Album Description
Shaped in the Gypsy Ghettos (Mahala) around Bucharest, Mahala Rai Banda (Literally Noble Band from the Ghetto), Combines a Surprising Array of Trends and Styles. However, Once You Delve Down Into the History of the Place, Surprise Gives Way to Fascination as all the Pieces Slowly Fit Together. The Mahala Gravitates around Two Poles, a Family Core Close to that of Taraf De Haidouks, and Retired Soldiers Originally from Moldavia. The First Are the Sons of the Generation that Left the Little Village of Clejane to Settle Down in the Ghettos on the Outskirts of Bucharest, Grandsons of the Late Neacsu. The Are Between 20 and 25 Years Old who have Grown Up Playing Music and Having Avoided the Pitfalls of Drugs and Gangs, Make a Living by Playing at Romanians' Weddings. Living on the Outskirts of a City They have Been Doused in Modern Culture which Gives their Otherwise Traditional Repertoire a Pop Twist.
Album Description
This sensational new band from the Gypsy ghetto of Bucharest combines a staple Romanian diet of violins & accordions with a horn section consisting of army brass band veterans, powered by a funky rhythm section. Formed by two people closely related to the Taraf de Haouks (violonist/arranger Aurel Ionita and Taraf musical director Sthane Karo), the Mahala RaBanda have recorded this debut album in Romania, and mixed it in collaboration with electrogypsy whiz Shantel. Their music evokes so many traditions familiar to American immigrants - a reference to New Orleans music is as palpable as the Eastern European traditions obvious to the group. Latin American immigrants can also relate to the rhythmic, festive feel.