The Macedonian Gypsy singer Usnija Redžepova passed away today at the age of 69. I cannot say if she is related to her fellow Gypsy countrywoman, Esma, but when Usnija was young, she looked like Monica Belluci fronting a Roma band. RIP.
Gypsy
[Music] Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra – Live In Buenos Aires 2005
Most American film buffs know Emir Kusturica as one of the best directors to come out of the Balkans. What they may not know is that he’s a hell of a band leader. Check out this concert from 2005.
[Music] Fanfara Tirana meets Transglobal Underground – No Guns To The Wedding
Albanian gypsy music meeting electronica, perfectly balanced? Kudos who Fanfare Tirana and Transglobal Underground for this massive hit!
[Music – Kočani Orkestar – Siki Siki Baba (Strict, Strict Father)
All credit goes to Canio Rosario Maffucci for posting a live version of this hit by Macedonia’s Kočani Orkestar earlier today.
Those who remember the movie Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan will certainly remember this tune!
[Video] Lida Goulesco – Ou Kamina
Another treasure after a bout of stumbling around in YouTube. Lida Goulesco was a Russian gypsy who made her fame in Paris. This is a gorgeous piece of music!
[Video] Věra Bílá & Kale – Pas O Panori
A Czech gypsy and former prostitute, Věra Bílá is a Romany institution. This was the first song I ever heard from her, probably about 7-8 years ago, and you can hear elements of jazz and flamenco inside the tune.
[Video] Adam Stângă – Hora de Masa
Adam Stângă is a trumpeter from Moldova. Something wonderful to tap your feet to.
[Video] Titi Winterstein Quintet – Jazz Manouche (1973)
Titi Winterstein was the undisputed king of Sinti Swing. What’s that? Well, the Sinti are a group of gypsies related to the Manouche, who gave the world another rather fine musician – Django Reinhardt.
This is a great example of Gypsy jazz.
RIP Paco De Lucía
Sad news to report. Perhaps the best known modern gypsy guitarist, Paco De Lucía, has passed away due to a heart attack. He was 66.
La Informacion reported the news today, as did ABC.es in Spain. English-language obituaries are sure to come in shortly.
