Tamburitza and more

Vlado Marjanović (part II)

2011-12-05T20:15:00.002-05:00

Here is an exquisite instrumental duet recorded before the First World War by legendary primaš Vlado Marjanović and a talented rhythm guitarist named Ribarević. The track starts out with a beautiful march and ends with a fast paced circle dance called "Jeftanovićevo Kolo". Richard Spottswood's catalog of Ethnic Music on Records Vol.2 lists the name of this track as "Persički Turski". This recording was made in New York, in the summer of 1912.

Turski marš i Jeftanovićevo Kolo

Stevan Bačić-Trnda (part II)

2011-10-08T23:32:00.018-04:00

Stevan Bačić-Trnda

From the beautiful old city of Sombor, in the Bačka region of Vojvodina, northern Serbia, came one of the greatest musicians of the early 20th century. Unfortunately very few people today have even heard the name Stevan Bačić-Trnda, let alone heard any of his recordings. An exceptionally talented violinist, a renowned bandleader, and an extraordinary vocalist, we are extremely fortunate to be able to hear his music today, a full century later.

Born in the village of Stapar in 1870, he grew up in nearby Sombor and studied violin from an early age with some of the city's most prominent musicians. Trnda went on to play in the tamburica orchestras of some of the greatest legends of his day, gaining vast knowledge and experience along the way. Eventually gathering together a group of his own, Trnda and his orchestra started out playing regular gigs at the best establishments in Sombor. A violin virtuoso, his unique style often pushed the boundaries of traditional folk music and set him apart from other musicians of his day. He was a powerful tenor, and his vocal style fit so perfectly with his playing that it was often hard to tell where one began and the other ended. As a band leader, Trnda's interpretations of the old songs were powerful, full of emotion, and whether elaborate or simple, they were always uniquely his own. In the first decade of the 20th century, Stevan Bačić-Trnda and his band were in real demand and played engagements all over Vojvodina, even touring Bosnia, in the process spreading the music that was popular back home. He also brought back many beautiful old Bosnian songs and melodies, sevdalinke, and even Serbian folk songs that were popular in Bosnia but hadn't been heard back home for generations. In the years before the First World War, Trnda and his orchestra traveled Europe and made an unknown number of recordings for the Gramophone Co., Beka, and others. Trnda was even invited to Chicago in 1928 along with a group of musicians from his

hometown of Sombor, including tambura legend Sanjika Grebenar. In 1930, Trnda traveled back to Vienna, Austria, to make what would be his last recordings. He was accompanied by another famous Sombor musician, gajdaš (bagpiper) Kosta Šarćanski-Koča. Between the 18th and 19th of September Stevan Bačić-Trnda, and his now smaller six piece tamburica orchestra, laid down 26 tracks of an amazingly wide variety, from old folk songs, to Bosnian sevdalinke, to starogradske pesme (old city songs). He also recorded a number of songs by contemporary composers like Marko Nešić, Mita Gruijć, and Stanislav Binićki. Trnda died just five years later, in 1935, in his hometown of Sombor.

Unfortunately, like so many Serbian artists who recorded before WWII, Stevan Bačić-Trnda's records are now few and far between. I was fortunate that my great-grandfather kept some of his records and was careful to preserve them. I've been able to find others along the way as well. The records I've posted below are some of my favorites. The orchestra sounds smaller than was usual for Trnda during this time period before WWI. The arrangements aren't as complicated and there's an intimate feel to them, somewhat more improvisational than some of his other early recordings. I think these four tracks are good examples of his unique and personal take on the old folk songs. Unfortunately I have yet to find anything from his 1930 Vienna sessions.

Thank you to my good friend Petar Stojkov who was so kind and helpful in providing me with historical information about Stevan Bačić-Trnda. He grew up in Sombor too, just down the street from the famous kafana "Ratar" where Trnda's orchestra entertained regularly at the turn of the century. Petar's great-grandmother even worked there as a cook in those days. Unfortunately, the "Ratar" was demolished some 50 years ago.

Svu noć ja lego ne zaspa

Kad ja pođoh u đul baštu

***

Tuga me mori

Gine vene srce u menika

Mirko Kolesar (part II)

2011-10-04T23:14:00.007-04:00

Here is another record with tambura legend Mirko Kolesar and his Blue Danube Tamburitza Orchestra. The first track features Nick Brozovich singing a gutsy rendition of "Poslušaću staru majku", a beautiful old song composed by another legendary tamburaš, Marko Nešić. Side B is a great version of an old tune from southern Serbia, "Zašto, Sike, zašto". Kolesar's version seems to be inspired by Serbian tenor Mijat Mijatović's famous recording of the song made in the late 1920's.

