In August 1996, the Frankfurt-based Network label invited nine Bulgarian musicians to produce a CD. Each of the musicians of the Bulgarian All Star Orchestra has grown up with this music, studied at the country's best music schools, or can look back on a checkered musical career in traditional ensembles, radio, television and wedding bands. Although the musicians had not all met before, they immediately found a common musical language and enthralled the production team with their verve, virtuosity, musical wit and boundless talent. The Bulgarian All Star Orchestra plays music from all over Bulgaria (Thrace/Rodopi, Strandzha, Shopsko, Moesia, Dobrudzha), from Wallachia (Roumania), Turkey and Macedonia (Greece) as well as gypsy music of the Rom. It is even possible to find ancient Greek and Arabian scales, pentatonics, and highly complex rhythms. At the heart of the repertoire are ancient ballads arranged as compellingly beautiful suites. Alongside the "old" instruments such as the gaida bagpipe, the gadulka stringed instrument, the long-necked tambura lute, the kaval flute and the human voice, they also play "modern" instruments such as cimbalom, clarinet, violin and accordion. While many recordings from Bulgaria tend to present composed and stringently arranged music, the Bulgarian All Star Orchestra takes an entirely different approach. Strongly rooted in tradition and generously allowing for the kind of virtuoso improvisation we normally associate with jazz or gypsy music, this group from Bulgaria has recorded an unprecedented breadth of the musical heritage that they also perform in concert. It is a brilliant musical bouquet, finely nuanced, sparkling and spirited.