Simon Trpčeski - Makedonissimo - BBC Music Magazine

Performance 5*
Recording 5*

The brainchild of classical pianist Simon Trpčeski, Makedonissimo (meaning 'very Macedonian) is a playful, jazz-infused exploration of the folk music of Macedonia. The disc features some 23 songs and dances selected by Trpčeski and arranged by composer Pande Shahov. The work is thus in many ways a showcase for the marvellous rhythmic vitality of this music, here fused with jazz harmonies and riffs to make for an immensely enjoyable, foot-tapping listen. Perhaps most special of all, however, is the atmosphere that Makedonissimo conjures.