With their debut album Lele Lele (2009) and its follow-up When the Light Goes Out (2017), the orchestra not only solidified its place within Sweden but has also made significant inroads across Europe. Their tours have been met with acclaim, particularly in Bulgaria, where their roots resonate deeply. The Aide Айде! Balkan Jam Session, an inspired initiative launched in 2017, exemplifies their commitment to cultural exchange. This concept, combining guest artists with active audience participation, has seen success in cities like Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Malmö, and Gothenburg.
aide, aide!, their latest offering, is a direct product of this Balkan Jam Session spirit. The album encapsulates the spontaneous energy and the unpredictability that these sessions have come to embody. With five tracks, it weaves traditional Bulgarian pieces with contemporary compositions. Tracks 1 and 3 stay true to their folkloric roots, while Track 2, composed by Plovdiv’s gadulka virtuoso Georgi Naydenov, adds a distinct regional flair. Tracks 4 and 5, penned by Mihail Dinchev, who also arranged Track 3, serve as a powerful conclusion to this evocative recording.
Lele Lele Orchestra musicians: Mihail Dinchev – tambura (Bulgarian lute) and vocals; Kai Sundqvist – clarinet; John Runefelt – accordion and vocals; Stian Grimstad – tuba; and Moa Danielson – tupan (Balkan drum).
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Author: JGurski
