"Međimurske Narodne Pjesme" by Vice Vukov (1972)

During 1960s Vice Vukov was perhaps the most magnificent of all the voices in Croatia - his naturally powerful, almost operatic instrument was joy to hear and than popular festivals all kept the doors open for his appearances. Born in Šibenik and soaked in Italian bel canto music, Vukov was extremely versatile singer who preferred sonorous ballads that best displayed his dazzling command of technique and it can be easily said that back than there was nobody around even close to such virtuosity. While his singing talent was never in doubt, factors outside of music eventually got him blacklisted and by early 1970s his music career was basically over - this is why its interesting that his last studio recording in this period is collection of hardcore Croatian traditional folk music, seemingly innocent enough but obviously a strong message from unrepentant artist.

Despite of all political turmoil (the story behind it demands more space and is not really relevant to music itself) the material collected here on Vukov's farewell EP is hauntingly beautiful and my favourite of all his recordings. Since he was extremely eclectic artist and capable of singing absolutely everything, he approaches traditional folk music from Međimurje (Northern area, known for its melancholic melodies) with utmost grace and sensitivity, making them sound better than ever before. While his professional activity was decidedly pop music, even classically trained artists admired such sophistication and bearing - here he sings four traditional folk songs backed by Tamburaški Zbor RTV Zagreb and combination of tamburitza with such regal voice is truly intoxicating, I played this recording to death and always find it magnificent. If you transport me back to early 1970s when his records were forbidden, I would probably blast this from my windows and got arrested immediately, such was a frenzied witch-hunt atmosphere at the time. 

(P.S. Vukov was in his fifties when he returned to the music scene of newly independent Croatia and his voice was spectacular as ever.)