| Belgrade's 2000 Jazzy, Trippy Club Scene 12" LP Edition
 All In One: "Serbantu"
MB6: Favourite Tongues (No Time Mix)
STRAIGHT NO CHASER /spring 2001/ page 70
Two from the independent Cosmic Sounds label ran by jazz enthusiast Zeljko Kerleta from Belgrade. Field trips led him to discover all these artists feverishly working outside the main streamand lacking an outlet for their productivity-until now. The vibe is on amalgam of inspirations, be it jazz, African. local folk, electro and dance. Alexander Sopchek's 'Destiny Dawn' is the first track from the compilation and his own long player 'Masks'. It's his personal homage to Africa, inspired by Pigmy melodies and the tribal rituals of Kenyan tribes resulting in spacey trip hop colours with roots planted firmly in the Motherland's soil. Menson Benson Sextet's Favourite Things indulges in oneof the most unique takes on an all time classic, brilliant in it;s originality - today's rhythm and yesterday's melody. Ambient drum and bass sofistication as one on 'Linear Draft 'Recycle'proves nothing has escaped the ears of Belgrade's musicians; Zeljko Kerleta pays tribute to them on "It Was So Nice Overthere". Full of Eastern promise.
New Musical Express NME (27. Jan, 2001, page 35)
The Serbian city may no longer be literally burning, but the eclectic strains of modern jazz, tribal folk and future funk compiled here by local DJ and producer Zeljko Kerleta suggest that Belgrade is, metaphorically speaking, on fire. Necessary or evil? Turns out that Kerleta is Belgrade's very own Gilles Peterson, meaning that the vibes are distinctly late-night and seriously down-tempo. Coxless Pair's excitable 'Jive Samba' and 'Destiny Dawn' by veteran beatnik Alexander Sopchek enliven the smooth jazziness. (7/10) |