Saze of Përmet
Saze of Përmet

Përmeti is classified among the most important cities for saze urban folk music. Among the most renowned sazexhinj (saze musicians) of Përmet – Leskovik province are those concentrated first around the saze-s of Master Medi Përmeti (around 1910-1930s) and later those of Vangjel Leskoviku (around 1930-1940s) and Gaqo Lena. The saze compositions of these masters (they would simultaneously play the instruments and sing), respected also iso interpretation formula by performing, in addition to the song instrumental-accompanying role, the iso group role (which is de facto missing), namely, both instrumental and vocal iso accompanying. The most preferred composition of saze groups has included one gërnetë, one qemane and two llahuta-s. The def (tambourine) was not used in the first saze formations, both in Përmet and in Leskovik. The Saze group known as: Saze of Radio Tirana in 1939 directed by Master Jonuz i Lamçe in gërnetë, Hysen Ibrahimi, Nazif Mamaqi, Sabri Fehmiu, Sadik Azbiu in violin and singer, Mane Lela in llahutë, are also included as part of the saze musical culture of Përmet.

An undisputed place in the evolution of saze from the 50s of the 20th century onwards is taken up by saze formations of Master Laveri. The saze formations proper have gone through certain necessary structural rearrangements, which have first and foremost reflected the artistic orientation of their author, Master Laveri. In 1951, they consisted of one gërnetë, two llahuta-s, and two accordions, all the way up to his permanent formation of 1975 (to this day) consisting of gërneta, one llahuta, one accordion, tambourine and violin. These saze formations are even conceived as classic saze-s, i.e. they themselves play instruments and sing, but they also perform as accompanying formations of other folk singers. The classic saze formation of Master Laveri, which became commonly known in national and international events as “Bilbilat e Përmetit” (nightingale of Përmet) consists of: Usta Laveri – in gërnetë, Lefter Nurka – in accordion, Sulejman Lame – singer and accordionist, Xhelal Zeqiri – singer and llahuta player, Krenar Mane – in tambourine, Llazo Vangjeli – in violin.

Today, “The Saze Group of the City of Përmet”, with drummer Josif Shukollari develop their artistic activity in Përmet as worthy successors of Saze-s of Master Laveri.