Customer Reviews

Tchorba

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Their name comes from a French translation of "Ochi Chornya" (in English, that's "black eyes"), an old Russian Gypsy tune that was a big international hit at one time for the seminal outfit jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Classically trained violinists, Les Yeux Noirs fell in love with Yiddish folk traditions and set about to recreate Roma (gypsy) tunes. The album title literally translates to soup (a Turkish soup whose recipe boasts a wide range of wholesome ingredients-another comparison to the band) and could be a parable for their touring which has seen the septet play reggae, jazz, and classical festivals as well as venues really off the beaten path like churches, cellars, and even California biker clubs. The music is Gypsy in orientation but features classical influences from Eastern European, Jewish, and rock music with David Bowie and Supertramp cited as musical icons by the Slabiak brothers Eric and Olivier. Crafty and a breathtaking listen that's upbeat despite the long history of abuse and persecution that is intertwined in Gypsy culture.

What a joy to hear something new and not just same old, same old. The variety and technical brilliance of this group is amazing and yet it all comes off as just natural. Tney bring out the gypsy in me. A refreshing change to hear something international. I hope they will have some influence on American music.