CD Review: Amira Medunjanin's 'Silk & Stone'

Amira Medunjanin
Silk & Stone
World Village

Hailing from Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Amira Medunjanin is a sensational singer that brings a neo-operatic tone to the mix. The folk songs are punctuated by jazzy stlyings, world travels, and relaxing vocal elements. The breezy songs are emotive and full of beauty. The nine tracks contain scintillating guitars with oud, piano, kanun, and double bass for a truly delectable release. The poignant vocals are clear, powerful, and mature. The plaintive ensemble instruments are very moving with instrumental sections that abound throughout the album. Fans of Balkan opera, folk music, and European music will love Silk & Stone. The music is smooth like silk and solid as a stone without any deficiencies. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bosnia's Amira and Merima

Amira Medunjanin & Merima Kljuco

Zumra

Harmonia Mundi

A classic vocalist, Amira Medunjanin's melodic vocal poetry is filled with passion, emotion, and life. It is a perfect companion for Merima Kljuco's accordion playing. The duo perform music native to their Bosnian ancestral roots. However, a few traditional tunes from neighboring Macedonia and Serbia are included. Importantly, the album's instrumentation is only provided by an accordion. In some instances, the accordion is absent when Amira's voice takes over the role. The interplay between the voice and accordion resemble mugham modes of Middle Eastern and Arabic music, yet the music is definitely 'Bosnian'. Interestingly, Zumra, which means 'emerald' or, according to the liner notes, 'something that deviates from the norm', is an excellent summation of the music. The album is a gem and it's something a little different. In this case, a little different is something listeners will gladly relish. ~ Matthew Forss