Poslušaću staru majku

Zašto, Sike, zašto

Srpski Tamburaški Kvintet (1917)

2011-10-02T22:59:00.017-04:00

As was sometimes the case with these early releases, the orchestras were listed only as what type of group they were. It's very possible that this band went by another name, but the Victor Record Co. lists them here simply as "Srpski Muški Kvintet" (Serbian Male Quintet) or "Srpski Tamburaški Kvintet" (Serbian Tamburica Quintet). Some of the greatest tamburaši of the early 20th century can be heard on these recordings. Vaso Bukvić and Zdravko Jezdimir were founding members of the original Banat Tamburica Orchestra of Elizabeth, New Jersey (est.1912). They also went on to play in the "Yugoslavia" Tamburaško Društvo of Indiana Harbor, IN, together with another member of this band, Ćira Kozarov. The director of the "Srpski Muški Kvintet" was another legendary tamburaš, Sandor Huszar, an extremely talented musician, composer, and bandleader, he is probably most famous for the many recordings he made with Ilija Mišković in the 1920's. Rounding out this tamburitza quintet was bass vocalist B.V. Eliss.

This group of musicians recorded at least fourteen individual songs or instrumentals for the Victor company as the "Srpski Muški Kvintet" between May and August of 1917. Unfortunately, it seems that only eight recordings were ever released. I've posted four of these tracks below.

The first record is a great instrumental medley of Serbian and Croatian songs and dances (side A is mostly songs, and side B is mostly dances). The second record starts with an upbeat old patriotic tune, "Napred Stupaj", also known as "Srbijanci i Bosanci", or "Kralja Petra Pesma". The flip side is a nice rendition of the popular old song "Oj devojko! Oj!", better known as "Ti si rajski cvet", featuring lead vocals by Ćira Kozarov.

Potpuri Srpsko-Hrvatskih pesama-I

Potpuri Srpsko-Hrvatskih pesama-II

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Napred stupaj!

Oj devojko! Oj!

Dušan Jovanović (part IV)

2011-09-26T23:35:00.004-04:00

These four great records feature legendary primaš, vocalist, and band leader Dušan Jovanović, one of the greatest - and least appreciated - musicians of the 20th century. These eight tracks were recorded in the mid 1920's with his "Orao" Tamburica Orchestra.

Moja roba, moj dućan

Mileva moja

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Haj vinca, vinca ca
-Kad čujem tambure-

Žena mi ne treba

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Moj dilbere kud se šećeš

Knjigu piše kralj Srbije

***

Marširala Kralja Petra Garde

Spremte se spremte četnici

Mitar Bulatovich (part II)

2011-09-24T20:49:00.010-04:00

These three great records feature talented vocalist and musician Mitar Bulatovich. On four of the tracks he's accompanied by an amazing unnamed tamburitza orchestra (maybe the Serbian Radio Orchestra with violinists Mel Dokich and Danilo Kozarski?). On the other two tracks Mitar is singing and playing the accordion.

Mesećina divna sja

Za tvoje crne oči

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Malo ja, malo ti (Slavjanka)

Zora zori, petli poju

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Ja sam bio vojnik

Od Topole

Banat Tamburitza Orchestra (1920's) part III

2011-09-23T22:47:00.014-04:00

Here's another great record by Vlado Konstantinović and Tamburaški Zbor "BANAT" featuring some wonderful folk songs (side two also ends with a great version of "Čergo moja čergice"). This is the third record I've posted by this group. You can listen to the other records here (patriotic songs) & here (recitation with music). I really wish I knew more about this orchestra.

Devojka je išla

Haj, haj pune čaše vina

Edo Ljubić (part II)

2011-09-19T20:53:00.018-04:00

Edo Ljubić was one of the most influential figures in American tamburitza music. When he arrived here from Yugoslavia in the late 1930's to perform at the Worlds Fair he was already a well established and extremely popular singer and musician. He performed in Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and even had his own radio show in Belgrade, which only increased his popularity and landed him gigs all over Europe. Upon his arrival in America Edo was an instant sensation. His style was something new and fresh and marked a real turning point in the music. He played with all the great tamburitza musicians of the time and no doubt was a huge inspiration to all of them. His career lasted for decades and he recorded countless 78 rpms, 45's, and LP's with his own orchestras as well as many others. There's a nice biography of Edo Ljubić in English here; and one in Croatian here.

These recordings of Edo Ljubić with the Kapugi Brothers Tamburitza Orchestra are a great example of his collaboration with America's premier tamburaši. The arrangements for these four tracks are all by Edo. The first record features a beautiful old Bosnian song, "U Stambulu na Bosforu", one of his most famous recordings. The second record features Edo singing two great numbers by legendary Serbian composer, band leader, and tamburaš Marko Nešić - "Neven Kolo" and "Kad sam bio mlađan lovac ja".

U Stambulu

Nekad cvale bele ruže

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Neven Kolo

Mladi lovac

Neven Tamburitza Orchestra

2011-09-18T21:12:00.008-04:00

Johnny M. Latkovich and his Neven Tamburitza Orchestra from N.S. Pittsburgh, PA. perform a unique rendition of "Razbole se belo done", a song from renowned Serbian composer Stanislav Binički's "Mijatovke". The other side of the record is a nice version of the ever popular "Zaplet Kolo".

