MP3 Trio Mopmu - Torta Bulgarska

Trio Mopmu has all the energy of a ferocious Bulgarian wedding band, but also displays the sensitivity and subtlety of a small jazz ensemble. The resulting music alternately rocks out, whispers softly, then fills the dance floor.

12 MP3 Songs
WORLD: Eastern European, JAZZ: World Fusion



Details:
Trio Mompu is Ryan Francesconi, Bill Lanphier and Bryan Bowman. Ryan, on Bulgarian tambura and kaval, has a diverse background which includes formal composition, ethnomusicology and electronics. His compositions add a level of sophistication rarely heard in folk music. Although the tambura is typically used for accompaniment, Ryan is one of the few players in the world who demonstrates its potential as an expressive lead instrument.

Bassist Bill Lanphier's eclectic background includes recording and worldwide performances with artists as diverse as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Madonna and premier Bulgarian artists. Bryan Bowman, on drum set and dumbek, was exposed to Balkan music at an early age,and, having recorded and performed with some of the West Coast's top jazz musicians, brings an undeniable versatility and creative sensibility to Mopmu.

Joining forces with the trio is Lily Storm on vocals. Formerly with the highly acclaimed Balkan vocal group, Kitka, Lily has mastered several Balkan vocal styles and complements the trio's commitment to remaining absolutely true to the roots of this incredibly rich music.

"Gorgeous, precise and moving performances, plus a great variety of tunes and a fabulous sound. Bravo!"
Shira Cion, director, Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble

"An exemplary recording. A real treat."
John Uhlemann, KDHX, St. Louis