My
policy is to review recordings where the accordion is the main
solo instrument or where the accordion is the predominant instrument.
But, for today's review, I decided
to make a slight exception (as this is not a predominantly accordion
recording), because I believe this recording does more for the
accordion by promoting it in such a positive light, than is done
by some purely accordion CD's. Some of these CD's are of such
poor quality, they can put people off the accordion, in this world
where accordion still needs some recognition.
"Klezperanto" is a six piece band
which includes the accordion and where the presence of the accordion
is quite substantial although not leading. I would like to quote
them about the style they play as they perfectly explain it:
"Klezmer is, at its root, dance
music from the Eastern European Jewish wedding tradition. The
tradition took shape at cultural crossroads where it was influenced
by Romanian, Greek, Turkish, Polish, Moldavian, Ukrainian and
Gypsy music, each style of which was blended with the sounds of
Jewish cantorial music from synagogue. When these klezmer musicians
emigrated to America, their repertoire expanded to include Dixieland
jazz and swing music. Later still, some Yiddish tunes were arranged
with a Latin beat, enabling these players to get in on the newest
dance craze.
Klezperanto's music, however,
is a natural outgrowth of the Klezmer tradition, an ever-evolving
form of lively, accessible dance music. Yiddish and Mediterranean
melodies are set in original arrangements that dip into zydeco,
rockabilly, New Orleans second-line, cumbia, and Balkan brass
band surf music. Their repertoire includes a few tunes that are
standards in these and other genres, all with the Klezperanto
touch. The unifying idea is that of an irresistible dance groove."
Firstly, I have to say that all
of the musicians of the band individually, are OUTSTANDING musicians.
You can't help but admire the way they play. The lady clarinetist
is an absolutely "hot player" - such tone, such a sensitivity…
The trombonist in his turn is very present, technically and tonally
superb. So is the mandolin/guitar/banjo player. An accordion adds
up nicely to the picture with its warm tone, often presenting
the main melody along with the clarinet, often in the rhythmical
background.
I really believe that the accordion
being associated with such a quality band and its superb musicians
does a lot to enhance the accordions image.
As this CD contains melodies and
rhythms from Balkan, their music is also very appealing to me
personally - that is what I've grown up with. The band successfully
executes its goal: "the unifying idea of an irresistible dance
groove." Their music is a temperamental, irresistibly danceable,
and full of colorful rhythms, melodies, played superiorly.
LOVE WHAT THEY ARE DOING! *****
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