
Music fanatics, who came to hear Theodosii Spassov and his new project Theodosii Spassov Orchestra overcrowded Studio 5 last night. The virtuosos’ last stop was Sofia, preceded by Veliko Tarnovo, Stara Zagora, and Plovdiv.Along with the Bulgarian annihilator of all genre divisions played Alexander Lekov (bass), Ang el Demirev (guitar), Miroslav Turiysky (piano), and Natcho Gospodinov (percussion). The concert was divided in two parts, both of which were filled with steaming ethno and clamorous improvisations. Not surprisingly, The Best Kaval on the Planet played the trumpet as wellThe spirit was released and at 10:30 PM the show began with Lekov’s gliding bass and a melancholy composition in 7/8. This was succeeded by Open Mood from the album Open Mood (2010) and Natatuk, in memory of the legendary Rumen Toskov- Rupeto. The Bulgarian ethno Headhunters did not stop attacking us with notes saturated with vigor and intensity. The most distinctive and egocentric of all was by far the 23 year old Angel Demirev, with his exceptional technique and striking improvisations. Judging by some of the scowling during the second half, this man made our ears bleed and went beyond what was acceptable. The folk-jazz wars had no end. The artists went through the original compositions Four Cats and a Single Moon, Boriano, Borianke, Test Tube in 9/8, and finally (as an encore) Village Dance, by the maestro Milcho Leviev. Ignoring the improv overdose, which caused an overload of our senses, this was a phenomenal night, filled with outrageous musicality and innovation.