Razbole se belo done

Zaplet Kolo

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Tambura Spectacular (part II)

2011-09-18T21:03:00.003-04:00

A great video from the St.Sava Church YouTube page for those of you who couldn't make it to this wonderful exhibit.

Milan Opacich's lifetime collection of vintage tamburitza string instruments was displayed for the first time in it's entirety by the Serbian Historical Society at St. Sava's Serb Fest 2011. Hundreds viewed the exhibit of photos, artifacts, and rare instruments complete with their descriptions. Featured were The Popovich Brothers, Crljenica Brothers, Steve Barich, and opera singer Danica Chirich (Diana Henery). A "Work in Progress" showed some of the steps and tools involved in building instruments.
Visit St. Sava or contact Milan Opacich at:
http://www.localbizblogs.com/stsava

***

TAMBURA SPECTACULAR

2011-07-18T21:48:00.004-04:00

From Milan Opacich

The St. Sava Historical Society presents "Tambura Spectacular" to be held in the north wing of the church on August 5th, 6th, and 7th during the annual award winning "Serb Fest" of 2011.

A pictorial tribute to the late Steve Barich is being planned. Steve taught and directed the youngsters of the church to play tamburitza. The group was called the St. Sava Youth Tamburitza Orchestra and at times exceeded 70 youngsters. Steve was also a member of the excellent tambura orchestra called "Zora". This fall in California he will be awarded the hall of fame plaque posthumously.

Tamburitza fans will be able to view over 300 pictures of orchestras past and present. There will also be photos of many fine vocalists.

Another feature will be the display showing over 50 vintage instruments that will include Russian balalaikas and Greek bouzoukis as well as a large number of Tamburitzas by our most outstanding builders like Groeschl, Hlad, Bencic, Kovachevich, and many later contemporaries that followed.

For museum patrons to view there will be on hand a 26 year collection of the "Serb World, USA" magazines with subscription forms.

A conglomeration of jigs and fixtures for constructing tamburas will be shown with side tools that are necessary. Also to be seen will be an array of work in progress tamburitzas.

Tamburitza Extravaganza programs from the first program in 1971 to the present from last years event in 2010.

A Hall of Fame plaque issued to the late Vaso Bukvich will be on hand.

A continuous slide show on three monitors will be on at all times for the public to view tambura related events.

Historic tamburitza music will be shown, many by the master tambura musicians of long agao.

Drawings by the National Heritage Award winner Adam Popovich. Also for viewing will be his wrought iron tambura wall ornaments.

A complete set of hand carved wood miniature tamburitzas by Marko Popovich.

Steve Barich's hand crafted set of stainless steel tamburaši.

Mini tamburitza music boxes made from black walnut wood playing the theme song "Laura" from the movie "Doctor Zhivago".

Framed recording company logos that promoted tamburitza.

To be viewed the original prima tamburitza that was crafted in Washington D.C. during the Smithsonian fair named "Old Ways in the New World". This was part of America's bicentennial celebration. A duplicate prima will be raffled off during the three day fair.

In a place of honor will be the historic priceless gusla that belonged to the famous guslar "Perun".

A number of CDs will be on sale as well as Dusan Brankov's book showing how to build tamburitza instruments will be for sale. The book "Tamburitza America" will also be available for purchase.

Copies of the 1937 newspaper called "Tamburitza News" will be displayed and information on the tamburitza guild that followed.

A complete set of master luthier Andrew Groeschl's instruments will be in the display. They include a prima, brac, cello, and a tambura berda with it's carved back and top.

Steve Barich's first instrument a turtle backed prima along with another that belonged to the famous primaš Janika Balaz of Novi Sad.

A replica of a sheep herders "Samica".

A beautiful fretted stand up cello made by Ivan Hlad. This version of the cello was the predecessor of the held in arms cello. Along with it will be one of his outstanding turtle back primas.

The beautiful kontra Hlad created for the World Fair of 1933 that was held in Chicago, Illinois.

For guitar fans a copy of the guitar made famous by the greates Jazz player of all time, Django Reinhardt.

Tribute to two of America's greatest tamburitza orchestras, the Popovichs and their many long play recordings and the Crlenica Brothers with their long list of credits for the movies that they played the sound tracks for.

The Stauffer guitar of 1800 made in Germany. It was from this model of guitar that the tamburitza adapted the tuning buttons all on one side. Pictured along side the instrument is a photo of a group of Serbian Army cadets with their tamburas. On the far right rear two of the cadets are holding their converted Stauffer guitars that were re-altered to tamburitzas. The photo is from the 1850s. Almost one hundred years later guitar maker Leo Fender wrote that he saw a group of tamburasi playing and it was from their instruments he got the idea for the guitar tuners to be placed all one one side.

Place the dates August 5th, 6th, and 7th on your calendar and make sure you attend the "Tambura Spectacular" at St. Sava's mini museum on the north wing of the church.

