Week beginning 30 August 2010

Zumra
World Village 450012 (Select)

Amira, vocal and Merima Kljuco, accordion
This album's roots lie deep in the Balkan tradition of sevdah, the urban folk music of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which touches on sadness, but is mostly about making love by moonlight.
Amira – "Bosnia's Billie Holiday" – joins forces with accordionist Merima Kljuco to create new realms of expression with her simple-seeming, bitter-sweet approach. Kljuco's playing – rich in atmospherics – takes many forms and constantly springs surprises, and together they create a uniquely beguiling sound.