“Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts” (Crammed Discs, 2015)
With their new album “Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts”, the finest Gypsy (Roma) band from Eastern Europe is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Taraf de Haïdouks has become the gold standard for Eastern European music, featuring outstanding musicianship and some of the best vocalists in the Roma music scene.
Throughout the years, Taraf de Haïdouks has featured iconic vocalists. For this special occasion, the ensemble has invited three top vocalists, Viorica Rudareasa, Gheorghe Manole, and Tsagoi (Sandu Marin).
“Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts” includes a mix of superb folk dance and Turkish-inspired instrumentals featuring dazzling fiddle, cimbalom, accordion and wind work, sometimes at dizzying breakneck speed; as well as heartbreaking Romanian and Gypsy ballads.
The album lineup includes Gheorghe Falcaru on flute; Anghel Gheorghe “Caliu” on violin; Robert Gheorghe on violin; Constantin Lautaru “Costica” on violin, voice, lead vocals on 2 tracks; Marin Manole “Marius” on accordion; Marin P. Manole on accordion, voice, lead vocals on 2 tracks; Filip Simeonov on clarinet; Paul Giuclea “Pasalan” on violin, vocals; Ion Tanase “Ionica” on cimbalom.
“Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts” demonstrates that Taraf de Haïdouks is still the best Eastern Roma band, with its mix of exceptionally expressive vocals and bewitching virtuosity.
Buy “Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts”
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.
