Nick Bratkovich: Music

1. Dedino Oro (Bulgarian)Danced to the rhythm of a fast Pravo, this tune was originally performed by Boris Karlov, the legendary Bulgarian accordion master (not to be confused with the Frankenstein guy). Karlov was the first Balkan recording artist known for his extensive use of stringed background instruments. The name literally means Grandpa’s Dance.

2. Mizurlu (Greek)
Popular all over the world and performed by many artists including the Beach Boys, this is my arrangement of a number I first played with the Šumadija Orchestra of Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the late 1960’s.

3. Šetnja (Serbian)
The name Šetnja literally means to stroll, which is precisely how it is danced. In the song, villagers brag about their locale as being the closest thing to paradise and invite a young man named Mile to come and see for himself.

4. Krivo Oro (Bulgarian)Another Boris Karlov composition but in 11/8 time signature. A strange rhythm and hard to grasp at first, it naturally generates high energy dancing and listening excitement with the heavy percussion.

5. Manavu (Israeli)
A lovely melody enhanced by the interaction of clarinet and accordion. The graceful hand motions and dance steps are typical of Israeli music.

6. Jovano Jovanke(Macedonian)
A beautiful song about a young girl whose mother forbids her to see her true love. She spends her days longingly looking toward the mountains by the Vardar River, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

7. Pajduško Oro (Bulgarian)
This is a very popular folk dance in 5/8 time signature. The unuusl meter makes the dancers appear as if they were skipping to the music.

8. Korobushka (Russian)
A lively tune that constantly increases in tempo, typical of many Russian dances. The instrumentation, which includes a balalaika, accordion and violin, along with a choir in the background, gives it a distinct Russian flavor.

9. Marika (Greek)
Although this number is a Greek Syrtos, the lyrics are in Serbian. I originally performed this song, as well, with the Šumadija Orchestra of Milwaukee. I am truly pleased with the recent resurgence of interest in this classic tune.

10. Prekid (Serbian)
The name Prekid means sudden stop, which is how the music is played and danced. Written by the famous Serbian accordionist Krnjevac, the addition of the double frulas, or shepherd flutes, provides a simple elegance to the music.

11. Šota (Kosovo)
An original tune that I wrote back in the 1970’s while a member of the Beograd Orchestra of Milwaukee. The solid, driving rhythm of the percussion instruments is typical of the music from this region.

12. Texas Polka (USA)
An original composition I am particularly proud of. My wife and I are fortunate to have lived and raised our family in the great State of Texas, and it’s true that once a Texan, always a Texan. I imagined what a polka would sound like if played by a mariachi band on the River Walk in San Antonio, and this is what I came up with. Hope you enjoy it!

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