RE: gypsy caravan 2

[Reyzl Kalifowicz-Waletzky <yiddish...>]

I highly recommend Roby Lakatos - superb Rom fiddler.


Reyzl 


----------
From:  Drummamaro (at) cs(dot)com [SMTP:Drummamaro (at) cs(dot)com]
Sent:  Saturday, November 10, 2001 6:42 PM
To:  ibarmash (at) alumni(dot)princeton(dot)edu
Subject:  Re: gypsy caravan 2

Inna et al,

My husband and I saw the Gypsy Caravan 2 concert in Toronto at Massey Hall, 
October 17. I agree, it was a great show. I've been an avid collector of Rom 
music (particularly Balkan) and I knew that I would hear the real thing, not 
the dreck that is played for the tourists. Maharaja was stunning, especially 
the dancers (according to the New York Times review, one of the dancers was 
male). Though there was a strong shtick element in the Esma set, she still 
exuded that power and charisma. I'm glad she's finally getting the 
recognition here in North America that's long overdue. However, my favorite 
was definitely Fanfare Ciocarlia. I love Rom brass bands and they were a 
group to experience. They were tight, energetic, and no "pop" sound to their 
music. Please forgive me, but why are Canadian audiences so formal? During 
the Fanfare set I wanted to get up and dance so badly that it hurt! I ticked 
off the woman who sat next to me because I danced in my seat. Antonio El Pipa 
and Company was very intense. I liked the guitar player and Antonio's moves. 
It was difficult to get use to Juanita's vocals. If you have ever seen Latcho 
Drom, or heard the soundtrack, a woman is singing in that very raw, coarse, 
voice you described. It could be a characteristic in women's flamenco 
singing, I don't know. Maybe someone can clue us about that.

Anyway, I did get my wish. After the show we left the theater, turned the 
corner, and Fanfare Ciocarlia, accompanied by Zahir, the trumpet player from 
Esma's band, gave a terrific street concert. I was so elated, and there's 
nothing like dancing in front of brass people blowing their horns in your 
face! As the roadies loaded up the bus, I wanted to hop on and join the 
caravan. It was a wonderful night.

An aside: In 1998 we attended Balkan Camp, where Esma and her back-up band 
performed and gave workshops. The "boys" co-ran the Rom/Brass Ensemble. All 
of us had a very difficult time keeping up with the rapid pace and complexity 
of the music. Overall, a very exhausting experience. KlezKamp and KlezKanada 
were sedate by comparison.

Take care,

Roberta


---------------------- jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org ---------------------+