Gypsy Caravan (World Village, 2007)
Gypsy Caravan is the companion CD to the Gypsy Caravan film. Released in 2007, the Gypsy Caravan documentary follows several leading Gypsy [also known as Roma and Gitanos] artists on tour in North America and on location in their countries of origin. Following the path that many think Gypsies followed, the musicians selected include Rajasthani band Maharaja; Romanian brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia; the "Queen of the Gyposies," Macedonian Esma Redzepova; Romanian Gypsy superstars Taraf de Haidouks, and Spain’s Antonio "El Pipa" Flamenco Company.
As a soundtrack CD, the album includes a variety of musical pieces, ranging from studio recordings to live performances and even dance-oriented remixes. There is the festive music of Maharaja, which uses vocals, reeds, drums and harmonium; the spectacular brass sounds of Fanfare Ciocarlia, the rich ensemble sound led by violins and cimbaloms of Taraf de Haidouks, the smokey club feel of Esma Redzepova, and the polar opposites of passionate Flamenco: festive celebrations and the "cante jondo’ deep anguish.
The CD booklet comes with a detailed description of the film process. It also includes a letter from actor Johnny Depp, addressed to two Gypsy children, Alex and Christopher, supporting the cause of the Roma.
Buy the CD, Gypsy Caravan.
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.
