Amulette

Love it. Fantasticno

For all of those who don't know the meaning of the word SEVDAH here is the quote by Kim Burton, fellow musician and author, which should give you an emotional guide before you listen to the Amulette: "It is not easy to find a single word in English that can stand for the Bosnian concept of Sevdah, although yearning perhaps comes closest. Like the Spanish duende, it carries multiple meanings - love, hopeless love, endless love, a desire that chills and fevers the lover like malaria, and like malaria can never be shaken off - but in the end, it's a way of life, and a narrative that tells the story of itself."Recent renaissance of Sevdah in Bosnia and Herzegovina and explosion at the World Music scene has been trail-blazed by and taken to the new level by this new artist which represents this musical form like no one before. Music audiences across the Europe discovered Sevdah and fell in love with it, thanks to the angelic voice and passionate performances by Amira. "Amulette" is the latest and so far the brightest example of modern Bosnian sevdalinka, as well as some songs from other countries at Balkan Peninsula. If you like Folk/Jazz Fusion, you in for a treat. Amira's voice is in a full power and in perfect harmony with band made of internationally recognized artists: Bojan Zulfikarpasic, Nenad Vasilic, Bachar Kalife and Vlatko Stefanovski.Greatly appreciated and warmly recommended! Superb album!

It is criminal that there is only one, albeit excellent, review to date. For the uninitiated, sevdah is the Bosnian fado and Amira is, or should be, its Mariza.The Balkans have a wonderful musical tradition which has not been showcased to the world as much as it should be and it would be a huge shame if the introductory notes by Alexander Hemon or presence of Serbian-born but French-based jazz pianist Bojan Z, who oversees a reinterpretation of the music, do not provide greater exposure.Returning to Amira, she has a fantastic voice whose range, delivery and sheer emotion deserves comparison with Billie Holliday, Edith Piaf, Cesaria Evora and Mariza and a number of those who attended her concert in the intimate St Ethelburga's Centre earlier this year described it as one of, if not, the best they had ever attended.The music is a mix of traditional songs from Serbia, Macedonia and Bosnia. There are not literal translations by the lyrics but explanations which convey sufficient essence of the meaning even if the emotion were not sufficient.This is a rare event when no song is less than excellent and finding highlights is difficult but, if pushed, I would go for the Bosnian "Kafu mi draga ispeci" a song of spurning the love of an irresistible but unfaithful suitor, or the Macedonian "Jano Mori Jano Lele". Macedonian music, even by Balkan standards, has an incredibly haunting feel and Amira and Bojan Z weave a rich, slow-burning, spell of 7 plus minutes.In a world of so much compelling music spanning the divides of jazz, world, folk and more, rarely have I been compelled to recommend a release so much. Essential

Once every so often you hear a voice: distinctive, captivating, thrilling, a voice that intrudes into your consciousness . Even without knowledge of the language, you want to know its meaning, its context, what its expressing. Amira Medunjanin's is such a voice. I knew little about this kind of singing, and nothing about Amira until I bought this CD. What a happy chance. I love its haunting sound, and the enticing mix of voice and instruments, especially the piano, subtle, expressive, never imposing. Listen to it.

Balkan voices, sad songs and excellent production values. Great for long road trips or to unwind after ugly day in the office - go on, try it, you know you want it.

I love this album rich in all sorts of ways and voice like no other. Looking to buy more of this artist very soon.

BEST SERVICE AND BEST ITEM. WILL BUY AGAIN.