How does one get inspired to write a Balkan brass style composition? By hanging out with Goran Bregović and his full band, collaborating in a festival organized by the Vancouver Balkan-brass orchestra and writing about one of the most popular Balkan beverages: Turkish coffee.

It was a very rewarding experience to be a part of Goran’s Vancouver tour, driving from and to the airport, taking part in the sound check and relaxing back-stage before the Weddings and Funeral Orchestra threw one of the best shows Vancouver had seen; an event organized by Robert Benaroya’s Caravan World Rhythms at the Vogue theatre on Oct 27, 2011. Bregović’s 6-harmony Orthodox male choir was especially inspiring with their fervor for great stories, such as the exceptionally low-note singing contests between barritone singers, or when Pavarotti had three female escorts during his show in Dubrovnik which were brought in straight from Vienna (specific instructions from his rider…) I learned Chuck Norris jokes for the first time, a cultural tradition of joke-telling that they kept alive with great zest. The experience was made even better as Johnny Gallant hung out with us and shared his wit.

The West is East Festival on Dec 2-3, 2011, organized by Orkestar Šljivovica featured most of Vancouver’s established world music acts and it was a pleasure to have Tambura Rasa be part of the showcase. It had been a while since we’d gotten people on their feet to dance like this in our hometown. Thanks again to Oliver for organizing the event!

All these culturally inspiring events resulted in the writing of our high-energy, Balkan-rumba piece with Turkish lyrics: “Türk Kahvesi” (Tukrish Coffee), a playful, yet heartfelt tale about the bitterness that is left after one’s loved one leaves and takes away all the sweetness. Not much to do other than enjoy some fine, tasty and bitter Turkish coffee – which happens to be the band’s unanimous favorite drink while on the road.

The lyrics of the new song are completely Turkish, the only sensible way to honor this beverage. As I haven’t actively spoken Turkish in about 25 years, a great friend and an amazing Turkish fashion photographer Mehtap Kızılırmak helped with lyric revisions and also inspired the song itself. The main ingredient of the song is the upbeat Balkan rumba drum groove, Guča style, with embellished melodies, and lots of space for improvisation. I just might try to convince the Turkish pop-star Mirkelam to collaborate with us and sing on this track! Or Brega…

This song became the band’s instant favorite and a tune that will be our top play list during future shows. Keep an ear out for it!

Canım, Canım!

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Although we are used to bigger festival and theatre shows, with all our dancers, we noticed last summer how much we cherish smaller venues where we can have a so much more of a direct connection with our audience. When a band can sense people’s intent and enjoyment for what they create, they get inspired all that more. As much as we are sure to continue having our dance-party oriented appearances, we will maintain the intimate ones too. Or even create a combination of the two, after all we’ve had our share of moments where ladies and gents danced on tables even at places like the Jazz Cellar in Vancouver.

The Cellar has opened their doors for Tambura Rasa to do a performance on second Thursday of every month starting 2012. The show on Jan 12 will be a birthday party celebration; Feb 9 will be in the spirit of St. Valentine’s week; March 8 will honor the international Women’s Day, and so on… With a few brand new compositions up our sleeves and fresh approaches to many of our other standards, it is quite the treat for us to come into the New Year with this. Gear up and make advance reservations, as the last 6 concerts completely sold out. (call 604-738-1959)

Hope to see you all soon, at one gathering or another!

Ivan and the TR gang

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