CD Review: Les Yeux Noirs Releases 'Tiganeasca'

Les Yeux Noirs

Tiganeasca

Zig Zag Territories

The prevalence of Gypsy music throughout Europe and other regions has caught the attention of world music listeners everywhere. Les Yeux Noirs, or "Black Eyes," release their latest album, Tiganeasca, of Romanian, Gypsy, Yiddish, and Klezmer musings. The album title is Romanian for 'Gypsy.' The fast guitars, percussion, strings, and vocals stir up a flurry of activity into a musical melee well-balanced and executed. The sometimes jazzy or folk-riddled instrumental repertoire is not for the faint of heart. In fact, the musical energy of 'Sirba Dili' is so envigorating it seems to jump off the CD and right into your soul. Fans of folk, Russian, European, Gypsy, Klezmer, Yiddish, or instrumental music will find Tiganeasca most appealing. Get your Gypsy on with Les Yeux Noirs! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hungary's Tarkany Muvek

Tarkany Muvek

Arcomba Az Arcod Vested (You Etched Your Face In Mine)

Phantom

Tarkany Muvek is a fascinating music group from Hungary. The Gypsy influence is prevalent with the presence of the cymbalom, flute, sax, strings, and vocals. The energetic "Csipd" opens the album with a giddy, Gypsy rhythm with a playful cymbalom. Vocalist Paar Julianna reflects some of the poetic delivery and sound of the numerous contemporary Scandinavian singers today. The jazzy "Semmi Sem Hasanlit Hozzad" permeates the ears with a Gypsy-tinged sax medley with softer cymbalom tones. The piano-like sounds of the cymbalom are characteristic of Eastern Europe, Gypsy culture, and mainstays in traditional orchestras. The pleasant sounds of "Oszi Vazlat," along and Paar's vocals, make the song a perfect introduction into the next song, "Ugy Szeretlek". This song, along with "Csiririp," contains a spritely rhythm indicative of America's Roaring 20's era. Although, both songs are distinctly Hungarian, they still resemble the nostalgic era. Tarkany Muvek are perfect for fans of European/Scandinavian folk, Gypsy, Balkan, and even Klezmer music. ~ Matthew Forss