Customer Reviews

Mahala Rai Banda

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

This is really wonderful music, wildly energetic and "substantial" at the same time, if that makes any sense. The only gripe I have is that they sometimes will pick up some cheesy western influences - but those parts are so brief you can forgive them...

You know... I like balkan bands in general, so I figured this would be alright at best. Oh my was I surprised. These folks are dog gone good!

Most gypsy musicians come from a musical family and are simply handed an instrument as some point by someone. Ok. That, but the Soviets added actual formal training. regimental probably, but dang! These folks can play. This is easily one of my new favorite CDs... right out the gates, and I've only listened to it twice all the way through so far.

I would like to find or for them to record more albums. This is great!