1. Americano Burek 06:10
2. Theo 01:47
3. Unspoken 11:47
4. Alek 02:02
5. Gone Forlorn 08:11
6. Vlatko 02:29
7. Freebee 05:41
8. Muffin-Morphine 06:06
9. Choban Lounge 11:15

Unspoken is a captivating blend of diverse elements found in Southeastern European Balkan music. These elements are intuitively mixed with jazz, soul and funk resulting in improvisations that are formed by a shared sensibility for live-ensemble music creation. Except for Gone Forlorn, which is based on a traditional folkloric melody, this virtuosic trio — Theodosii Spassov (kaval), Vlatko Stefanovski (guitar), and Alek Sekulovski (drums) — has artfully crafted nine original compositions while performing in a world-class recording studio.

Beautifully captured at the Orange Lounge studio in Toronto, Canada, by Anthony Yordanov, the inspiration for this music was derived from a North American tour in 2022 involving Spassov and Stefanovski. Uniquely, Unspoken has no bassist; the bass part is implied by the deep resonance of Alek’s bass drum — the unspoken musical voice of this ensemble — with a compelling presence that may even evoke UK rave, Jamaican dub and reggae sound-system music.

Alek’s supporting drum grooves are infectious; Vlatko’s guitar provides harmonic, melodic and rhythmic context for Theodosii’s kaval melodies, whilst all three musicians play masterful solos. Occasional in situ dialogue brings the listener directly into the recording studio experience. Spassov’s arousing melodies, Stefanovski’s nimble guitar playing, and Sekulovski’s unswerving grooves form an eclectic Balkan jazz music experience. — Eli Yordanov and Dr. Paul Novotny