Damjana & Ljubljana Jazz Selection

I like harmonic and rhytmically logical instrumental and vocal jazz and I have always wanted to record such music. However, life brought me in situations when I recorded dfferent music while dust covered the notes of classical jazz standards. I did not like that. I had an idea the results of which are presented here. Authors like C. Porter, R. Rogers, A.C. Jobim, J. Kosma, Davis/Ramirez/Sherman, Ellington/Mercer/Strayhorn were reborn in new arrangment of Dejan Pecenko. When I brought him the notes of the songs I wanted to record I could only imagine that they could be as they are now. Dejan marked them with a harmony so typical for him. He can be different, innovative, always interesting and excellent performer of his own ideas. He contributed one song of his own: "Sunday".

The Latino-funky rhytms were a challange for the rhytm section of the Ljubljana Jazz Selection. The rhytmic base of the songs were provided by Karel Novak and Drago Gajo. Karel's accurate playing and the sound of his bass guitar enriched the whole tune of the rhytm section. He contributed two songs: Ljubim veter (I Love the Wind) and Nasmeh (Smile). Drago Gajo's performance on the battery proved his talent for Latino-funk. Petar Ugrin's excellent and cordial playing of flugelhorn and trumpet gave the final touch to the songs.

These are the boys from the Ljubljana Jazz Selection. How Charming they are. I thank them for all the happiness and pride I feel when I listen to our music.

My mother tongue is Slovenian. I deccided to translate most of the songs into Slovenain in order to be able to express my treu feelings as accuratly as possible.

The record was made in autmn 1993 in the Studio Metulj (Butterfly) in Novo mesto. Marko Pezdirc, who owns the studio, is quick, patient, kind and versatile technician. I thank him for all his hard work in mixing the music to achieve the final effect. I hope to work with him again.

I am especially grateful to the producer Karel Novak who in a good humour followed all my wishes, whims and criticism and produced natural sound just like I imagined would be necessary for live singing and playing.

Dragan Arrigler's photos are marked by his originality. The first cover was supposed to be a still life of musical instruments. Due to commercial reasons we had to give up the idea. But I keep the photo in a visible place at home. It may appear on page someday...

And finally the publishing house Sraka (Magpie). My wishes could not be realised without a generous support of Drago Vovk who decided to publish the record.

I thank you all for enabling me to say, "Yes, that's me!"
My romance doesn't need a thing but you!

With love, Damjana.