Band of Gypsies 2 (Crammed Discs CRAW74, 2011)
Two European record labels, Crammed Discs and Asphalt Tango, have been an outstanding job at introducing new Gypsy music to worldwide audiences. Belgian label Crammed Discs once more introduces some of the finest Gypsy performers from the Balkans. Band of Gypsies 2 brings together two of the best and most important bands in the current Roma music scene: Taraf de Haïdouks and Kocani Orkestar.
Taraf de Haïdouks, of course, was one of the first Gypsy music stars. The band was started in 1991 in the small Romanian village of Clejani. The name of the band means literally the “band of honorable brigands.” To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Taraf de Haïdouks put together a large Balkan folk music orchestra that includes the 13 Taraf musicians and singers and the 13 members of Macedonia’s renowned Koçani Orkestar.
Although both bands play Balkan Gypsy music, the sound of Taraf De Haïdouks & Kocani Orkestar is complementary. Taraf De Haïdouks uses passionate violins, cimbaloms and accordions while Koçani Orkestar plays vibrant brass and percussion.
Band Of Gypsies 2 presents music inspired by Romanian folk music, Balkan pop, medieval ballads, Oriental brass band music, as well as Turkish, Jewish, Greek and Indian influences. In recent years both bands were rejuvenated and currently include musicians from various generations.
With Band Of Gypsies 2, Taraf De Haïdouks and Kocani Orkestar present an infectious blend of Balkan music virtuosity and vitality. The album comes with three bonus videos.
Buy Band Of Gypsies 2 in North America
Buy Band Of Gypsies 2 in Europe
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.
