Member:
maribor
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by maribor)
Date:
10/6/2006
Format:
CD (Album)
Translations of titles:
1. Black Lady
2. A Matter of Love
3. Homework
4. Alo
5. Sorrow
6. Daire
7. Blue Song
Radomir Mihajlovic Tocak – guitar
Boris Arandzelovic – lead and backing vocals
Zoran Milanovic – bass
Slobodan Stojanovic Kepa – drums, percussion
Miodrag Miki Petkovski – keyboards
All music by Mihajlovic Tocak, expept 5 by Petkovski
All lyrics by M. Glisic
Smak was one of the leading Yugoslavian bands that played in the jazz-rock style. They were original and unique, there’s no denying that. They weren’t a fusion band in the sense of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Brand X, Weather Report or other greats of the genre; they gave their music a touch of the Mediterranean temperament and thus put an interesting twist on things. It’s hard to figure out why so many Yugoslavian bands of the time embraced the fusion genre with open arms, while they were a bit stand-offish regarding other progressive genres. The fact of the matter is that most progressive bands of the area were playing music that had lots of jazz in it and Smak was one of the leading bands of the movement. I suppose jazz just felt more natural to the musicians from this area because of its free-moving way, there are no boundaries, one can basically do what he wishes and it’s also a fun genre with lots of room for wild solos and extended improvisations.
Smak were led by the virtuoso guitar player Radomir Mihajlovic, nicknamed Tocak. Before releasing Crna Dama, they had already put out several albums and were very respected among the public, critics and other musicians as well, and for good reason. They were some of the most accomplished players of the time and could put almost any other band to shame when it came to technical ability. But they weren’t all about playing intricate, difficult passages, their music had soul, there was a presence in it that made Smak stand out. They played with passion and commitment but were also good for a few surprises and humorous interludes.
Most connoisseurs of the Yugoslavian scene claim that Crna Dama is their best and most accomplished record. Most of the time, I find myself disagreeing with such know-it-alls but in this case I am of the same mind as the majority. This album offers all the Smak elements that are vital in their music – strong melodies, great lead guitar, versatile keyboards, long improvisations, technical proficiency and lots of heart and soul. The album starts and finishes in the same way. Two vocal tracks open the CD, one (“Crna Dama”) is an energetic number full of great fast fusion passages, while the other is more of a ballad (“Stvar Ljubavi”) with gentle caressing vocals and slower playing on the instruments. The closing tracks “Daire” and “Plava Pesma” repeat this pattern. “Daire” is a heavier song, while “Plava Pesma” is another slower number with a symphonic orchestra accompanying. The middle part of the album is the part with the best and most challenging music. “Domaci Zadatak” is a song with a great driving bass line, tremendous guitar work, it’s and an all-round fusion masterpiece. Perhaps the drum solo in the middle is a bit too long for my liking. I find the next piece (“Alo”) to be quite humorous. I don’t know why. The song has a repetitive rhythm and a great scat vocal. “Tegoba” is maybe my favourite song on the album. It’s dominated by the piano and electric piano but there is also some great guitar and synth work.
The ability of these musicians is simply staggering. The drummer and bass player could probably play in any jazz band they chose, the guitarist truly has a great knack for combining rock and jazz and the keyboard player’s diversity amazes. The vocalist’s clear and soothing voice creates a lovely balance with the rest of the instruments, which are more “wild”. The album is a great piece of work, best listened to in its entirety for the effect to be felt. I’ve been a fan of progressive music for nigh ten years and only in the last couple of years have I become more acquainted with the music from my former motherland. I still feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface.
8.5 out of 10.
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