Joca (Mlinko) Mimika - part IV

2009-11-22T21:07:00.006-05:00

Violinist, singer, and band leader Joca (Mlinko) Mimika, from the town of Mol in northern Serbia, was one of the greatest musicians of the early 20th century and we're extremely fortunate that he recorded so prolifically. The works of renowned Serbian composer and tamburitza musician Marko Nešić seem to make up a significant part of Mimika's discography, and this track, Ej gledaj muže (Ej vidiš muže kakvo mi je lice), is a great example. The free, improvisational style of this performance is typical of his soulful, heartfelt interpretations of Nešić's compositions.

Ej gledaj muže

Sofka Nikolić (Part 2)

2009-11-18T22:09:00.010-05:00

These two beautiful songs were recorded in Serbia in the late 1920's with Sofka and an unnamed Gypsy (Rom) orchestra (possibly Sofka's husband's group). The first side features a lively version of Čuješ Seko with Sofka playing the tambourine. The second track, Zone mori Zone, from the play Zona Zamfirova (Зона Замфирова), based on Serbian author Stevan Sremac's book, is one of my all time favorite songs, and Sofka's intense, powerful interpretation makes this my favorite version as well.

Čuješ Seko

Zone, mori Zone

Donations needed

2009-11-11T01:15:00.000-05:00

-UPDATE-

OK, the music files should all be working now. Please let me know if any of the links don't work and I'll fix them.
Thanks.

This is very confusing, but the company that I was using to host my music files, BOXSTR.COM has apparently split into two different companies. One of them told me that my files were gone and that they wouldn't give me a refund - and the other is staying the same and still has all of my mp3s and account information. Since I've already paid I've decided to use them until I can find a better company.

Donations are needed to keep this site going. If you are able to make a contribution, please click the "Donate" button below (or on the left side of the page). Names of donors to this project will go on a permanent list. Thanks so much for your help.

Please Help If You Can

Yugoslavia Tamburaško Društvo (Part 2)

2009-09-19T19:51:00.027-04:00

This was one of the greatest tamburitza orchestras to record in the 1920's! Musicians such as Vaso Bukvić, Ćira Kozarov, and Vlado Marjanović were already legends when they came to the Yugoslavia Tamb. Društvo of Indiana Harbor, Indiana. The Bukvić brothers, Vaso and Mirko, were part of the original Banat Tamburitza Orchestra founded by Zdravko Jezdimir in 1912. Also in 1912, the amazing primaš and tenor Vlado Marjanović was making his famous recordings with Drago Ilkić for the Columbia recording studios. In 1917 Ćira Kozarov joined Vaso Bukvich and Zdravko Jezdimir to make a number of recordings for RCA-Victor with the Srpski muški kvintet, a renowned tamburitza orchestra directed by Sandor Huszar. Some of these incredibly talented musicians would go on to form this group, The Yugoslavia Tamburaško Društvo, in the early 1920's.

About the songs: The first track, Komitska Pesma, an early version of the patriotic song Spremte Se Spremte Četnici, dates back to 1908 when guerillas fought valliantly under the command of Vojvoda Jovan Babunski (pictured at right) against Turkish troops at the battle of Drenova, in Macedonia. This song became very popular in the United States after WWI and tamburitza legend Dušan Jovanović recorded his own version in November of 1925 for the Columbia record label in New York. With the onset of WWII Spremte Se Spremte was popularized again by such greats as Edo Ljubić, who recorded it on July 30, 1942 for RCA-Victor, and Raša Radenković and Mirko Marković who recorded a version for the Sonart label. This track was recorded on July 23, 1924 in Richmond, Indiana and features lead vocals by Vaso Bukvić.

The second track, Prošetaj Lelo (better known as Čini ne čini), doesn't need much introduction. Written by the famous Serbian composer Stanislav Binički, this song was extremely popular and was performed and recorded by countless orchestras and choirs in Europe and the U.S.A. This track was recorded on July 23, 1924 and features vocals by Ćira Kozarov.

I'm so grateful to my friend Milan Opacich for giving me this rare treasure! Thanks Milan!

Komitska Pesma

Prošetaj Lelo

Jorgovan Tamburica Orchestra - (Part 4)

2009-09-02T00:35:00.008-04:00

Here is another great old record by the Jorgovan Tamburitza Orchestra featuring Ilija Mišković, Djoko Dokić, Nikola Plavsić, Todor Petrović, and Mirko Kolesar. These two tracks were recorded in New York on June 24, 1926.

Kolo Branka Radičevića Sa pesmom

Sa tog polja Bojnog

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-Updated Record-

I've updated the Jorgovan (Part 2) post with a better copy of Columbia 23035-F. I've posted it here as well...

Niko Nema Što Srbin Imade

Stari Guslar

Budučnost Tamburitza Orchestra

2009-08-22T15:21:00.012-04:00

Here are three great records featuring Tamburitza Orchestra "Budučnost" of Detroit, Michigan, recorded in the 1940's for the Zora Record Co.

