Nick Bratkovich: Music

1. Lepenica (Lyrics D. Bratkovich / Music N. Bratkovich)
Written by me and my dad, this is a story about a girl by a flour mill on the Lepenica River in Serbia. As she splashes her feet in the river to the sound of the water wheel, she hears a young man approaching in the distance playing his frula. Her short skirt, long dark hair and dark eyes are enough to attract his attention and the rest, as they say, is history.

2. Stevanovo Oro (S. Nančevski)
The syncopated rhythm of Southern Serbia, along with the combination of the accordion and the clarinet, make for enjoyable listening and dancing.

3. Što Mi Je Milo (Folk Song)
Also from Southern Serbia, this song is a favorite among interntional folk dancers. It tells about a man and his very simple dream, to own a pottery shop in the middle of the town of Struga. He could then pass the days by selling his wares and visiting with his good friends by the cold water spring.

4. Kolo Iz Opomice / Tikino Kolo (V. Kandić / R. Živković)
This track consists of two wonderful kolos. The first, writen by Vlade Kandić, starts out moderately fast in the tradition of kolo music from Šumadija. The second was written by Radojka Živković, the most beloved female Serbian accordionist of all time. The beautiful counter melodies on the cello typically are included in her arrangements.

5. Sa Sa (T. Zdravković)
Here is the California rendition of a much requested modern tune also known as Hopsa. Many thanks to Alex Knezevich who performs with me in the Kumovi Orchestra, and who provided the MIDI effects for this track.

6. Dajčovo Oro (Folk Dance)
Another favorite of international folk dancers, this folk dance is from the region of Eastern Serbia. It was one of the very first numbers I ever learned in 9/8 time signature, and undoubtedly my biggest challenge at that time.

7. U Ranu Zoru (Folk Song)
This song is from the Vojvodina region of Serbia where my mother was born. It is about a young man and his love for a girl. He spends restless nights wondering whether she will ever fall in love with him, while she sleeps peacefully, not giving any thought to him. The background music includes a tamburitza, the favorite musical instrument of the region.

8. Čačak (Folk Dance)
I’m proud to include another California rendition of an old Serbian classic. The tempo is extremely fast and challenging for the dancers. I particularly enjoy the dual accordions playing in harmony along with a cello counter melody.

9. Hej, Evo Me (A. Matić)
A popular modern tune about a man who is very proud of the fact that, despite a difficult life, he has been able to remain standing each new day. Life has tried to break him but he has managed to survive because of good friends and a bountiful supply of brandy.

10. Igra Iz Pirota (Folk Dance)
Also known as Kleka, I first performed this number with the Šumadija Orchestra of Milwaukee. The račenica rhythm of Eastern Serbia, as well as the pleasant melody, make it enjoyable both for listening and dancing.

11. S’one Strane Plive (Folk Song)
A sad folk song about an immigrant who finds himself in a strange land, having to start a new life. The lyrics state that without father, mother, brothers or sisters, life in a foreign country can be an extremely lonely experience. The song paints a painfully accurate picture of immigrants, like my parents, who came to America seeking freedom and prosperity.

12. Brankovo Kolo (J. Petković / M. Spasojević)
I again took the liberty to join two of my favorite kolos. The first one is by Jovica Petković and the second by Milija Spasojević, both legendary Serbian accordionists who had an enormous influence on me when I was learning to play. Brankovo Kolo is an outstanding dance kolo and a great way to start an evening. Orient, on the other hand, is a great way to finish. You may not realize that Orient was actually named after the Orient Express, the famous train that ran through Belgrade on its way to Istanbul.

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