It seems that the Planet Company woke up one day and realised that they had distributed some of the most amazing Balkan music currently available in this country. If you had not noticed Balkan music has come of age. All you need to do is listen to Romania’s 11 piece gypsy brass band Fanfare Ciorcarlia, who’s tuba action is so deep and low they could potentially shatter your bowels, yet they play light as a feather at breakneck speed and are truly something to behold. They have two tracks on this compilation, though the first Duj Duj from their Album Queens and Kings, has all of the above plus some of the most remarkable vocals which defy gravity, seemingly drawing on Indian improvisational traditions. Kal are the youth, rebellious urban gypsies from Serbia, with attitude to burn and rock and roll approach to the traditions, while Brooklyn based Slavic Soul Party approach the music with a more relaxed and as their name suggests party or pop attitude. One of the legends of Serbian music is Boban Markovic, considered the greatest trumpeter’s the Balkans has ever seen. His recent albums have all included his precocious son Marco who has now taken over as main soloist and arranger, as a result the music has a unique contemporary feel and the three tracks here represent the changing of the guard and the depth of possibility that Balkan gypsy music offers. The music on this compilation is by turns mournful, hysterical, aggressive and life affirming, the variety of approaches and in particularly the remarkable musicianship is absolutely compelling.
Bob Baker Fish
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