Leb i sol ("Леб и Сол", engl. "Bread and Salt") is Macedonian jazz fusion group founded in 1976 in Skopje. The original line-up was: Vlatko Stefanovski (guitar), Bodan Arsovski (bass guitar), Nikola Dimuševski (keyboards) and Garabet Tavitijan (drums). Their music combined elements of rock, jazz fusion and local ethnic music. As the band matured, the jazz influences became less obvious. However, in concert, Leb i sol performances of jazzed-up and lengthy versions of traditional ethno-folk classics such as "Jovano, Jovanke" or "Aber Dojde, Donke", were often received with great enthusiasm and cheer. In the beginning Leb i Sol were much under influence of the ex-Yugoslavian jazz rock/fusion group Smak, especially in similar attempt to marry the jazz-rock instrumental approach with the traditional Balkan sounds. The first two albums, Leb i Sol and Leb i Sol 2, are essential collection of excellent instrumental songs often covering the Macedonian traditionals. Ručni rad is their most demanding effort, exploring the deep space of jazz improvisation, while the fourth album Infinity, although reduced to basic rock trio, still carries the spirit of fusion. Stefanovski was always considered one of the best guitarist of the former Yugoslavia, although his technique is quite similar to Allan Holdsworth's or John McLaughlin's. Arsovski was on the other hand a champion of the fretless bass playing. Similar artist on the international scene would include Weather Report, Gong or Mahavishnu Orchestra, so Leb i Sol is highly recommended to the fans of these. Also those in favour of Canterbury scene or ethnic-fusion will probably find many interesting moments in listening to Leb i Sol albums. Their late 1980s work would appeal to the listeners of a laid-back jazzy type of art-rock. This is the most important and the most popular Macedonian band of all times and one of the best ex-Yugoslavia bands. Leb i Sol recorded their last studio album Putujemo in 1989, and a live concert CD Live in New York in 1991. They played their farewell concert in Thessalonica, Greece, December 1995, after which Leb i Sol disbanded. Stefanovski and Arsovski founded their private label Third Ear Music in 1990 and continued with successful solo careers. In May 2006 the band announced their reunion. They released live concert DVD " Leb i Sol live in Macedonia" in 2006. They released a new album in 2008 called " I Taka Natanaka " More information can be found on the band's official website: http://www.lebisol.com.mk/index_eng.htm and Vlatko Stefanovski's official website: http://www.vlatkostefanovski.com.mk/ .
