Hojsak & Novosel ft. Vlatko Stefanovski
Tihomir Hojsak, Filip Novosel and Vlatko Stefanovski will close this year’s edition of the Barone Jazz Festival on September 4.
One in a million—that were the odds of two instrumentalists from completely different musical backgrounds meeting and forming a duo that would later become one of the most recognizable cultural brands in Croatia. This is how the story of Filip Novosel on tambura and Tihomir Hojsak on double bass begins. A chance encounter at a local jam session was the spark that ignited their collaboration. Coming from two different musical worlds—traditional and classical—yet united by a deep love for jazz and improvised music, they began their journey under the pseudonym Bow vs. Plectrum.
Although the double bass is widely used across all musical genres, only a few musicians are capable of playing it as versatilely as Tihomir Hojsak. Whether through rhythmic pizzicato or lyrical bowing, treating the double bass as a solo instrument is something rarely heard.
On the other hand, Filip Novosel is the only established tambura soloist. An instrument most often associated with celebrations and traditional gatherings in Croatia, he has brought it into concert halls and jazz clubs worldwide. A pioneer in many respects when it comes to the tambura, he found the perfect partner in such a versatile double bassist.
Their first album, released in 2016 under the title Bow vs. Plectrum, made an immediate impact on the regional scene and opened the door to a tour of the United States. The album featured distinguished guests from the regional and international music scene, including guitarist Vlatko Stefanovski and Grammy Award winner Theodosii Spassov on the Bulgarian kaval, as well as leading Croatian jazz pianist Matija Dedić and drummer Žan Tetičkovič. Having such esteemed collaborators on their debut album significantly strengthened the duo’s artistic credibility.
At Barone Fortress, they will perform together with renowned guitarist Vlatko Stefanovski, founder of the cult band Leb i Sol, which has released 14 albums and toured worldwide throughout its career.
In the mid-1990s, Stefanovski also began an exceptionally successful solo career. Albums such as Cowboys & Indians, Sarajevo, VS Trio, Kula od karti, Thunder from the Blue Sky and others have become classics. In recent years, he has performed and recorded with numerous international musicians including Theodosii Spassov, Jan Akkerman, Tommy Emmanuel, Stochelo Rosenberg, Gibonni, Stefan Milenković and many others.
What sets Stefanovski apart from other guitarists is his unique tone and outstanding technique, as well as his pioneering use of folk themes within rock and jazz music.
TICKETS:
Tickets priced at €25 are available online and at the box office of the House of Arts Arsen. Members of the Friends Club receive a 30% discount when purchasing at the box office upon presentation of a valid membership card.
