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! ***** |
