Canadian guitarist Adrian Raso has long dreamed of pairing his guitar playing with the massive sound of Fanfare Ciocarlia, one of the world's best gypsy fanfares. Raso is especially at home in the 'manouche' style of Django Reinhardt (which is also honored in the song Django), but just as easily plays flamenco, surf, folk or a Mexican ranchera. The twelve gentlemen of Fanfare Ciocarlia are of service.
The breakneck speed for which the group is known is only used in doses. With that the album only gains in depth. "It was great to meet this group," said Raso, "we immediately joked that we were separated brothers." Indeed, Raso sounds like he has been a member of the Ciocarlia family orchestra for years. Vocals are missing from this album, but the vivid images that these thirteen men manage to evoke with their music ensure that you don't miss a single vocal input. (PdK)more
