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CD Review
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Sing Out!, CD Review >>
During a recent interview with Kal founder Dragan Ristic, the outspoken front man lashed out against the term "gypsy," pointing toward its inherent bias to Rom culture. He referred to various organizations and committees dedicated to perserving and --as his band is doing--evolving the flexible nature of Roma people. Snippets of bhangra, tango, blues, flamenco, Arabian rhythms and hip-hop mingle inside Kal's dozen tracks. Showing the adaptability of Romani culture is not only a musical realization for this crew, but a social mission. Just as the Rom traveled from India and re-rooted themselves in numerous lands, picking up and transforming various folk musics along the way, the Serbian Ristic uses jet planes to transport his style to the planet. Light use of electronics, guitar and fiddle virtuosity fuel this animated fire. The opening "Duj Duj" is prime for dance floors, featuring blaring, shiny guitars, Turkish percussion and crucial horn lines reminiscent of Balkan brass. "Dvojka" continues an upbeat escalade with a drum 'n bass backdrop laden with stellar violin strains. But Ristic does not keep it hyped: "Lili" and "Djelem., Djelem" represent the restive states of Romani song. The marching band sound on "Boro Boro" adds alarge feel to the record; the epic clarinet and female vocals add in intense charm. The finger-picking, violin/accordion play on "Mozzarella"--complete with the necessary good-time whistlig--brings the record back to the Hungarian tanchaz vibe. Ristic goes to tremendous lengths to include all his influences on Kal. No matter which direction you turn, he's there with a bottle of vodka and a smile, waiting for you to join the dance. 08/01/06
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