DJ Shantel – Disko Partizani (Crammed, 2007)
Ready for a raucous Gypsy party? DJ Shantel has recorded a CD that will thrill Gypsy music and dance music fans alike. Disko Partizani brings together the lively sensation of Gypsy pop, the powerful sound of brass bands, edgy techno and retro disco beats as well as the celebratory atmosphere of a Balkan Gypsy gathering with handclapping and shouts of encouragement.
Shantel conceived the songs while traveling throughout Europe, the Middle East and South America. His inspiration came at a atypical locations, like a railroad station in Romania, a highway stop in Greece, an airport terminal in Istanbul, an Arabic Café in Tel-Aviv, a taxi stand in Sofia, the back seat in a Mercedes Benz belonging to a Macedonian gypsy king, as well as backstages in London, Paris and Rio de Janeiro.
For the recording, Shantel recruited a reputable collection of instrumentalists and singers to complement the duo he forms with his studio partner Marcus Darius (drums). The extensive list of guests includes Serbian singer Vesna Petkovic; trumpeter Marko Markovic (the son and Nr 1 sideman of Serbian brass music king Boban Markovic); Bulgarian clarinetist Filip Simeonov (Taraf de Haidouks); Shantel’s old Greek friend; Thessalonica-based singer and composer Jannis Karis; François Castiello, who plays accordion with famous French band Bratsch; Canadian singer Brenna MacCrimmon, who achieved cult status in Istanbul through Fatih Akin’s "Crossing the Bridge" film; Bulgarian saxophonist Vladimir Karparov; Sashko Wladigeroff on trumpet ; Izmir-based violinist Costas Ramos; keyboardist Marcus Schumacher (Äl Jawala); Ruth Maria Renner aka Miss Platnum, a Berlin-based Romanian R&B vocalist; Viennese musicians Kurt Bauer and Lothar Lässer, who have frequently been seen playing violin and accordion at Shantel’s side on stages all over the world; members of Tel Aviv’s Balkan surf rock band Boom Pam; Ukrainian DJ/vocalist Yuriy Gurzhy (of Russendisko fame); trumpeter Roy Paci (Manu Chao); London bass player Ken Taylor; and Berlin reggae/dancehall queen Mantiz.
With Disko Partizani DJ Shantel has created a new hybrid sound that brings Gypsy and Balkan music to the trendy dance clubs of Central Europe and beyond.
Buy Disko Partizani.
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.
