Mahala Rai Banda

Mahala Rai Banda | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 10, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Crammed Discs
• ASIN: B000ASATS0
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,489 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Mahalageasca

2. Red Bula

3. L' Homme Qui Boit (The Man Who Drinks)

4. Spoitoresa

5. Moreceau d'Amour

6. Romni Latci

7. Kibori

8. Gaida

9. Iest Sexy

10. Tabulhaneaua

11. Colindat

12. Romano Dance

13. Bonus Material [CD-ROM Track][*]

Editorial Reviews

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 Haïdouks (violonist/arranger Aurel Ionita and Taraf musical director Stéphane Karo), the Mahala Raï Banda 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb!, March 15, 2005

By 

Ancient Fuzz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mahala Rai Banda (Bel) (Audio CD)

Mahala Rai Banda are truly a feast for the ears. A band made up of former Romanian military members and some other folk, they were discovered playing in a restaurant! -- Which is how it should be. This is fantastic, churning social music. The brass band pieces are fast, as you would expect of gypsy brass band ensembles; but ay! the songs! -- Produced by a euro-electric whiz named Shantel, the beats are sometimes augmented but never overwhelm the band, because you don't have to, they are that damned good. Truly a CD to keep the red wine flowing by!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars some more great Electric Gypsy Music, January 11, 2006

By 

Adam Harrison "adsee" (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mahala Rai Banda (Audio CD)

I Cant not beleive I am the first to review this. Anyway If you liked electric Gypsyland and Boconiva club then you are assured of also liking this. The Cd also has a great video inlcuded of a traditional wedding wioth this band playing. enjoy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great happy music !, December 29, 2006

By 

Maryse Forest (Montreal, QC, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mahala Rai Banda (Audio CD)

I am a fan of Romanian traditional (folk) music and I discovered this band listening to a bunch of CDs in a store : their music stood out ! Great rythms, great brass musicians, outstanding spirited sound. Can't help but hum along and tap my feet as I listen to this CD in my car and wish I was at a wedding in Clejani.