Ja Sam Svome Loli

Mara Djevojka

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Mene Majka Daje
Svu Noč Mi Soko Propjeva

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Volim Soju
Kletva

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Cig. Kap. Sava Milković (1)/ Members of National Theater in Belgrade (2)

2009-08-20T23:45:00.003-04:00

The two sides of this record are by different performers. First is a very interesting and beautiful song with a heavy Romanian slant performed by Sava Milković and his gypsy orchestra from the Braničevo District of Serbia. The energy in this performance is incredible.

Side two features actors from the National Theater of Belgrade performing a scene from the play "Đido, slika iz seoskog života u pet činova s pevanjem" (Djido, pictures from village life in five parts with singing) by Janko Veselinović. Performing here are Žanka Stokić, Teodora Arsenović, Aleksander Zlatković, and Milorad Dušanović

Srbi Vole Jer Su Lole

Djido I. čin - Maksim

Srpsko Pevačko Društvo iz Lebanona, PA

2009-08-14T19:30:00.003-04:00

This truly amazing choir came from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and was directed by Dr. Johann M. Blose. The first recording is a beautiful rendition of Čini Ne Čini by legendary composer Stanislav Binički. Side two features the upbeat composition Srpkinja by another famous Serbian composer, Isidor Bajić. This choir traveled to New York to make these recordings in February of 1931.

Čini Ne Čini

Srpkinja, Narodna Igra sa Pevanjem

Muzika Kraljeve Garde (1927)

2009-08-08T19:05:00.014-04:00

This record features Serbia's premier military band, the King's Guard Orchestra, performing a beautiful instrumental medley of popular folk songs. The arrangement is by F.Sedlaček.

Potpuri što svaki peva - I.deo
Potpuri što svaki peva - II.deo

Banat Tamburitza Orchestra (1920's) part II

2009-08-07T21:30:00.010-04:00

Here are two beautiful old patriotic songs recorded in the 1920's by the Tamburaški Zbor "BANAT" and Vlado Konstantinović. The first song, Onam' Onamo, was written in 1867 by Montenegrin King Nikola I and became the unofficial national anthem of Montenegro.

Onam' Onamo

Rado Ide Srbin U Vojnike

Pajo B. Šantić

2009-08-07T01:22:00.009-04:00

These two great oldies were recorded in March of 1925, in New York.

Srem, Banat i Bačka
Kraj Vardara

Neven Tamburitza Orchestra (Dir. Nick Kosanovich)

2009-08-05T21:29:00.013-04:00

These six beautiful tracks were recorded by Neven Tamburitza Orchestra of S.S. Pittsburgh, PA, under the direction of Nick Kosanovich, and feature vocalist Desa Beatovich Sarapa.

Petli Poje - Aj Jedva Cekam
Golubice Bela

***

Aj Kolika Je U Prijedoru Carsija
Oj Jovane - Kolo

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Gledaj Me Draga
Tesko Je Ljubit Tajno

Brata Latkovich Tamburitza Orchestra (1930)

2009-08-05T00:17:00.011-04:00

This is another of my favorites! These two tracks were recorded in New York by the Brata Latkovich Tamburitza Orchestra in 1930.

I Moja Mi Kaže Nana

Žašto Si Se Udala

Vlado Konstantinović (1912)

2009-08-02T04:47:00.012-04:00

Here's a very early recording of baritone singer Vlado Konstantinović featuring the beautiful solo tambura accompaniment of Andras Tavić . This is the other side of the first record in the previous post with the song "Pesmu ti pevam" by Vlado Marjanović and Drago Ilkić. It's interesting that Drago Ilkić recorded a version of "Pesmu ti pevam" with Andras Tavić on June 18, 1912, the day before he recorded the same song with Vlado Marjanović. This song, Pitaš mene, was also recorded on June 18, 1912.

Many years later, Joe Marmilich and his Tamburitzans recorded an absolutely beautiful version of Pitaš mene for the Marjon record company.

Pitaš mene

Vlado Marjanović and Drago Ilkić (1912)

2009-07-31T23:34:00.015-04:00

Decades before Rasha & Mirko, there was another unique tamburitza duo performing and recording here in the USA known as Marjanović & Ilkić. Vlado Marjanović was a brilliant primaš and tenor, who's fast, intricate style of playing contrasted beautifully with Drago Ilkić's steady rhythm and baritone vocals. Marjanović went on to play with many of the great early tamburaši, including Vaso Bukvich and the "Yugoslavia" Tamb. Društvo, and was a major influence on later musicians. In songs like "Otvori mi Mile pile vrata" and "Kad bi ove ružu male", or even the opening notes of "Pesmu ti pevam", you can hear the profound impact that Vlado Marjanović had on another legendary primaš and tenor, Marko Popovich. It's sad that great musicians like these can just disappear into obscurity. Vlado Marjanović & Drago Ilkić are two musicians who deserve to be remembered.

