Čalgija | Vintage Recordings (1964–1966)

Review of Vintage Recordings (1964–1966) in De Subjectivisten

MCD, TouMilou Records / Xango Music Distribution 

People sometimes ask me how I came to love world music and folk music so much. My answer is invariably that it all began with Dead Can Dance leading me to Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares. The latter group produced a sound that, at the time, was unlike anything I had ever heard before, with emotions that seemed impossible to understand and yet somehow universal. Later came many others, from Asia and Europe to Africa, with the musical ethnologist Hector Zazou also playing an important role in my journey.

But I should certainly not overlook the Dutch musical ethnologist, arranger and musician Wouter Swets (1930–2016). This collector of Balkan music – which he often rearranged himself – also made his mark through ensembles such as Čalgija and Al Farabi. Today, one can also turn to Michiel van der Meulen (Pîrî Reis) for music that crosses borders.

In any case, with Balkan Orchestra Čalgija, Swets made recordings in the 1960s that range musically from Macedonia and Bulgaria to Greece. These have now been posthumously brought together by the TouMilou label on the mini CD Vintage Recordings (1964–1966). Swets (accordion) is joined by accordionist Albert van der Meulen (father of the aforementioned Michiel van der Meulen), darabuka player Pedro van Meurs and an anonymous clarinettist.

There are only six tracks, running to just over twelve minutes in total, but they possess such overwhelming beauty that it is wonderful to be able to hear them again. They may be vintage recordings – complete with all their crackles and imperfections – but they still stand remarkably strong. This applies both to the opening track, sung by Terpsichore (folk dance group and choir), and to the instrumental pieces that follow.

Music that says so much more than language alone ever could. A magnificent little world-music gem!

Jan Willem Broek

© 2017 De Subjectivisten