While working on their debut album, the JazzBoree musicians presented their interpretation of the well-loved folk song 'Katsnal Brumbar na Trunka' (A Beetle Landed on a Blackthorn Bush). The piece has a heartfelt backstory, as vocalist Savina Stoilova explains:

“The song 'A Beetle Landed on a Thorn' was originally performed by folk singer Pavel Sirakov. In 2018, it marked its 100th anniversary. Pavel came from a family of musicians — his grandfather was an instrument maker, and Pavel played a gadulka crafted by him as a child. One day, he was sitting on a bench outside his house, right by the church and the village square, where people gathered during festivals and holidays. A group of older boys approached him and asked if he would play for them in the churchyard so that they could dance. He eagerly followed them and began to play.

But it was during Lent, and the priest, furious at the merrymaking, came out and scolded them. The boys scattered. Pavel tried to run, but being smaller, he stumbled into a puddle, got covered in mud, and broke his instrument. Heartbroken, he ran home in tears.

To comfort him, his grandfather gently said, ‘Don’t worry, my boy. I’ll make you another instrument. And to cheer you up, I’ll sing you a song—about a little beetle.’

Pavel stopped crying and listened as his grandfather sang just one verse of the song. That simple melody stayed with him throughout his childhood, etched deeply into his memory. 

Years later, after his grandfather had passed away, Pavel decided to revive the song, completing the lyrics and crafting the main melody himself. Once finished, he performed it at every public gathering, and “A Beetle Landed on a Blackthorn Bush” soon became a beloved classic, with numerous recordings on Bulgarian National Radio and performances by many artists. And now, here we are with our own fresh interpretation. It's a truly remarkable song!"

I hope you enjoy this jazzy new take on a timeless folk melody!