Gypsy Fire
Recorded in New York but featuring musicians of Middle Eastern and European origins well versed in Gypsy music, this is a lively get-together of great musicians and great music. Mostly acoustic in nature and featuringud,zurna,ney,kanun, saxophone, violin, guitar, bass, and percussion, these 12 tracks romp through 10 tunes, many with vocals, that lovingly alloy the base metals of several Gypsy cultures. With headliners like Richard A. Hagopian and the acclaimed Omar Faruk Tekbilek, the standard and integrity is high, andGypsy Fireshould appeal to all those who like their Gypsy music unadulterated by crossover aspirations or modern electronics. This folksy approach does not affect the rollicking energy at all, however, and several of these cuts will be more than enough to clear the tables out of the way. Gypsy music is alive and well in New York after all.--Derek Rath