Gypsy Tango

With this disc, Earth Wheel Sky Band mix the music of the two regions of Serbia. That of the North has more of the feel of Hungary, and the South has jerkier rhythms and more blaring brass. However, it's not the extrovert stylings many have come to expect from Balkan music. At times it can be quite introspective. Even the title cut that opens the album is an anomaly, mixing the unlikely pair of Gypsy music and the tango, although it works beautifully in a slightly careworn way. In fact, there is plenty that falls outside of expectations here, like "Free 7/8," which is all the craziness the title implies, "Gospel," where the fuse burns slow and even, or the lengthy "Crayngtime," where the piano of Burai Tibor offers jazz chords under a madly buzzing violin. Throughout, the playing is very focused and incisive, and when they do veer into ecstatic overdrive, as on "Scheherezeda," it's purposeful and jubilant. Even on the short, soft closer there's a sense of intensity to the music that's been the band's hallmark throughout their career. This marks a very worthwhile addition to their canon. ~ Chris Nickson|