Balkanics by The Balkanics

This is the first album release by The Balkanics featuring Anthony Pizzica (rezouki, tambura), Linsey Pollak (sax, gaida, zurna, clarini), Philip Griffin (electric bass, tambura), Ric Halstead (sax, flute) & Tunji Beier (drums, kanjira).

The Balkanics play high-energy music from the Balkans (especially Macedonia). The music is energetic, infectious and very danceable. As well as traditional tunes, many of them Gypsy or Roma in origin, their original compositions are inspired by many years of studying, playing and living these most vibrant of musical cultures. Featuring five accomplished musicians who have been playing together in different combinations for several decades, The Balkanics will intoxicate you, the hypnotic energy of their improvisations dragging you onto the dance floor. Cast away your worldly woes and be transported to a universe inhabited by extravagant rhythmic variation and catchy melodic invention.

Between them the individual members have performed in many varied ensembles (The Unusual Suspects, Makedonski Bop, Xenos, Okuta Percussion, Ross Daly’s Australian Labyrinth), performed with many international artists (Jimmy Witherspoon, Red Rodney, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Mick Taylor, Billy Cobham, Nitin Sawhney, Pece Atanasovski) and at venues and festivals throughout the world (WOMADelaide; WOMAD NZ; St Chartier Festival, France; Perth, Melbourne, Sydney & Adelaide Arts Festivals; Vector Arena, Auckland; Barbican Centre, London; Hong Kong Arts Festival; Montreal Jazz Festival)

The Balkanics play high-energy music from the Balkans. As well as traditional tunes their original compositions are inspired by many years of studying & playing this music. They include Anthony Pizzica (rezouki, tambura), Linsey Pollak (sax, gaida, zurna, cylisax, clarini), Philip Griffin (electric bass, tambura), Ric Halstead (sax, flute) & Tunji Beier (drums & kanjira).