Search - Besh O Drom :: Macho Embroidery

Superb Balkan Musical Feast!

Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 12/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bring out the ouzo, let's have a gyros sandwich & a tasty baklava dessert!!! Let's improvise some taksims & dance to the Turkish & Greek music. Besh o Drom, although a Hungarian band, puts you in just this kind of mood ... they play Balkan Brass Band music, Turkish, Greek, & Romani music just like (dare I say "better than"?) the natives (there may be a few gypsies in the band, it is hard to tell, in the photos, most of them look Caucasian to me). The intensity of the music, and oblivious joy and passion of the musicians and vocalist are just begging to be heard.If you haven't heard this CD: YOU ARE MISSING SOMETHING BIGTIME! Agnes Szalnoki, the female vocalist, has a pure, clear, fresh & flawless vocal style, which contrasts beautifully with the translated lyrics of the Turkish & Greek songs. Her voice is an amazing counterpoint to the sometimes sad, sometimes hopeful, sometimes wishful, occasionally, whistful Balkan melodies & lyrics. THIS BAND HAS FOUND "IT": the very definition of what pleases those of us who have a passion for Balkan style. The band uses instruments such as, the ney, kaval, darbuk, hammered dulcimer, tapan, along with modern instruments: alto sax, guitar, bass, & trumpet to the best effect. The improvisations and embellishments are RIGHT ON!!! It is obvious they LOVE WHAT THEY DO ... I can only ask: "Where is the next album?" The fertile soil of Eastern Europe is producing some of the most exciting music in Europe & I dare say, the world. Taste the music,experience the pleasure. I guarantee, you will ask for seconds!!! Erika Borsos (erikab93)"