Search - Roberto Rodriguez :: Baila! Gitano Baila!

Brilliant followup to El Canzon de Moises

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 07/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though it lacks the all-star line-up of his pretty spectacular first outing, El Danzon De Moises, NY Downtown percussionist Rodriguez seems more easily at home on this disc with this hybrid music--Jewish/Cuban. Sticking with a single group of musicians throughout (leader Rodriguiz, percussion; Matt Darriau, clarinet, Bulgarian kaval, tin whistles, and Chinese trumpet; Curtis Hasselbring, trombone; Ted Reichman, accordion, Hammond B3, and Leslie organs; Meg Okura, violin; Sam Bardfeld, violin; Mary Wooten, cello; Brad Jones, bajo sexto, and Roberto Luis Rodriguez, trumpet, valve trombone, and bombard), he achieves a more consistently rendered soundscape, one combining the best of both worlds: the joyous, jazzy dance vibe of Afro-Cuban and the mournful melancholy of Jewish sensibilities.Which proves to be a very potent brew--kinda the best of both worlds, each remaining true to its cultural insights but resonating marvelously with its opposite. Thus, you get a huge range of feeling not only throughout the entire disc, but usually on each number. The typical result is a mysterious sensibility partaking of each element but magically transcending both.Certainly worth checking out by anyone at all interested in either of these marvelous world musics."

Jewban Jazz Extraordinary

Jason A. Nunnelley | Cullman, AL USA | 04/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music is intoxicating, like some soundtrack to an indie film, cult classic. You've got to check this out. If you like Jazz, Latin, Jewish, Eastern European, Gypsy, -- any of the above, you're going to find this music intriguing.



Sharing it with family:

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My younger brother likes Coletrane, Monk, Classical, etc. and thought this stuff was fascinating. My poor dad - country, 60s rock fan - just sat staring at me wondering aloud "What is this?" Exactly! People with all sorts of taste will want this in their music collection. It's eclectic and sensuous, the kind of music you're going to play at parties and want to share with friends and family. If you like to dance, don't miss this treat."