Balkan jazz
Balkan jazz is an umbrella term for jazz from different parts of the Balkan peninsula in southeastern Europe. Jazz in the region may incorporate various types of Balkan music, especially folk musics. It has embraced improvisation and originality, much like jazz traditions in the Americas and elsewhere. Characteristic features can include use of unusual meters, sometimes played very fast. There are many venues for Balkan jazz, which is also frequently played at weddings and big celebrations. The clarinet is often a key instrument in keeping with folk music traditions, and the accordion, drum, bass and electric guitar are also widely used.
Pioneers of jazz in the region include Duško Gojković in Serbia, and Milcho Leviev and in Bulgaria.
