Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar

by Alex on June 17, 2012

Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar have just released Golden Horns on Piranha Musik. This album is a selection of their best tracks compiled by DJ Robert Soko of BalkanBeats. The father son duo hail from Serbia’s Roma (Gypsy) scene. There is plenty of musical history in the Markovic family. Boban’s grandfather, Dragutin, was a musician as were both of his grandfathers. However, as Boban grew up he dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. At the age of 10, Dragutin told Boban his destiny was to become a trumpet player and got Boban involved with him at concerts and weddings. By the age of 20, Boban had his own orchestra and was ready to compete in the Guca Trumpet Festival, the most important Brass band competition in the world. Eventually Boban won the prestigious top prize so many times that he was asked to stop competing in 2001.

Marko spent his youth growing up at home while his father was out on the road. It wasn’t until Marko was around the age of 12 that Boban took notice of the talent his son had been nurturing while he was away on tour. Marko was drafted into the band and the father/son led orchestra’s upbeat brass sound quickly packed dance floors across Europe with their energetic live shows. DJ Robert Soko has watched the group’s popularity rise over the past couple of decades and believes their success is due to their unique blend of Southeastern European and Western music.

“They are an authentic Serbian brass band who reinterpret traditional pieces and play their own compositions in a listenable, danceable manner. They are just so good at conveying the beauty of Southeast European music, and making it palatable for Western audiences. At the same time, they are constantly experimenting with other musical genres—jazz, soul, classical, or even disco—melting various elements together and producing a new sound of their own.” – DJ Robert Soko

Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar have been at the forefront of the Balkan brass movement. DJs and fans alike have always been hungry for the lightning-quick melodies and complex rhythms the band are famous for. They recently collaborated with Fanfare Ciocarlia on Balkan Brass Battle. The group has also worked with Emir Kusturica on his Underground and Arizona Dream films. To get a real sense of this booming brass sensation, check out this live performance of “Khelipe E Cheasa” from Trumpet Power 2010. Pick up Golden Horns at your local record store today.