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Composition/arranging/Jazz Guitar/Singing are the 4 key elements that create Vladimirs music world.
He was Born in the city of Ohrid, Macedonia where he began playing music at age of eight. His first instrument was violin but soon he started deveveloping affinity towards the guitar. It was during high school when Vladimir made his first contact with jazz music by listening sound recordings of George Benson, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock to name a few. That gave him an enourmous appreciation of the depth of Jazz Music and of the individual virtuosity that a great Jazz musician poseses.
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After being awarded the B.E.S.T scholarship he moved to the United States
to study at the world renowned Berklee College of Music. There he studied
with some of the worlds finest Professors and Jazz Musicians such as Richie Hart, John Tomas, Ed Tomassi, Garisson Fewell, Greg Hopkins, Ken Cervenka, Donny Nollan, Jay Kennedy and many more.
The five years of intensive study at Berklee resulted into mastering composition,
arranging and Jazz guitar to a highest level. In 2001 Vladimir graduated
from Berklee College of music with a degree in Contemporary Writing and
Production wit Jazz guitar as his main instrument.
Vladimir's music style spans from pop, soul, dance, funk, r&b to mainstream jazz. His musical influences include Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Stitt, Earth Wind and Fire, George Benson, Jamiroquai, Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson, to name a few. |
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While in Boston, Vladimir became professionally active as a arranger/composer/guitarist and vocalist working with different producers, studios and artists in the U.S.A , Spain, Japan and as well as in his home country Macedonia.
Reviews:
Gentlemen.......Start your engines!! Nouveau jazz guitarist Vladimir Cetkar takes us for a very animated ''lap'' around the raceway of jazz. Vlad carries on the great tradition of the 'horn line' with his fiery, yet intellectual melodic improvisations.
His unique style of harmonic articulation belies, his marvellous facility
& ease with his beloved ax. Suffice it to say Cetkar is a formidable
artist with a passionate propensity to swing mightily..........A talent
the masses will have to reckon with, as he evolves gainfully into our cherished
jazz idiom. |
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| In late 2007 Cetkar released his second album "We will never end" and with the new album changing gear a bit. This time with a more danceable groove, inspired by 70s disco music (Italian Mauro Malavasi is one inspirer) with a lot of sweet strings and good melodies. Add to that Cetkar's masterful guitar play and passionate voice flavoured with jazz elements from George Benson best side and we got a winner. The polished and airy sound palette breathes freedom and liveliness and really makes you smile. The seven-track album comes in a luxurious and stylish package giving the mesmerizing music a perfect fit too. |
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| Interview with Valdimir Cetkar... |
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- Could you briefly tell us about your background, like, when you're born?
I was born in Ohrid, Macedonia, a very old town on the shores of the ancient Lake Ohrid. With its Mediterranean climate and incredibly beautiful scenery, Ohrid is a perfect place for developing a strong affinity and love towards any art form.
- What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to Earth Wind and Fire’s lyrical melodies and harmonies, the amazing arrangements/production of Quincy Jones, the incredible jazz guitar of George Benson and Wes Montgomery, and the US/UK disco, funk and soul sound of late 70’s and early 80’s.
- What is your musical background like? How did you learn to play the violin
and the guitar?
I learned classical violin at elementary music school in Macedonia which today is very helpful when I am arranging/writing for string sections. Guitar is my main instrument and I was fortunate to study the instrument with several amazing teachers at Berklee College of Music. One of them is Richie Hart a protegee of George Benson and one of the best jazz guitarist and educators in the world.
- Can you remember the first record you ever bought?
The first record that I ever bought was Michael Jackson's “Off the wall”
and it has remained one of my favorite albums!
- Who has been your biggest inspiration in music?
Since I produce, arrange, write and perform my own music it is impossible to choose one. Quincy Jones, Mauro Malavasi, Rod Temperton, George Benson, Earth Wind and Fire, Change have all been an incredible inspiration for me.
- What's the most exciting thing about your Berklee College of Music days?
The variety and mix of students from all corners of the world all sharing
the same passion and speaking one language ? music - this is one of the
greatest things about Berklee. Also Berklee's amazing line-up of some of
the finest music educators in the world cannot be overlooked.
- Please tell us about your "We Will Never End" CD, the concept behind the idea and your impressions.
The concept was to make an album that resembles the production sound of
the late 70’s and early 80’s (the golden era for music production) and
incorporates orchestration and live rhythm sections. Also with the album
I wanted to celebrate the passion for life, love and all things surrounded
with positive energy and evoking the feeling of eternity.
- How has the reaction been so far?
The reaction and feedback that I have received so far is fantastic and this really makes me happy since I have worked very hard on ‘We Will Never End’.
People seem to be very happy to hear the old live sound in a new soul/jazz/funk album.
- How would you define 70s disco music, in your opinion?
To me 70’s disco music is one of the greatest music moments of the 20th century. The blend of some of the finest string and horn arrangements, tightest rhythm sections, powerful vocals, and some of the most emotional and sophisticated writing really made music history!
In 70’s disco music you cannot ignore the enthusiasm, honesty and positive energy that was shared among the musicians who were creating these music gems -- this is something that has become a true rarity in today's popular music.
- There is something special to your voice. Where did you learn to sing?
What does singing mean to you?
With my voice I express part of my music personality that I cannot express
with my guitar playing, arranging or writing. Without singing I am not
complete as an artist, thus it is essential to me. During my high school
days I was the soloist of the school choir and also sang in several bands,
thus singing has been part of my life for a long time.
- How do you describe your sound and style ?
80 % my music influences and 20% Vladimir Cetkar:-)
- How does the song writting process go ?
For me it usually begans with a melody or a harmony idea that I develop progressively. I believe that a great melody itself should be anticipating a story that can later evolve into lyrics.
- Have you ever had a memory in your career that you can't forget?
There are definitely many memories; my first guitar, my first professional sounding production/writing/arrangement, my first applause from the audience…
- What is your musical philosophy?
To always be honest with your music!
- Would you like to say something to your fans?
I am eternally grateful to them because so long as they are around, we
will never end!!!
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| Discography |
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| Valdimir Cetkar- Love at (CD, 2003) |
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1 |
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You Take Me There |
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2 |
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Love |
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3 |
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Flow Like A River |
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4 |
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If We |
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5 |
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No Pain |
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6 |
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People Unite |
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7 |
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What About Those |
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8 |
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Family Love |
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9 |
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Only Love Goes On And On |
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10 |
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My Eyes |
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11 |
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Lost In You |
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12 |
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You Know I'm Ready |
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13 |
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Thank You Star |
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14 |
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The Luurrve Jam |
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| Valdimir Cetkar- We Will Never End(CD, 2007) |
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1 |
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We Will Never End |
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2 |
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In The Open Space |
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3 |
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Born For The Screen |
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4 |
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All For You |
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5 |
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Soul Splendor |
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6 |
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The Magic Hill Of Lihnid |
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7 |
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Ocean Of Love * |
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(* bounus Track) |
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Contact to:
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