Search - Taraf de Haidouks :: Dumbala Dumba

Those wanting to dig deeper into Gypsy lore will find in this acclaimed outfit something far removed from the image of flamenco and the Gypsy Kings. Taraf de Haidouks all come from the Rom Gypsy village of Clejani in Romania, but they have played all over Europe to enthusiastic and discerning audiences. Theirs is a rollicking, frayed at the edges, and sometimes raucous melange of Romanian, Turkish, and Medieval roots, played on battered violins, accordian, cymbalom, clarinet, and double bass. The untrained virtuosity is astounding and remarkable in careening, klezmer-like dance numbers as well as their sultry, impassioned love songs and ancient ballads. Joined by ursari from the neighboring village of Mirsa, this is ground-level music from a resilient, outcaste people living the toughest existence imaginable, reflected in the beautifully photographed faces and places contained in the excellent sleevenotes. --Derek Rath