Search - Sebo Ensemble :: Sebo Ensemble: Hungarian Folk Music

Traditional and pioneering

dandelion13 | CA | 04/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Sebo Ensemble first became known in the 1970s in Hungary where they inspired the revival of the tanchaz (dancehouse) movement showing that Hungarian folk music can be exciting and beautiful in modern times as well. They play on traditional and almost forgotten instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, the jewsharp, the the lyre, and the zither, (some of which were last popular in the middle ages:). The first half of the album is made up of folk songs - some are quite lively and dance-able; the second half is music composed by the band and set to poems, but is equally good material. Whether you're a fan of Eastern European or World Music, or you're just looking for something to bob your head to, this is a great album."

Fantastic, wild, gorgeous

Waxwing Slayne | 06/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought I was immune to a certain type of Eastern European folk music, but Sebo knocked me out. They sound like the music of some fantasy culture that's part gypsy, part Appalacian, part Arabian, with a bit of show tune mixed in. Really entertaining and exotic, wild and punchy. Every cut is different. And when they're joyous, they're really joyous. (And how many jew's harp viruosi are out there?)"

Joyous and unusual

mcribbit | Washington, USA | 11/19/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This gifted group creates a joyous sound that will make you smile and your toes tap throughout the widely varied cuts on this disc. If you truly like international music and unusual and exciting rhythms, this group is sure to please."