The traditional Macedonian folk tunes and melodies, "Brusnichko Oro", "Nevenino Oro, "Bukovsko svadbarski oro", and "Talevo kasapsko oro" are my favorites because the minor scale and unusual rhythms allow for highly fluid and lyrical melodic interpretation. Tale Ognenovski is a master of interpretative clarinet sounds and inventor of exotic musical phrases. Great examples are, Tracks 1, 2 and 3 "Tale Ognenonvski Jazz Compositions No. 1, No. 5, & No. 8", all of which combine Macedonian music with Benny Goodman type jazz improvisational techniques. The labyrinthine musical phrases that flow from the the undisputed "King of Macedonian Clarinet" are magnificent, extravagant. He explores sound and music with twists and curves that leave the listener breathless. It is world-class music at its finest. He can play fast, exciting, speeding clarinet music or music that is spiritual meditative and soulful. Overall, this CD demonstrates that the mysterious music from the Balkans belongs on the world-stage ... for everyone to hear and enjoy. Erika Borsos (erikab93)
