Yuri Yunakov Ensemble   Roma Variations (CD4306) A collection of Roma (Gypsy) and Bulgarian dances seen through the Yunakov looking glass the horo with a jazz swing! the ruchenitsa with hair-raising speed! a Balkan wedding dance reimagined as a mind-bending duel between saxophone and accordion, followed by one of the most lyrical duets on record! All instrumental, this is THE Yuri Yunakov album tight arrangements, bold improvisations, Roma-Bulgarian-Turkish fusion at its best. Featuring Bulgarian accordion legend Ivan Milev.

Praise for Yuri Yunakov Ensemble Balada (CD4291) "...amply illustrates Yunakov's talent as an improviser, one who can elevate even the simplest melody with his virtuosity and finesse." --The Washington Post "If you think Bulgarian wedding music is an unlikely candidate for the next big thing, just listen to about ten seconds of Yuri Yunakov's Balada....more than a few listeners will be left breathless by this remarkable music." --Rhythm Magazine "...frenetic high spirits....Do Muzsikas have beats like this? Ivo Papasov, even? Not that I've been able to notice." --Robert Christgau, Village Voice "Just listening to this album will make you sweat." --Dirty Linen "Balada proves that Yunakov is a true virtuoso, following his vision of wedding music toward a new limit of complexity and soul." --Baltimore City Paper