The Promise (2005)

"The King of Balkan brass music, Boban Markovic has nothing to prove as far as his playing and composing abilities are concerned. However, given the flashes of brilliance on this, his first fully studio-recorded album, one would think he's trying to make a debut-level flash to get noticed by the masses. In tandem with his son Marko, Boban blazes through newer compositions and arrangements of traditional pieces. The band provides a highly capable backing, as well as a groove-inducing thump from the goc (a large drum) and a snare drum, but the stars here are Boban and Marko. Throughout The Promise an undeniable groove keeps the listener interested regardless of the style, but the horns can still make the varied styles of music mesh with the groove well. A particularly good release of contemporary Balkan music." (Allmusic)