Gypsy Caravan

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 13, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Putumayo World Music
• ASIN: B000056KXN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,722 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #8 in Music > World Music > Europe > Eastern Europe > Ukraine
  • #20 in Music > World Music > Europe > Eastern Europe > Hungary
  • #92 in Music > World Music > Europe > Eastern Europe > Gypsy

Track Listings

1. Diri, Diri, So Kerdjan?

2. Mori Shej, Sanina

3. Pena

4. Gipsy Song

5. Les Yeuz Noirs

6. L' Amour S'Envole

7. Al Likindoy

8. Korkore Zav Ande Kalyi Ratyi

9. Kutka Avel E Sej Bari

10. Codru

11. Sza Tele Tsav

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Call this the melodic side of the Romany diaspora, an easier companion than the Rough Guide: Music of the Gypsies, which covered not only Central Europe but also the Indian roots and even British tradition of the "traveling people," as they're known. Gypsy Caravan concentrates its energy on the song element, which can range from the klezmer style of Romanyi Rota to the more folkish quality of Ando Drom. The influence of the Rom on Spanish music is explored in the flamenco of both Thierry Robin and Miguel Angel Cortés, connecting the dots between cultures and emphasizing the influence of the this oft-persecuted people. Frequently life-affirming in its joy, but also capable of aching, lamenting sorrow, Gypsy Caravan shines a warm light on one facet of an ancient and complex culture, making for a strong introduction to some intoxicating music. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant but lacks bite, the Manteca compilation is better, July 25, 2003

By 

Savka (Vancouver, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gypsy Caravan (Audio CD)

Putumayo's compilation of gypsy music follows their usual vein of output: palatable introduction for neophytes, but not always the most inspiring or brilliant material. Nevertheless there are some gems on this CD that truly have the gypsy fire (Diri Diri So Kerdjan, Pena) but others are rather maudlin. I've travelled extensively through Eastern Europe and seen the gypsies in their natural habitat (brass bands in the Balkans, Budapest violin ensembles, Romanian tarafs) and I can assure you they sound spunkier and more soulful than some of these artists (who are a bit too polished). So buy the CD and get acquainted with the music, but remember this is a rather glossy take on the Rom culture. A much better compilation is Manteca's "From an early age: the incredible music of the gypsies" featuring giants such as Vera Bila, Esma Redzepova, Taraf de Haidouks, Muzsikas, Roomal, Fanfare Ciocarlia and a host of other luminaries. Also highly recommended is Saban Bajramovic's new album "Gypsy Legend" which is truly brilliant (he contributes probably the best track on this compilation, Pena).

Think of this compilation as the junior high school of gypsy music: important and providing the necessary foundations for further study, but by no means the apex of achievement.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars dance like no one is watching, September 4, 2003

By 

C. Huzinec "Sabu21" (Spring, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gypsy Caravan (Audio CD)

I don't often dance to music, preferring it to stay in the background as a pleasant voice as I get on with my daily chores or engage in my other hobbies. But with this CD I found myself dancing, swaying, and shaking as I worked in the garage or cooked in the kitchen, I even put a speaker in the backyard so I could dance as I picked veggies from the garden. This music filled me with joy and accented and at times overwhelmed my other hobbies. While the CD did lack a selection from the Romany indian roots, it did provide a wide range of Romany styles from the Hungarian to French to Spanish to the obscure Russo/Slavic Romany. I was also intrigued by this CD by its modern sound as tradtional Romany melodies were merged with progressive airs to show that this music is alive and growing and not a just an anthropological genre of folk songs. So if you want a sample of the roots of Gypsy Music and discover where it has been, Latcho Drom , or other fine CDs can help you, but if you want to Dance to the rythmns of where it is going then this CD is for you.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good sampler., February 1, 2004

By 

E. Laway "Lady E" (Temecula, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gypsy Caravan (Audio CD)

The music in this compilation is as varied and the musicians as spread out as the gypsies themselves. The four tracks from the Hungarian groups stands out the most because they have a haunting sadness to them interceded with hallow drums and passionate guitars. Track 5 from France is playful while Coco Brival's "Le Yeux Noirs" reminds one of the style the Gypsy Kings have made familiar throuthout the world. For me the song that stays with me the most is "Codru." It is full of sorrow in a romantic sort of way. It is the way I typically romanticize the lives of Gypsies,that's why it is my favorite. Over all, this is a good compilation for people trying to investigate the flavor of European gypsy music. All the songs are wonderful to listen to. Some reviewers are already recommending other compilations and musicians to try. This is the great thing about Putumayo World Music, it serves as a window into other worlds that we can visit thru beautiful music.