CD Review: Oana Catalina Chitu's 'Divine: Romanian Songs From The Repertoire of Maria Tanase (1913-1963)'

Oana Catalina Chitu
Divine: Romanian Songs From The Repertoire Of Maria Tanase (1913-1963)
Asphalt Tango Records

One of Romania's greatest chanson singers, Maria Tanase, created music in every venue imaginable--from clubs, restaurants, theatres, suburbs, and beyond--showcasing her inner and outer talent with memorable folk songs. The musical repertoire featured cymbalom, guitar, violin, sax, accordion, drums, and double bass that are carried on by today's singer, Oana Catalina Chitu. A native Romanian herself, Oana sings the music of Maria with such memorable and iconic abilities that transcend time and world regions. There are a dozen songs on the new album that convey a true Balkan presence with heady rhythms, folk tunes, dances, waltzes, and vocal earthiness so inherent in Maria's original music. Anyone familiar with female vocal music that is folksy and nostalgic should check out Oana's latest work. Fans of Maria Tanase will love the diverse musical incarnations that do her original music justice. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Romania's Sanda Weigl

Sanda Weigl

Gypsy In A Tree

Barbes Records

The New York-based, Romanian-native, Sanda Weigl, is an innovative avant-garde jazz and gypsy music singer. Her Romanian roots shine through on every track. The music incorporates gypsy music, songs of elegy, dance songs, and songs about love and drinking. Gypsy In A Tree is so-named for the historical reference to wedding singers having to entertain guests out of sight and in a tree. The opening "Intr-O Zi La Poarta Mea" is a catchy, Romanian tune. The slower and more refined "As Ofta Sa-Mi Iasa Focul" is more aligned with jazz than gypsy. Sanda's vocals are joined by piano, accordion, farfisa organ, bass, guitar, percussion, clarinet, and tuba. The album contains diverse melodies and moods that would satisfy even the most discriminating listener. The gorgeous vocals and engaging lyrics make for an impressive release. Any fans of gypsy, Romanian, Balkan, avant-garde, jazz, or South American folk will look to the trees to find Gypsy In A Tree today! ~ Matthew Forss