Nick Bratkovich: Music

1. Blagovevo Kolo / Predragovo Kolo
This album begins with a combination of two Serbian kolos. Blagojevo Kolo was made famous by Miodrag Todorović “Krnjevac” and Predragovo Kolo by Branimir Djokić. These legendary accordionists greatly influenced my own musical style.

2. Makedonsko Devojče
One of the most popular Macedonian songs of all time. The lyrics describe how even nature itself cannot compare to the beauty of a certain Macedonian girl.

3. Igre iz Okoline Pirota This is a folk dance medley that I recorded for the St. Sava Serbian Dancers of Seattle, Washington. It consists of dances from the Pirot region of eastern Serbia, known for its lively music and 7/8 dance rhythms.

4. Jedna Tužna Violina
An original composition translated from Serbian as The Sad Violin. The song is about a man who spends most of his time at a local café, listening to sad music and regretting the break-up of his romance. He laments that if his lover does not return, all that remains in his life is a lonely café and a sad gypsy violin.

5. Čupurlika
A Macedonian folk dance in slow čoček style, complete with an intricate accordion and clarinet duet, finger cymbals and tambourines.

6. Jesenje Lišće
A beautiful song from Vojvodina in northern Serbia and translated as Autumn Leaves. The writer expresses his sadness by comparing his broken romance with falling leaves, cold and desolation.

7. Vlaške Igre
Another medley of folk dances. This one consists of some enjoyable Vlach dances from the region of Banat, Serbia.

8. Jianul de la Slanic
A traditional Romanian folk dance. As is typical of the music from Romania, the instrumentation includes a pan flute and a piano dulcimer.

9. Piros Csizmat
A Hungarian csardas translated as Red Boots. The lyrics say that my darling wears red boots, and I love seeing her wear them. But I couldn’t care less if they fell apart as long as she still loves me.

10. Karagouna
This is an original composition written in the style of a Greek Karagouna. Instrumentation includes clarinet and bouzouki, a Greek stringed instrument resembling a mandolin.

11. Mariana
An all-time favorite from Vojvodina, Serbia. The lyrics describe how Mariana’s lover waits for her arrival at the appointed rendezvous, but she peacefully sleeps while he anxiously waits. Nevertheless, he vows to wait even until the light of day if that’s what it takes. A very special thanks to my niece Nikki Robak for joining me on the vocals.

12. Gankino Oro
This is an extremely popular high-energy Bulgarian dance in 9/8 time signature. Featured instruments include the accordion, clarinet and zurla, a Middle Eastern wind instrument similar in sound to an oboe.

13. Stani Danke
A Macedonian folk song about a girl named Danke whose mother asks her why she hasn't risen yet on such a beautiful day. Danke replies that she is hurt because her lover has left her for another and she has no desire to come down for breakfast.

14. Šumadijski Splet
A final medley of folk dances from the Šumadija region of Serbia. Both the medley and the album conclude as all stops are pulled out for the exhilarating šopsko finish.