Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band - "Folk songs"
" Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band combines the haunting Serbian ethnic folk songs of Nenad's now splintered homeland with decidedly modern jazz instrumentation and techniques in an emotionally compelling fashion, with all but one of the arrangements contributed by Nenad ("Biljana Platno Belese" was arranged by Zoran Scekic.) "This album is dedicated to all of the Yugoslavianpeople who died, suffered, and cried during the past ten years of war," as the liner annotation states. There's a palpable sense of joy in the face of great sorrow, optimism despite a series of crushing defeats, and a real beauty that can be terrible and magnificent simultaneously." Read more - Bill Barton (All about Jazz) -

Jazz Review
Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band - "Folk songs"
" This music is quite an education. There's power in music of one's homeland. Somehow, it transcends all opinions, criticisms, language and cultural limitations. Vasilic Nenad and his Balkan Band give us an "ear" view into his culture. These folk songs are all native to the former Yugoslavia (Balkans). The jazz interpretation is something else. Collectively, the musicians show their love and share it with you, the listener. Each track has it's own character, true and deep ,along with Nenad's bass technique, there's such wonder. The beauty of this music shines through like bright sun breaking an overcast sky. Nice variations of mood, but nothing so melancholy to be depressing. Regardless of the meaning in each track, there's a good balance of uptempo and ballad-like sets. It's obvious that they know their jazz and superbly incorporated that knowledge into music many of us have yet to experience in its traditional form. One can't help but be drawn to it, whether or not you understand specifics. This is the perfect example of the cliché of "music as the universal language." All in this group showcase beautifully and you shouldn't miss it." Read more - Denai Burbank (Jazz Review) -

An Music Dish Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band - "Folk songs"
" The 9 tracks and 54 minutes that VNBB provide aren't folk songs. It's jazz. Jazz in varying sub-genres across the board, though mostly settling in what could vaguely be termed Contemporary.The Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band travels around the world, picking up audiences and band members with easy magnetism. It is this singular expanse of world and jazz flavors that makes the Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band one of the most original and intriguing jazz groups that's come across my jazz-infested desk in a long while. The Eastern piano flourishes and crashing symbols of cool down moments are a far cry . Smooth though some moments are, don't go into the disc believing you can just sit back and become a voyeur; the progressive nature of the proceedings makes it so that you have to interact at every turn as listener. You mind will not sit still. You will will not be passive. So, if you want that extra mental jiggle, this should be your jello."
Read more - Ben Ohmart (Assistant Editor)

eSoundz Reporter
Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band - "Folk songs"
" A compilation of some of the most well orchestrated music found today has been inspired by Vasilic Nenad. Nenad has arranged some of the most beautiful tunes for this band, drawing from the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic richness of traditional Balkan music. TheCD "Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band-Folk Songs" is a classic. Nenad has also recorded a CD with four double basses, which he entitled "Yugobassia" which is a grand musical achievement. You will be hearing more from these talented musicians in the near future. They have a quality sound you will want for your great jazz collections."
Read more - Esoundzreporter - Philadelphia USA -

Jazz Steps
Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band - "Folk songs"
" The Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band combines the haunting Serbian ethnic folk songs of Nenad's now splintered homeland with decidedly modern jazz instrumentation and techniques in an emotionally compelling fashion, with all of the arrangements contributed by Nenad . There's a palpable sense of joy in the face of great sorrow, optimism despite a series of crushing defeats, and a real beauty that can be terrible and magnificent simultaneously. The central feeling that permeates and infuses this music is similar to the creative improvised music that came out of the Soviet Union in the late 1970s and early 1980s. And, of course, one should remember that jazz itself was born as a positive force in the face of oppression.... Folk Songs is an enormously enjoyable recording by a group that has developed a truly distinctive and personal sound. Vasilic Nenad is a name to remember. We'll be hearing much more passionate, trenchant music from this gifted young bassist, arranger, and bandleader." -
Bill Burton (Jazz Steps)