Once again, ALIA VOX remains true to its boutique offerings and reveals the secrets of Bulgarian minorities thanks to one of the geniuses of contemporary ethnomusic, Nedyalko Nedyalkov.

The Spirit of Bulgarian Traditions is a project that presents in summary form the exquisite and exceptionally intriguing melodies of ethnic groups that have settled in and inhabited Bulgarian lands. Over the years some of these minority groups have disappeared, while others still survive and create their own inimitable and often misunderstood folklore. Therein lies the key to this successful project, which combines a skilful selection of ostensibly diametrically opposed geographical regions, all performed in Nedyalko Nedyalkov’s exceptional interpretation.

The album magnificently interweaves melodies and songs from Aegean Thrace, Gagauzia (from the Varna region and settlers from the Orestiada region), the Shoppe region near Sofia, Vlachia, the Pazardzhik region, a unique strip between the western Rhodope Mountains and Eastern Pirin Macedonian region (Pomak music), the music of Greek itinerant shepherds who inhabit Bulgarian territories (Karakachani), the Kopanari Roma, and others.

Besides its ethnic diversity, the album also impresses with its natural sound, as it was recorded in a Catholic cathedral with no modern multi-tracking recording technology, which makes this product unique in terms of documentary content.

The instruments used will also pique listeners’ curiosity and showcase the possibilities of the Bulgarian three-register kaval, the Vlach duduk, the kaba (large) and dzhura (small) bagpipes, dvuyanka (double flute), gadulka, tambura, tupan, daire and tarambuka.

Tracklist:
1. Belomorska Melodiya
2. Dali Tsarni Ochi niamam
3. Gaidalar Chalar / Гаiдитe свирят
4. Dva Ergena & Bela Fatma
5. Malai - solo gadulka
6. Uchurt Yorgi / Залюлei Гeорги
7. Ari Mosha / Има дядо
8. Foaie Verde / Зeлeно листо
9. Vlashka slow melody & Izruchanka
10. Stara Planino & Kondisal mi e Karadzhe
11. Karakachani Dance
12. Krivo horo
13. Zhatvarska pesen
14. Pirinska
15. Kaynana / Пeсeн за свeкървата
16. Izkusala Baba
17. Eşeğeim
18. Kaba Gaida - solo bagpipe
19. Vaida Voda Nalivala
20. Nezifinka Bolna Lezhi