Black Sea Fire

Several things about this record will make the curious listener well disposed to it from the off. Firstly, despite its rich heritage, little music from Georgia outside of its glorious tradition of polyphonic singing has made it to an international release. Secondly, alongside his Georgian core, guitarist Zaza Miminoshvili has recruited a high-calibre band, including the breathtaking Bulgarian kaval flute master, Theodosii Spassov. Thirdly, track two, a song from around the coastal region of Adjara, is put in context by the liner notes using the immortal words ‘it is very hard for a small man in a large city to sell potatoes’. However, while it includes original compositions and pieces from regional stalwarts like Mikis Theodorakis, the music doesn't quite live up to this tantalising billing. Unless what you are looking for is some heavy Weather Report-style jazz-fusion alongside your Georgian folk. The playing is of a high standard, but ‘Sharatin’ is a a good example of a case where things could have done with a bit more focus: the opening, with the band singing in rich-throated a capella harmonies, sends a shiver down the spine; the meandering, fretless bass solo that interrupts it will having you reaching for the remote. Theodosii Spassov's own composition ‘Something Wonderful’ confounds expectations: his breathy kaval soars above the synth pads and bass with great aplomb, showing his masterful control and melodic ear. ‘Gelino,’ an acoustic song from the Laz people, could be a delicious outtake from Kusturica's Time of the Gypsies. ‘Temel,’ on the other hand, could be the theme tune to Frasier dubbed into Georgian. Approach with care.