Potiner (Propaganda Pel Fet PGD030 CD, 2004)
The number of mestizo (musical hybrids) bands in Spain keeps growing. Cheb Balowski is an inspired band based in the Barcelona metro area. It includes local musicians as well as North African players. The group’s sound includes powerful rock beats, Balkan influences, French chanson and Spanish Gypsy rumba
combined with North African Gnawa and Rai beats. The instruments used include Flamenco guitars, Moroccan percussion, accordion, palmas (Flamenco handclap percussion) and brass.
The hybrid sound not only applies to the music. Cheb Balowski’s singers draw on four languages used by the residents in the area: Catalan, Spanish and Arabic. The lyrics have strong social content, focusing on the plight of immigrants, globalization, world poverty, and injustice.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
