GORAN BREGOVIC – WELCOME TO GORAN BREGOVIC
As we celebrate 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, a release like Welcome to Goran Bregovic is a timely reminder that we are still only just catching up on much as the great talent that lay behind the metaphoric wall between East and West. Goran Bregovic is a Serbian-Croatian guitarist, singer, composer, and bandleader; a household name in the former Yugoslavia he has had some work in the East, marked on the compilation with his collaborations with Scott Walker and Iggy Pop, but remains largely unknown here. Encompassing a three decade career the selection here is eclectic to say the least. From his Balkan gyspy roots, through attempts to mix in Western studio technology (and his collaborations) to his film compositions (that include Borat and Mustafa). To go from the haunting cinematic Dreams to the brass-belching foot-stomping Yeremia is jolting to say the least; each tune worthy in their own rights, but demanding side by side. As an introduction this is well worth exploring, his film scores are particularly memorable, reminiscent of Lisa Gerrard and Michael Nyman; but then perhaps you prefer some big Balkan brass, and who could blame you.
*** 1/2