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One of my favorite things about this first track "Pesmu ti pevam" is the second half when they sing a duet of "Čergo moja čergice". I've only included one side of the first record because the second side is by another musician, Vlado Konstantinović, and I'll post that next.

The second track here, "Otvori mi Mile pile vrata", ends with one of the greatest versions of a Kokonjeste that I've ever heard! You can really get a sense of Vlado Marjanović's intense and unique style from this recording.

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All of these songs were recorded in New York between June 14 and June 28, 1912.

Pesmu ti pevam

***

Otvori mi Mile pile vrata

Kad bi ove ruže male

***

Misli moje
Ančice dušice

Popovich Brothers Tamburitza Orchestra

2009-07-28T22:09:00.017-04:00

There's something absolutely magical about the sound of an orchestra made up of family members. Whether you're talking about groups comprised of brothers, sisters, parents and their children, or even whole extended families like many of the old orchestras from Europe, there's a certain level of togetherness that only blood relations can achieve. There are a very special few of these tamburitza orchestras who have the ability to evoke indescribable feelings and emotions with the simple mention of their name. Whenever I hear the word "tamburitza", I think of the Popovich brothers. Starting young in the 1920's, they continued performing together clear into the new millennium, defining tamburitza for generations of Americans in the process.

With any traditional art form it's extremely important to know where you come from, and the Popovich brothers were living libraries of knowledge about their art form, tamburitza. They knew everything about the history of the Serbian music and culture, the songs and dances, the musicians who came before them, and the old recordings. Along with this deep knowledge and appreciation came the raw, creative talent to transform it all into something completely unique and their own, traditional yet timeless. When you listen to the Popovich brothers play you can hear the love they had for the music in every single note.

This record is possibly their oldest, and except for the youthful voices, their style of playing is just the same as in later years. Timeless!

Check out This great page about The Popovich Brothers by "Baba Mim" Bizic for lots of great history, photos, and links.

And visit Balkan Records if you want to purchase digitally remastered Cd's and live recordings of The Popovich Brothers and many more tamburitza orchestras.

Zlatna Grivna

Razbila Se Casa

Šule Radosavljević-Šapčanin

2009-07-24T22:54:00.020-04:00

Šule Radosavljević-Šapčanin's orchestra is one of those great gypsy groups that make you want to get up and start dancing...even if you don't know how. One of the great things about these tracks is the intense, lively kolo dances that follow each and every song. The combination of flawless and beautiful musicianship, with unique and passionate group vocals, make these recordings something truly special. These four were recorded in Serbia in 1927.

Sokolska pesma i kolo
Jeleno Momo Jeleno

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Click the song titles to hear the tracks below...

Šule Radosavljević - Šapčanin

- sa svojom kapelom

Rujna Zoro (Beautiful Dawn) V-3058-A

Svu Noc Mi Soko (All Night The Falcon Sings To Me) V-3058-B

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Tamburasko Drustvo "Balkan"

2009-07-21T22:53:00.008-04:00

A Kolo and a Kokonjeste by the Balkan Tamburitza Orchestra.

Slavjanka

Cukaricko-Kokonjesce

Vaso & Mirko Bukvich

2009-07-20T22:16:00.007-04:00

Here's another nice record from Vaso & Mirko Bukvich recorded in NY, June 1916.

Premalece

Milkina kuca na kraju

Joca Mimika (part 3)

2009-07-19T01:44:00.013-04:00

Here are another two wonderful records by one of my favorite violinists, Joca Mimika. The first record features his famous "Lire" tamburitza orchestra, but on the second record he only has a small tamburitza group of a couple musicians. The last track, "U Ivana gospodara", is somewhat unique for the fact that a small male chorus accompanies them.

Moja nana

Siroce sam

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Jedno momce crna oka

U Ivana gospodara

Music Is Working

2009-07-12T05:38:00.001-04:00

I've re-uploaded all of the music and the links should all be working now. Please let me know if any of the links don't work, or if they open the wrong music file.
Thanks.

Srpski Crkveni Tercet (1920's)

2009-01-06T17:00:00.005-05:00

Mir Božji, Hristos se rodi!

***

Click the photos to listen to the music...

Djeva Dnes...

Roždestvo Hristovo

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Vlado Konstantinovic (1920's)

2008-12-24T01:00:00.007-05:00

***HAPPY HOLIDAYS***

Click the photos to hear the music...

Bokaljev San U Americi - Dio.1

Bokaljev San U Americi - Dio.2

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Promisli Se Pa Pij

Na Prestolu Sultan Sedi

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Oj Jablane

Imam Jednu Zelju

Vaso Bukvich (Part 2)

2008-11-28T14:00:00.005-05:00

This is just one of many records that Vaso Bukvich made with the "Yugoslavia" Tamburasko Drustvo from Indiana Harbor, Indiana. This was recorded in 1924 in Richmond, Indiana.

Click the photos to listen to the music...

