Faith i Branko / Duhovi

Fifteen years ago, UK born musician Faith met and married the Serbian Romani violinist Branko Ristic, resulting in the birth of an utterly unique and artistic musical union. Bringing their own distinctive musical, cultural and personal stories into their music, this union has so far resulted in international tours, albums and an award-winning documentary.

Since we last heard from Faith and Branko, an obstacle-strewn move from Branko’s tiny village in rural Serbia to London has tested the duo’s personal and professional relationship to new levels. Yet, despite the inevitable strain of moving from one of the most remote corners of Europe to one of its most populous fulcrums, Faith and Branko’s musical journey has survived and thrived - with the thrilling results now available to hear on their new album. The title ‘Duhovi’, means ‘ghosts’, ‘spirits’, or ‘souls’ and refers to the souls of four now deceased musicians and friends who recorded on this album.

This album is a celebration of that deep bond of music and creativity that heals and connects them to something beyond and keeps the memory alive of those whom they loved. Some pieces were recorded remotely due to the pandemic and some together in London and Emir Kusturica’s studio in Serbia.

Two worlds and methods of creating music combine and sometimes collide within these compositions, each of which is a musical conversation between Faith and Branko. From a foundation of Serbian-Roma music, Faith i Branko have created a style that draws from both of their musical heritages and expresses their unique personal connection and willingness to experiment with other genres. This outward looking approach is epitomised by the classic album opener ‘Mari Lon’, the melody of which is taken from one of Branko’s favourite Bollywood films which he used to watch whilst growing up in his Romani village.

Throughout the album, Branko’s violin dazzles as it freely switches between contemporary and classical styles, beautifully highlighted on the wildly spontaneous track ‘Duhovi’ which gives the album its name and is best described in Branko’s own words; “I created this piece as it was recorded. I taught myself to play in very difficult circumstances, sometimes without two strings or a teacher. Only when I play am I truly happy. Music is my soul, my greatest love and how I experience God and the universe.”

Renowned for her highly accomplished and nimble-fingered accordion playing, Faith further embellishes several of the pieces with the one-handed tabor pipe, a traditional English instrument. Her songwriting also comes to the fore on the heartfelt and timeless ballad ‘I’m Sorry’, which she wrote in just one day whilst on tour in Australia. The album is punctuated by other deeply personal tracks such as ‘2018’, the year that Branko’s beloved grandmother passed away, as well as ‘Me Mangav Tut’, a song which Branko recorded for Faith during the pandemic in Serbia, with both Cakija (guitar) and Didi (keyboards) passing away soon after recording.

Kolo is a folk dance synonymous with Serbia which Branko pays his respects to on his joyously upbeat compositions ’Irena Kolo’ and ‘Korona Kolo‘, a track recorded with the hugely talented Petrovic family members from the Romani village of Gornja Grabovica. Branko’s cousin Kristijan - from the Petrovic musical dynasty - studied classical violin at the Purcell School in London; his virtuosity shines through on ‘Ludilo’, another track which demonstrates the beauty of the acoustic Serbian-Romani sound.

Faith i Branko have performed at some of Europe’s most prestigious venues and their incredible story was made into an international award-winning documentary 'Faith and Branko' in 2020. In connection with its release, Branko drew on his re-ignited love of traditional Romanian music to compose ‘Rumunska Vez’, which they in turn performed online for the Canada International Documentary Festival. The film also opened the prestigious Aljazeera Film Festival in Sarajevo and further acclaim was widespread.

The penultimate track ‘Penrith’ is another classic example of how Faith i Branko are always looking for new musical directions to challenge their creativity. Composed during a residency near Penrith in Cumbria (England) with Iranian musician Pouya Mahmoodi, it showcases Pouya’s unique contemporary Iranian guitar improvisations and in Faith’s words “evokes a world in which we find the safe haven of love and acceptance between us.”

This leads into the deeply poignant parting cameo ‘Oj Moja Ruza Rumena’, translated as “Oh my beautiful rose”, sung by Milo Ristic, Branko’s uncle who died in Serbia during the pandemic; Branko explains “The guitar on this song is old and broken, and his talent and voice were not given a chance to be heard during his lifetime.”