Despite the band name and album title,
Trio Mopmu are American jazz and experimental players working in traditional Bulgarian styles leavened with some Western influences; for example, "Kraydunasvko" features
Ryan Francesconi's tambura sharing space with special guest
Mike Marshall's mandolin over a swinging arrangement that owes as much to
Django Reinhardt's '30s gypsy jazz as it does to anything. Singer Lily Storm adds vocals to a handful of songs, her dramatic inflections adding a vivid new element to the trio's propulsive sound; besides having excellent phrasing, best showcased on the quiet, atmospheric "Prodava Se Konche," her Bulgarian pronunciation is flawless. Though the tracks that don't feature Storm suffer slightly from her absence (
Trio Mopmu really should consider hiring her as their full-time frontwoman), they're well-played, enjoyable Bulgarian music that's accessible to listeners unfamiliar with the styles. ~ Stewart Mason