Brass Like it Hot

Dzambo Agusevi was born in 1987 into a Roma musical family in Strumica, Macedonia, and joined his father's orchestra playing trumpet aged 11. His prowess was such that the great Macedonian clarinet and saxophone player Ferus Mustafa nicknamed him ‘Dzambo’ – ‘Jumbo Jet’ – due to the speed at which he played. He soon was leading his father's orchestra and winning awards including first prize at the Guča Brass Band Festival, he being the only non-Serb to win such. His debut international album is, unsurprisingly, roaring brass dance music. The opening track, ‘Fino Makedolatino’, is a gorgeous swirl of brass over complex time changes. ‘Tears’ follows and is lush, restaurant music, while ‘Arriba!’ is a good tune for Balkan parties. The intriguingly titled ‘Eat My Gipsy Lips’ is slow, atmospheric and very potent. While a confident album, it lacks consistency and atmosphere. And certain tunes, such as ‘Boom’, seem cynically aimed towards the Balkan beats crowd. Having seen Dzambo's debut UK performance at last year's Walthamstow Garden Party, I know that he and his orchestra can deliver live in concert. This album is a promissory note. Better will come.