WORLD MUSIC Goran Ivanovic fuses Balkan folk, jazz

A variety of ancient influences can be heard in his music.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
When you listen to Goran Ivanovic Group, you can see the Balkans in your mind's eye -- and the centuries full of invaders, refugees and rogues who left their mark on the region.
A Croatian who came to America 10 years ago, Ivanovic fuses the folk music of his homeland with American jazz, and plays it at a virtuoso level and at a sizzling pace.
His corner of the world has always been a crossroads and has seen more than its fair share of violence and repression. It shows in the music.
"Music plays a big part in everyday life in the Balkans," said Ivanovic, a classically-trained guitarist, "and when you realize all the repression that has always been there, you can relate to how deep [the music] is."
But Balkan music, while somber and serious, is also lively and has an elusive source. That's because of the influence of outsiders.
"The Turkish empire once ruled the Balkans and they had an impact [on the music]," said Ivanovic. "There were Gypsies in the cities who played guitar with their fingers. Even Flamenco. Many Jews who were forced out of Spain during the Inquisition settled in the Balkans and brought their music."
On tour
Ivanovic, 29, who lives in Chicago and speaks with a heavy Croatian accent, is benefiting from world music's wave of popularity. His four-piece band -- which includes Ivanovic on acoustic guitar, plus a saxophonist, bassist and drummer -- has been touring the East and Midwest, playing for audiences ranging from college students in rock'n'roll bars to Serbian picnics, and in small towns and big cities.
Reactions vary. At ethnic gatherings, dancing breaks out, although the frequent time changes make it a challenge. At upscale venues, enraptured listeners create a symphony concert atmosphere.
Ivanovic plans to further explore the experimental sound that he has created. In January, the group will record a second album that will include -- for the first time -- vocalists.
"I would also like to add new instruments, like the bouzouki, and play new places, like Europe and Latin America," he said. And presumably expand his worldly list of influences.