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Romania

Ever since the release of their first album in 1991 and their appearance in Tony Gatlif's influential Latcho Drom film, Taraf de Haidouks have been considered as the epitome of Gypsy musics fabulous vitality. The group of twelve Gypsy lautari (traditional musicians), originating from a small Romanian village, introduce listeners to a musical world which includes medieval ballads, Turkish-flavoured dance tunes from the Balkans, and characteristic vocal inflections. Now one of the world's leading Balkan Gypsy band returns with their first studio recording since 2001 acclaimed Band Of Gypsies (Crammed).

In the early 20th century, many composers drew their inspiration from national folklore, often borrowing from Roma musicians to create their own vision of an exotic and largely imaginary Orient. Things have now been turned around, as Taraf de Haidouks have taken hold of classical pieces by Bartók, Khachaturian, Albeniz & more, and have 're-gypsyfied' them, giving them an exhilarating make-over. It's no neat, well-ordered symphonic interpretation but, rather, a new kind of folklore returning with a vengeance.  Of course their new CD Maskarada (Crammed 2007) also leads back to the type of repertoire for which the Taraf de Haïdouks are known and loved. The mood gradually heats up and the album closes on a wild finale just like every single live concert.

CD: Maskarada // Crammed  Indigo // 2007

 

Their wild energy is the essence of gypsy music [..] their set seemed like the bubbling source of 20th century rhythm ... they spun out cadences that recalled bebop, salsa, and the polyrhythms of Zimbabwe and Nigeria. [The New York Times]

Maskarada is a wild, tempestuous, musical ride that will leave you breathless by the end; pretty much normal for Taraf De Haidouks. [BC Music]

 

LINE-UP:

Vlad & Manole: accordion

Tanase: cimbalom

Gheorghe & Georghe: violin

Lautaru: violin + vocals

Vlad: double bass

Iorga & Giuclea: vocals

Manole: vocals + accordion

Falcaru: flute

Giniaux [guest]: guitar + cello

Simeonov [guest]: clarinet