Traditional Balkan music has always been a rich source of inspiration for many musicians, especially jazz artists, who have successfully combined indigenous sounds with modern styles. This fusion can also be heard in the latest composition by Miladin Peruničić, guitarist and founder of the Montenegrin band MP Trio.
The instrumental piece "Ilirikum," their latest single, is based on the traditional song "Oj djevojko, drugarice," but it introduces a completely new dimension through an arrangement that includes elements of ambient jazz sound combined with energetic electric guitar passages played by Peruničić. The song "Oj djevojko, drugarice," which served as their inspiration, is a traditional folk tune performed as part of the Kozara Circle Dance, characteristic of the Kozara and Potkozarje regions.
The arrangement also features guest musicians from Kotor, Bole Martinović and Branko Marković, while the music video accompanying the composition was created by Montenegrin photographer Aleksandar Jaredić.
This composition exemplifies how tradition can live on through new musical forms, creating an extraordinary yet incredibly intriguing blend of different genres and dynamics. Since they managed to turn it into an instrumental piece in the style that MP Trio is known for, drummer Ivan Ivanović explained to "Vijesti" how challenging it was to integrate all the details to make it sound both modern and recognizable:
"Miladin Peruničić Mićko was responsible for that, as this folk song inspired him to attempt something completely different. By breaking the harmonic structure and working with the melody as much as jazz allows, I believe he more than succeeded," said Ivanović, adding that for people like Mićko, this is never difficult.
"If you understand music as a medium to that extent, it becomes easy to play with various themes and harmonies while still preserving the ambiance and emotion. That is why we took an instrumental approach, using numerous musical elements to depict an emotional journey of the creator while composing," Ivanović added.
Instrumental music can be a powerful medium for preserving folk heritage, and many musicians turn to it, particularly through jazz. Regarding how difficult it is to establish a unique style while creating something different and unexpected, Ivanović explained:
"That's right, many jazz musicians draw inspiration from tradition and constantly return to their roots, both subconsciously and consciously, precisely to preserve heritage. Creating one's own musical expression is challenging, regardless of whether it is jazz, rock, or pop music, so it does not necessarily have to be connected with traditional music blending with modern styles. I believe that MP Trio has developed its own unique style over the years by drawing from various genres and energies."
Montenegrin traditional music is extremely rich, and further experimentation, not only with jazz but also with other genres, can enhance it even more. Moreover, this is one of the best ways to bring cultural heritage closer to younger generations.
"This trend has particularly gained momentum in recent years. Various musicians have launched projects in recent years centered around reinterpreting traditional songs. This is indeed a good way to preserve the music of the past and introduce it to new generations, but it must be done carefully. It should not be forced at any cost, as that can trivialize the theme. For MP Trio, this is not a creative priority, but when circumstances align, we certainly won’t shy away from it," Ivanović assured "Vijesti."
Although they perform as a trio, this time they collaborated with guest musicians on the project, who further enriched the sound and helped MP Trio tell their story in the best way possible.
"People who follow us know that we are fundamentally a trio, which is why the band name includes the initials of our soloist, Miladin Peruničić. However, we occasionally perform with friends and collaborators. Božidar Bole Martinović is certainly one of them, as we have already worked together on various concerts and projects. Through him, we met the amazing Branko Marković, who enhanced this composition. When there is room for it, incorporating other musicians into projects is always beneficial because it brings together different energies and states of mind, which is highly desirable for this type of instrumental music," emphasized Ivanović, adding:
"We would like to publicly thank them, and we are sure that this won’t be their only collaboration with us. There will also be other interesting guests on our upcoming album," the musician promised at the end of the conversation.
Many jazz musicians draw inspiration from tradition and constantly return to their roots, both subconsciously and consciously, precisely to preserve heritage. Creating one's unique style is challenging, regardless of whether it is jazz, rock, or pop music, and it does not necessarily have to involve traditional music blending with modern styles.
If you understand music as a medium to that extent, it becomes easy to play with various themes and harmonies while still preserving the ambiance and emotion.
Various musicians have launched projects in recent years centered around reinterpreting traditional songs. This is indeed a good way to preserve the music of the past and introduce it to new generations, but it must be done carefully. It should not be forced at any cost, as that can trivialize the theme.
Bonus video:
