The Balkans, long a crossroad between East and West, has a musical culture enriched by both. Bulgarian music is particularly renowned for its haunting melodies, dense ornamentation, complex rhythms and stunning improvisations.

   Yuri Yunakov, born of Turkish Rom (Gypsy) ancestry and Bulgaria's most famous saxophone player, is one of the founders and most popular performers of "wedding music". A contemporary style, "wedding music" is named for its ubiquitous presence at life cycle celebrations, such as weddings and baptisms, where dancing and music is a must. Fast speeds, plummeting key changes, impossible rhythms; village folk tunes melded with jazz, rock, Turkish and Indian music; all combine to create one of the most thrilling musical sounds today.