Jedno Jutro Cim Je Zora SvanulaImao Sam Komsinicu

Dušan Jovanović (Part III)

2008-11-27T06:00:00.012-05:00

Here are eight more records featuring one of the greatest prim players of all time, Dušan Jovanović. Most of these were recorded with his "ORAO" Tamburitza Orchestra.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Click the photos for the music...

Ljubicica Ne Rasti Na Bregu

Amerikanski Becarac

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Sic Mic MicikaPijemi Se Vince Rujna

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Oj Jedva Cekam Da Subota DodjeKrece Se Ladja Franscuska

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Ti Neznas Sto Je Ljubav

Lopov

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Sedi Boso Gde Si

Varala Me Jedna Cura Mala

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Prosidba U Ameriki

Svadba U Ameriki

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Amerikanac Putuje za Stari KrajU Kraju cu malo bit, povrati cu se u Detroit

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Krstenje U Ameriki-I

Krstenje U Ameriki-II

Milan G. Pancevac (1920's)

2008-11-25T18:21:00.015-05:00

Milan G. Pancevac was an accordion player and singer from Pancevo in Serbia. He went by several stage names, but apparently his real name was Milan Gorcev. His discography shows that he was recording as early as 1927 for the Pellich Music Co. in Richmond, Indiana. Milan went on to make many more recordings of Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Hungarian, Romanian, and German songs and dances for both the Victor and Columbia recording studios. He eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio (E.33rd Street), where he was married and had several children.

These three records feature Milan both singing and playing the accordion. He had a wonderful, free style and his singing fits his playing perfectly. These were all recorded on June 26, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois.

Click the photos to listen to the music...

Pancevcevo KoloPancevcev Becarac

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Ucime Majko

Zarobljeno Srce Moje

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Bez Zene Je Gorko BitiCela Cura Na Rogal

Djoko Dokich - Part 2 (1940's)

2008-11-25T01:05:00.004-05:00

These two were recorded in the 1940's and feature Djoko Dokich and his "BALKAN" Tamburitza Orchestra. Mel Dokich, Djoko's son, is playing violin.

Click the photos to listen or download...

Ne Plac Mala

Ko Se Ono Bregom Sece

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Marijana

Kukavica

Milan Verni (Part 3)

2008-11-24T22:53:00.004-05:00

Here are two Milan Verni records recorded in New York on November 4, 1940.

Click the photos to play or download...

Razbila Se Casa

U Sumici Zelenoj

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Moja Bosno

Duni Vetre I Vihor Ruzu

Tamburaski Zbor "Zora" and Peter Perez

2008-11-22T21:08:00.030-05:00

Here are six great records from the 1940's featuring the wonderful voice of Peter Perez, accompanied by Tamburaski Zbor "Zora" from Detroit, Michigan.

Click the photos to play or download...

Koliko Te Srce Moje Voli

Ciganka Sam Mlada

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Da Nije LjubaviU Sumici Zelenoj

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Razbila Se CasaDuni Vetre

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Rujna ZoraMande Lipa Mande

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Oj Djevojko Milje MojeImao Sam Sedam Zena

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Ja Nekoga VolimMoje Luce Milce

Jorgovan Tamburica Orchestra - Part 3 (Zora)

2008-11-16T23:32:00.006-05:00

Here's one more from "Jorgovan" that was recorded in the 1940's for the Zora record company from Detroit, Michigan.

Golubica Bela

Ja Sam Majko Cura Fina

Jorgovan Tamburica Orchestra - Part 2 (Columbia)

2008-11-16T23:23:00.009-05:00

These were recorded between 1925 and 1928 for the Columbia record company. Again, these make up only a portion of their discography.

Nova Moda O Zenama

Ja Sam Stara Pijanica

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Mladi Kapetane

Nas Nataros I Nas Knez

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Niko Nema Sto Srbin Imade

Stari Guslar

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Mito Mitance

Mamine Mitke

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Hajduk Veljko

Oh Da Ti Znas

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Pred Cenkinom Kucom

Narodno Kolo

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U Kafani Nas Dva Brata

Mi Cigani

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Ciri Miri Cica

Mladi Doktore

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Sedi Mara

Da Bi Ove Ruze Male

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Crven Sarafan

Vece Je Divno

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Margareta

*(The other side of this record [Co.1019-F] is an accordion duet, NOT Jorgovan, so I didn't include it)

Jorgovan Tamburica Orchestra - Part 1 (Victor)

2008-11-16T22:15:00.007-05:00

It's hard to overstate the impact that this group of musicians has had on tamburitza in the United States. This was like the tamburitza "Dream Team" of the 1920's! Ilija Miskovich, Djoko Dokich, Nikola Plavsic, Rada Stojic, Todor Petrovich, and Mirko Kolesar were some of the tamburitza legends that made up "Jorgovan". Their arrangements were unique and powerful, and always performed with precise technique, yet they were able to avoid sounding showy or flashy. They could take any old song and turn it into something spectacular. I never get tired of listening to these old records.

"Jorgovan" made a huge number of recordings for both the Victor and Columbia record companies. What I'm posting here is just a fraction of their discography.

This first group of records were recorded between September of1925 and June of 1926 for the Victor record company. I think some of their best recordings were made for the Columbia record company and I'll post some of those next.

Oj Ti Vilo Velebita

Lijepo Ti Je Rano Uraniti

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Oj Djurdjev Danak

Po Travici Pala Rosa

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Ja Misljah

Ubava Cura Garava

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Pesma Srpski Sokolova

Tera Lenka Vranca i Zelenka

Adamov & Co. Tamburitza Orchestra (Part 2)

2008-11-12T00:55:00.016-05:00

One of my favorite tamburitza orchestras, "Adamov & Company" was an extremely talented and versatile group of musicians. They were at ease playing virtually anything, and gave the impression that they put everything they had into each number, whether it was a gutsy old folksong, a fast-paced kolo, or a popular American tune. I imagine that these guys thoroughly enjoyed themselves no matter what they happened to be playing. Many of these records are comedy sketches, but you don't have to speak the language to enjoy them because they're full of wonderful tamburitza music (including my favorite version of Ja Sam Lola Prve Klase).

Click the PHOTOS below to play - To download, right click and select "Save Target As" (or "Save Link As" if you're using Firefox)

Vetar Piri

Bez Tebe Draga Ljubezna

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Kod Zubara

Lipin Svet

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Krstenie - Dio 1

Krstenie - Dio 2

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Ciga Na Vasar - Dio 1

Ciga Na Vasar - Dio 2

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Sima Kurta (Butleger) - Dio 1

Sima Kurta (Butleger) - Dio 2

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Laza Jajaros Postaje Gradjanin - Dio 1

Laza Jajaros Postaje Gradjanin - Dio 2

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Serenada

Civutin

Djoko Dokich

2008-11-11T04:25:00.013-05:00

Djoko Dokic was one of the greatest tamburitza musicians of the 20th century. An original member of the "Jorgovan" Tamburitza Orchestra, he played and recorded with all the greats from the turn of the century to the 1940's. Ilija Miskovic, Nikola Plavsic, Mirko Kolesar, Rada Stojic, Leo Baich, Sandor Huszar, Stevan Zerbes, Blaz Tkalac, Joe Skornjak, Jim Kovacevich, Braca Latkovich, John Krilcic, John Pavkovich, Peter Perez, Dave Zupkovich, and Marty Kapugi were some of the greats he performed with through the years. He was spectacular on the brac, as well as the prim, and he had a powerful, tenor voice. His arrangements were extremely popular, and his influence can be felt in many later recordings by musicians such as the Popovich Brothers and Marty Kapugi. There's a great biography of him here.

These are just a couple examples. The first record here is one of my all time favorites. Some of his best recordings were made with the "Jorgovan" Tamburitza Orchestra and I'll be posting those very soon.

Setala Se Bela Bula
Uzmimi Srce Moje

***

Moj Pendzeru Okiceni

Sunce Jarko

Tamburasko Pevacko Drustvo (Part 2)

2008-11-11T04:05:00.009-05:00

Here's one more record from the "Tamburasko Pevacko Drustvo" with one of the oldest recordings of Tamo Daleko. It was recorded in New York, ca April, 1917.

Tamo-daleko

Marice-Marice

Joca Mimika (part 2)

2008-11-10T06:49:00.012-05:00

Here are two more great records featuring the virtuoso violinist and singer Joca Mimika and his Tamburaski Zbor "Lire" from Mol, Serbia, recorded in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century...

Hajduk VeljkoSto No Mi Se Travnik Zamaglio

***

Uzo Deda Svog Unuka

Svatovac

Huszar - Miskovich Tamburitza Orchestra (1920's)

2008-11-08T05:49:00.016-05:00

Ilija Miskovich was a famous band leader, primas, and singer in the 1920's. This orchestra, featuring Sandor Huszar, was just one of the many that he recorded with. Probably his most famous orchestra was "Jorgovan", and I'll be posting a lot of those records soon.

The four I've posted here are just a sample of what the Huszar-Miskovich Tamburitza Orchestra recorded. These are all folk songs, but they made comedy records as well.

These were recorded in New York in 1928-29.

Click the photos to play or download...

Uzor LjubaviPlava Moma

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Stigla Jesen

Moj Se Dragi Naput Sprema

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Jabuka Se Zacrveni

Svi Dragani

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Kolko Ima Janjo

Ja Sam Sirota

Dušan Jovanović (part II)

2008-11-07T19:48:00.013-05:00

Here are three more great Dušan Jovanović records from the 1920's...

Click the photos to play or download...

Kambana Bije Nane

Take Tuke Teske Muke

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Madjarski Ples. IMadjarski Ples. II

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Cika Pera Jasi Konja BelaStigo Svaba Do Zemuna