Inspiration
We get most of our inspiration by going to concerts and by raiding the music library.
These are some styles we are particularly fond of.............
Yugoslavian brass bands
In and around the ex -Yugoslavian countries there are brass bands, originally inspired by western marching bands, only these play with a fire and virtuosity that makes it impossible not to dance. This musical style can also be heard in the films "Time of the Gypsies" and "Underground". Two of the bands we like are "Fanfare Ciocarlia" made up of Rumanian Gypsies and the "Kocani Orkestar" from Macedonia. (Photo Raymond van Houten)
Sephardic music
Up until the end of the 15th century Jews, Muslims, and Christians co-existed in harmony in Spain, and the arts were flourishing. The Jews there were called Sephardim and their music and culture called Sephardic. The songs were sung in Ladino, the Spanish version of Yiddish, also called Judeo-Espagnol. From that era we have inherited many beautiful songs. Two of our favorite singers in this style are Judy Frankel from the U.S., and from the Netherlands, Shura Lipovski.
Turkish Music
Turkey also has a very rich and varied musical history. Seated at the crossroads of many cultures, traditional Turkish music can have, amongst others, Arab, Greek, Persian, gypsy and Balkan influences. One of our favourite Turkish gypsy bands is the "Istambul Oriental Ensemble".
Klezmer
Klezmer (yiddish for “musician”) is the music of the eastern European Jews up until the early 1900s. The fact that klezmer often combines upbeat rhythms with melancholic harmonies makes it irresistible!
Belly dance music
In the belly dance world the well-known Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramszy has made plenty of CDs with various groups. We have learned a lot by listening to him.
Greek Music
Many Greek songs are very meditative, others really fast. We play styles such as Rembetica, Smyrneiko (a style that is especially mezmerizing!), and Black sea dances.