Rromano Dives is an Albanian Romany (Gypsy) band: two fine singers backed by accordion, clarinet, violin, quiet electric guitar, electric bass and dumbek (hand drum). All the vocals are in the Romany language.
The lead singer, Astrit "Titi" Qermimi, is well-known in Europe for his smoky, soulful voice; young Marjeta "Chirikli" Jashari sings in a natural style more reminiscent of traditional Balkan vocalists than theatrical Romany singers.
The band performs a mix of traditional songs and their own compositions, all in a pop-influenced but reasonably mainstream Romany style. This is not your father's Albanian village music -- it's 100% urban.
The band features acoustic lead instruments and a tastefully electrified rhythm section -- no turbofolk synthesizers or drum machines here, thank you.
Many of the selections are dance tunes, including several good chocheks. My favorites: E Semesquiri Gili, the slow opening tune; Hajde Dudo k-o Bunari, a love song in 7/8; Basandutni, an instrumental chochek; and the up-tempo songs Malkondas Man o Devel and Godarav Sas.
The band is tight and the instrumentalists are proficient. Accordionist Nafael Tsaka and dumbek player Jenuz Duka stand out, but clarinetist Bir Xhambazi and violinist Halil Xhaferaj contribute some fine solos, even if their intonation sometimes goes slightly astray. The material's great: lively, mostly uptempo, very accessible and delivered with feeling.
Tracks
01. E semesqiri gili
02. Chaj zibede
03. Desenia-bresenqo
04. I cirikli
05. Hajde dudo k-o bunàri
06. Kas kamèsa tu nazi!e?
07. Basandutni
08. Me manglom tut
09. E zivanesqi gili
10. E sokàkà
11. Malkondas man o devel
12. Me canga dukhàna man
13. Godarav sas
14. Amare Kheresqo chatlo
15. Jekh luv
16. E asia
Astrit Qerimi - vocals
Marjeta Jashari - vocals
Halil Xhaferaj - violin
Nafael Tsaka - accordeon
Ilir Xhambazi - clarinet
Jenuz Duka - percussion
Arban Furtuna - guitar
Shpetim Rama - bouzouk, bass
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