8.3.18

"Peter Brown" by Majda Sepe (1963) EP


Another early 1960s songbird from Slovenia and some more good-time Dixieland by same backing band and arranger Mario Rijavec.

Much has been said about beautiful Majda Sepe whose looks somewhat eclipsed her talent and it was generally assumed that she was great to look at - personally I dare to disagree and find her very good singer indeed, with original and instantly recognisable voice. That she started as a fashion model and initially sung cheerful ditties of the day was simply making the best of the situation and creating the name for herself. 

Majority of local singers at the time had to cover international hits and the early 1960s were particularly fruitful when it came to sunny ditties, hence this little EP recording on which Sepe was backed by Ljubljana Jazz Ensemble - four covers with Slovenian lyrics, arranged by Mario Rijavec who was surprisingly effective in everything from Dixieland to early Rock and young Sepe sings like dream, with youthful exuberance and lots of enthusiasm - her version of "Stupid Cupid" is very endearing. The cover photo shows her as stunningly beautiful, elegant and svelte blonde worthy of any Hollywood nightclub so the media focus on her looks is quite understandable, if perhaps unjust towards her. Just like her Croatian counterpart Gabi Novak, Sepe eventually moved away from novelty songs and matured into seasoned chanson singer but even at this early stage, her voice and music are very appealing. I would never even hear of it if its not included into digital archive of "Croatia Records" where you can find everything they ever released in excellent sound and this cornucopia of previously unknown riches makes me very happy indeed. 

No comments: