Swedish world music ensemble Krilja has released a remastered and remixed edition of its self-titled album Krilja (Liljans antikvariat, January 2022)
Krilja plays passionate Romani (Gypsy) folk music from Russia and Eastern Europe with its own arrangements. Although firmly rooted in the Romani music tradition, Krilja also incorporates flamenco and jazz.
The music performed by Krilja is of uncertain date but often from the 19th century and afterwards, and shifts between lyrical melancholy and fiery intensity. The lyrics of the songs are in Romani (also known as Romanes) and Russian, and tell of sorrow, pain, poverty and suffering, along with love and passion. The trio intertwines engaging vocals with fiddle virtuosity and elegant guitar.
”Krilja” means ”wings” in Romani as well as Russian.
Watch a concert by Krilja:
Band members include Marita Johansson on vocals; Jonas Liljeström on fiddle, ghatam and backing vocals; and Emil Pernblad on guitar and backing vocals.
The CD booklet provides a fascinating and detailed historical overview of the travels of the Roma from northern India to Europe.
Buy Krilja
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.