wladigeroff brothers
inspired songs
Inspired People Create Inspiring Music
“Had the album not carried the conceptual title Inspired Songs — mostly original compositions — I might have borrowed one of the track titles instead and called the entire project Lyutenichka (vol.II) (Лютеничка – част II) . That particular piece was born quite some time ago, originally without lyrics. Performed live over the years with endless groove and a rotating cast of guest musicians, it now reappears here in a seemingly more restrained version, featuring some of those same collaborators. If there is a truly contemporary Bulgarian equivalent of the term “jam session” in its deepest sense, then Lyutenichka ( vol.II) is exactly that: memory, renewed dedication, unexpected turns, dizzying rhythms — and so much flavor that you can almost spread it on a slice of bread.
It feels as though the album’s entire palette has been concentrated into this rich musical “.Lyutenichka ” The journey begins with an unrecognizable introduction to the European anthem. Schiller, symphonized by Beethoven, has already traveled through flamenco, jazz, even hip-hop interpretations — yet here the statement is unmistakably “glocal.” Local, through the subtle asymmetrical rhythms and fragments of the Bulgarian translation; global, through the seamless transition into Dave Brubeck’s „Blue Rondo à la Turk“ and — unexpectedly — the famous “fate knocks” motif from Beethoven’s V-th Symphony, appearing not at the opening but in the coda, unmistakably part of the Wladigeroff brothers’ encoded humor. The same playful spirit resurfaces in „The White Horse with the Yellow Scarf“, complete with improvised wooden-spoon “xylophone” sounds.
In earlier works, the Wladigeroff brothers have already proven themselves bearers of a vibrant Caribbean spirit. Here, however, they surprise us with a composition that feels closer to the new MPB tradition than to bossa nova. Together with the album’s closing piece — a traditional Irish gospel song — it forms one of the lyrical jewels of the record. The gospel arrives as a counterpoint to the previous composition, and the story behind it, described in the track notes as “the Irish Tom and Jerry,” adds another layer of meaning. In both pieces, ideas unfold on multiple levels — musical, emotional, philosophical. In the first, the transition between „saudade“ and „alegria“ is almost imperceptible. In the second, operatic intensity transforms eternal adversaries into inseparable companions beyond death itself.
A brief flashback to the Wladigeroff brothers’ earlier albums is enough to remind us that their tributes to departed jazz musicians are never mere reinterpretations. From the two-part composition dedicated to Esbjörn Svensson in „On the Big and Small Things“, to the piece inspired by Rupeto, ( Rumen Toskov 1968-2010 ) and now to the two new dedications included here, we encounter deeply personal revelations in different musical forms. „The Best Thing for You“ — the classic from the Great American Songbook — leads us toward Chet Baker’s album of the same name, released twelve years after it was recorded, only after the legendary trumpeter had passed away. Meanwhile, „R.HarGroove’s Blues“ transforms the wordplay on Roy Hargrove’s name into vibrant bop energy, recalling one of the defining idioms of the brilliant trumpeter and flugelhorn player, alongside his deep connection to hip-hop culture.
And speaking of hip-hop — the following track is a stunning achievement. The dark, fragmented poetry of MC Mihail Lyulev, together with guest DJ Stanchika, pulls the Wladigeroff brothers’ composition directly into the universe of Downshift Collective without ever forcing the “cultural shock” promised in the title. It feels entirely natural — and strikingly contemporary. Few texts resonate more powerfully with today’s world.
The collaborations throughout the album deserve special mention as well: from the cover artwork — surely inspired by the combination of a Maystora sketch layered over an art-photographer’s image — to the exceptional guest musicians: Vili Stoyanov, Vladko Karparov, Vasil Hadjigrudev, Mihail Ivanov-Misho, the vocal ensemble Spectrum, as well as Patrizia L. Ferrara very delicate and elegant warm voice… who not only plays an active role as a soloist but also co-wrote and wrote the lyrics for three of the songs on the album.And their special New York guest Sachal Vasandani. The booklet notes themselves are remarkably comprehensive. And yet, if one touch of subjective criticism is allowed, I might wish for Rossi Milevska’s harp ( who, with her brilliant, natural, and elegant playing style, performs in the ballad „ Love In July”!) To occupy a place as central as the vibraphone of their Viennese colleague Flip Philipp.
In the end, what remains is simple: such talent, such joy, such brilliance in performance — what else could one say? Inspired people create inspiring music.”
(Ludmil Fotev,
Jazz+ , BNR, Bulgaria )