Gypsy blood runs through the veins of the Czech woman Ida Kelarová. Unlike most gypsies, she did not learn to play the violin but the piano and cello, at a professional level. She lived in England, Denmark and Norway for many years. When her beloved father died she could not cry, but she could sing. Since then she has been looking for her roots again: she sings emotional gypsy songs, founded the
… International School for Human Voice and moved back to the Czech Republic for good. With her life companion Desiderius Duzda, she founded the gypsy band Romano Rat in 1998, a band with vocals, the instruments guitar, bass guitar, violin, accordion and percussion. On Kelarová's & Romano Rats album Gypsy Blood, Kelarová plays the piano and sings with her deep, smoky voice. The music transcends folklore through the use of jazz harmonies and funky rhythms. What is striking is the frequent occurrence of polyphonic singing in breathtaking harmonies. The songs are taken from life: a CD to cry, laugh and dance. Fans of gypsy music should definitely get to know Kelarová and her innovative sound. (SvdP) _more
