CD Review: Forty Thieves Orkestar's 'Last Band Standing'

Forty Thieves Orkestar

Last Band Standing

Enja Records

The sounds of Eastern Europe are alive and well in the repertoire of the U.K.-based Forty Thieves Orkestar. In fact, Gypsy, Balkan brass, Klezmer, and a bit of street-beat music infiltrate the songs on Last Band Standing. The traditional instrumentation and modern beats provide an infectious and danceable sound throughout. The accordion, oud, violin, trumpet, tuba, cymbalom, clarinet, melodica, and electronic effects provide most of the musical accompaniment. The instrumental "Giza Stomp" is a classic tune of a definite Klezmer influence, as well as "Thaj Lel Europa" and "Belboeli," or the slightly jazz-focused "Uskudar". Whatever the influence or style, the Forty Thieves Orkestar is a transcontinental journey with enough melodies and rhythms to keep one dancing long into the morning hours. A total of ten tracks at just over forty-minutes provides a relatively short introduction to the music, but it is diverse and varied enough to keep one's attention long after the music stops. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ireland's Lazik

Lazik

Far Fetched

Self-Release

The Ireland-based group, Lazik, is a production of traditional music tunes from Ireland, Scandinavia, Balkan, and Gypsy areas of Europe. The album opens with a lively Bulgarian tune, "Gankino Horo." Vocalist Tatiana Sabinska lends her voice to another Bulgarian tune, "Katerino Mome." A number of other instrumental tunes from Sweden, Norway, Romania, Greece, and France round out the album. "Waves of Rush" is a striking fiddle tune from Romania. The Yiddish-tinged "Di Zaposhkelekh" is a vocal and instrumental love-song inspired by a door handle. The giddy "Opa Cupa" is a Hungarian or Balkan tune with vocals. The mostly instrumental nature of the songs provides a fun and inventive opportunity to dance with a partner or go solo. The group's primary repertoire comes from the Irish guitar skills of Barry O'Donovan; the French flute maestro and vocalist, Christelle Moisan; Stella Rodrigues' Dutch violin playing, and Dylan Gully as the founder of Lazik and Txutxukan. Far Fetched is an album with all of the instrumental and vocal fixings one can relish. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hungarian Folk Singer

Beata Palya
Adieu Les Complexes
Sony BMG

Hungary's Beata Palya brings us gorgeous vocal songs from the land of the Gypsies. Of course, the familiar cymbalom, sax, violin, flute, and piano are present, but there is a unique blend of folk and jazz music on this recording. Her vocals soar into new territory - spanning the Balkans, Mediterranean, Silk Road, and Scandinavia. She sings in Hungarian and English. However, song lyrics are provided in English, French, and Hungarian in the liner notes. Each song reveals something new and exciting. In other words, there isn't one dull moment on Adieu Les Complexes. The seemingly plaintive intros evoke an entrancing mixture of despair, optimism, and reflection. However, do not 'fret', because Beata Palya will fill your heart with joy. If you like soft jazz, Transylvania music, and Scandinavian-like instrumental and vocal arrangements, then Beata is for you! ~ Matthew Forss