Customer Reviews

Kurbeti: Music of Albania's Gypsies

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What a find! A Greek production of Albanian Rom musicians -- male vocals, clarinet, keyboard, jazz-influenced electric guitar, hand and trap drums, bass. Stunning melodies, great singing and excellent production values. If you're into modern Rom music from Greece or the Balkans, add this to your collection immediately.

The music's a wonderful blend of Albanian, Greek and Rom influences, with creatively updated chord progressions that might raise a few hardcore purists' eyebrows. Selections include moderate-tempo ballads and some hot shota dance instrumentals. The clarinetist's liquid style reminds me of an earthier Vassilis Saleas; the guitarist is a cut above any other Balkan Rom electric guitar player I've heard. If you're after Albanian village music, look elsewhere -- this is a thoroughly urban sound.

Don't be put off by the New Age-y song titles. Good package design and liner notes otherwise, but no lyrics or translations, alas.

Overall, I'd rate this band higher than Rromano Dives, and that's saying something. Highly recommended.

I discovered Kurbeti on accident when looking for new music. I love Romani music so I decided to download at random Eli Eli and couldn't believe my ears so I downloaded more. Every single song I've downloaded from this group is fantastic and very danceable. This is not so much folksy gypsy music, a lot of it is urban. Allegro, Love Birds, Antoneta all upbeat and great for dance. There are a few songs which are very slow, soulful... Kurbeti + Please Don't Go.

HOT! Highly recommended.

The whole CD is like being in a club in the Plaka in Athens! Many songs are in Greek & others in Albanian, or Roma (gypsy) - making the vocals sound more sensual and exotic. This CD lacks nothing: unbeatable, appealing, Balkan melodies and vocals. The liner notes explain "Kurbeti" means "abroad" which might mean sadness, if the songs are melancholy, it is hard to tell: they are balanced by great music and vocals, uplifting and ever hopeful. Occasionally, the musicians will do improvisations on the clarinet or some stringed instrument, i.e., bouzouki, saz or oud. If you love Balkan music and are looking for something new and exciting: this one's for you!!! Erika Borsos (erikab93)