Macedonian Postcards

David Bilides and Dragi Spasovski are your hosts for discussions and samples of all 54 Macedonian folk songs in Dragi's recent 3-CD project, as well as stories about the recordings, musicians, Dragi's life, and Macedonian culture in general. You can download each episode individually under the links section for that episode, or you can subscribe to the entire series through one of the links on the right sidebar.

Episode 5: Kate, Kate, Lično Mome

The fourth song in our series is Kate, Kate, Lično Mome, the story of an unhappy love, thwarted by jealous villagers. Dragi talks about his difficulties understanding the meaning of the song as a child, and about matchmaking in the village.

Links for Episode 5

Episode 5: Kate, Kate, Lično Mome (11.4 MB, 8:20)

15 April 2008

Episode 4: Dafino, Vino Crveno

The next song in our series is Dafino, Vino Crveno, the story of a shepherd whose coat is stolen by thieves but who escapes alive, to the relief of his girlfriend, Dafina. Dragi also talks about Kruševo, Vlachs, and how the melody became changed from the original version.

Links for Episode 4

Episode 4: Dafino, Vino Crveno (16.9 MB, 12:16)

10 March 2008

Episode 3: Ilčovice, Mlada Nevesto

The second song in our series is Ilčovice, Mlada Nevesto, a song in which an Ottoman official, Mustaf, expresses his admiration for Ilčo's young bride. Dragi talks about how he first heard the song—from a new bride, no less—and about other similar songs.

Links for Episode 3

Episode 3: Ilčovice, Mlada Nevesto (15.2 MB, 11:02)

30 January 2008

Episode 2: Aj, Iznikna Mi Badem Drvo

We begin the series of 54 songs with Aj, Iznikna Mi Badem Drvo, the story of two lovers enjoying a tryst beneath an almond tree. Dragi talks about Goran Alački, and about meeting Vaska Ilieva for the first time.

Links for Episode 2

Episode 2: Aj-Iznikna.mp3 (21 MB, 16:04)

Goran Alački

15 December 2007

Episode 1: Introduction

In this inaugural episode, David and Dragi discuss how they met, the different joint music events that led up to the current 3-CD project, and talk a little about Dragi's mother, the singer Rajna Spasovska.