Zdenka Kovacicek

PMG release the first ever reissue of Zdenka Kovacicek (1978), the funky self-titled album from Zdenka Kovacicek, one of the most significant and eminent figures from the Croatian music scene. Her 60-year career started very early. At the age of 13, Zdenka was a professional singer with the duo Hani and later on she took a trip through the worldwide pop music scene, until her return to Croatia. By 1978, she was ready to release her first solo album, which is nearly impossible to find. Zdenka and her team of producers combined disco funk, haunting electronic pieces, lush soulful ballads and glam oriented power-pop with a rocking edge together with one common denominator, the utterly distinctive and charismatic voice of Mrs. Kovacicek. It is a very colorful affair. She could easily be a black disco queen in the vein of Donna Summer. The Croatian language adds a great touch of exotica to the whole album as well. The music itself is Western-oriented: funky, soulish, bluesy and glammy, with modal jazzy elements. It feels honest and from the heart, from the first to the last song. You can say that Zdenka Kovacicek plays the music that was popular at the time, when this album was recorded, with a twist of her own spirit thrown in, which in the end makes it an outstanding and colorful record. Drop the needle anywhere on this black pearl and you will always be swallowed by an irresistibly hot groove and end up in a joyful mood.