In a perfectly timed move, Eastern Blok, Chicago-based innovators of jazzy world music with (what else?) Balkan roots, are set to release their sophomore album this October. Titled Folk Tales, the album features compositions from classical guitar dynamo Goran Ivanovic (after whom the group was initially named) and arrives on the heels of growing acclaim from around the country.
An outpouring of attention following Eastern Blok‘s performances on NPR and Chicago Public Radio‘s “Chicago Undercover,” ardent reviews in Downbeat Magazine, TimeOut Chicago, and Acoustic Guitar, and consistently packed shows all point to one thing: these Balkan-fusionists know how to party.
Which is why the quartet has been chosen as one of the main groups to headline the 2007 World Music Festival in Chicago this September. Not only that, but Eastern Blok has been selected for the soundtrack to Wanted, an upcoming film starring Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. Who saw that one coming?
October 24 is the official release date for Folk Tales, but two tracks from the forthcoming album are already available for preview on Eastern Blok’s website. Eastern Blok will be on tour promoting Folk Tales beginning at the end of July through November.
Eastern Blok Folk Tales Tour Dates:
July 26 – Kalamazoo, MI @ The Union
July 27 – Kalamazoo, MI @ The Union
July 28 – Deerfield, IL @ Sights & Sounds at Ryerson Woods
August 02 – Chicago, IL @ Pops For Champagne
August 17 – Dayton, OH @ Pacchia
August 18 – Dayton, OH @Pacchia
August 23 – Chicago, IL @ Pops For Champagne
September 1 – Rockford, IL @ Waterfront Festival
September 6 – Chicago, IL @ Pops For Champagne
September 20 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Founders Brewing Company
September 22 – Haverford, PA @ Haverford College
September 27 – New York City, NY @ Mehanata
October 1 – Philadelphia, PA @ Chris Jazz Café
October 3 – Washington D.C. @ Blues Alley
October 4 – Dearborn, MI @ Arab American National Museum
November 9 – Grand Rapids, MI @ MAJIC Festival
(more dates to be announced)
Photo credit: Saverio Truglia