ION PETRE STOICAN

Sounds from a Bygone Age, Vol. 1

Asphalt Tango

Talk about flea market bargains: Asphalt Tango director Henry Ernst randomly purchased a tape while traveling through Romania in 1986.  The album happened to be by little known violinist Ion Petre Stoican, and became a sonic companion for the rest of Ernst’s East European journeying.  When diving further into the story, the found out this particular recording the first release in Ernst’s Songs from a Bygone Age series- was the result of espionage and tattletale. Stoican, it turns out turned in a spy in 1965 and was offered a reward of anything he wanted.  It took some time, but eventually Stoican’s request was granted: to record premier Lautari musicians of Bucharest scene.  The gypsies assembled and for one auspicious day the amateur violinist conducted a fine caravan of local musicians.  Ernst’s unearthing of these 15 songs was a smart choice, both in terms of the international music market- Gypsy sounds are hot right now, given the legions of low end tinkering by Shantel and his Bucovina wizardry and simply because it’s a great album worthy of modern ears.  The exploration of violins, double bass, accordion, clarinets and trumpets, capped by Stoican’s grovel, melancholic vocals, make this a fine example of traditional Romanian folk.  The record is in no way exceptional; the sound quality is decent and playing efficient.  Yet there is an underlying passion apparent in master cimbalom player Toni Iordache ( Stoican’s top performer), and occasional brilliance in violin and clarinet. Stoican’s fateful day serves as a wonderful testament to a passion for local music mixed with ironic convert operations. 

DB