10 May 2023 - 0 Comments

Bazurka, the renowned Wellington jazz-fusion supergroup, are set to bring their blazing live performances to record for the first time through Meow Jazz. Known for their hypnotising re-imaginings of traditional folk and pop music of Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Bazurka are pulling no punches with their upcoming LP Novi Grad All Stars, out this Friday 12 May.

Bazurka are an ensemble of expert musicians who share a love of authentic Balkan music. The project is an honest exploration of a rich musical tradition by a group of dedicated Kiwi songwriters and instrumentalists who have formed a bond whilst touring together across Aotearoa for 7 years, playing the likes of the Auckland Gardens Festival, CubaDupa street festival and Newtown Festival along the way.

Now, for the first time, they're translating their intoxicating acoustic dance music to a full-length LP, which proves to be a showcase of the band's unique musical prowess.

Like a fine home-distilled plum spirit, Bazurka emerged from the cultural melting pot of New Zealand's capital as a collaboration between a bunch of prolific, talented, and slightly mad musicians.

The six-piece ensemble features Michael Costeloe (The Black Seeds, Rodger Fox Big Band), Justin Clarke (Fly My Pretties, Bret McKenzie band), Jake Baxendale (The Jac, Richter City Rebels), Tristan Carter (The Troubles, Hypnos), Andrew Laking (The Cosmonauts, T-Bone), and Thomas Friggens (OdESSA, Brockaflower), as well as collaborations from musicians across the globe such as Briar Prastiti AKA HydraBitch (Greece) and Chris Lyons (UK).

Their upcoming album Novi Grad All Stars, releasing early 2023 was recorded by the multi-talented Warwick Donald in the heart of Newtown, the band's birthplace.

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