Scottish composer, classical guitarist, improviser and ensemble leader Simon Thacker and Edinburgh-based Polish cellist Justyna Jablonska cut across neoclassical-folk-experimental territory in their collaboration. The pair have issued a previous album, Karmana (2016), and the ease of their musical relationship is clear in this new, more evolved release. Their technical virtuosity and emotional intensity in Romany music are to be enjoyed, not least in the vocals.
Several esteemed guest musicians add further valuable colour to Songs of the Roma: singer-violinist Masha Natanson from Lublin, Poland, who reportedly “ran away from home at the age of 15 to learn the genuine traditional music of the Carpathian and Romany communities”; as well as two musicians originally from Budapest, cimbalom maestro Gyula “Julius” Csik and double bassist Gyula Lázár.
The eight-track album is a mix of new takes on traditional Roma tunes, and new compositions by Thacker. It is a richly-hued album, strikingly lyrical and high-octane, with multiple flamenco and other related styles and many a dramatic flourish. Many traditional Roma tunes are to be heard, with their hum-along melodies that burrow their way into the listener’s mind. I enjoyed the Arab-sounding Ibrahim, as well as the searingly sad Ederlezi.
Two tunes, Jolta and the final Phirado (Romani for wanderer or wooed) are new compositions by Thacker. The piece starts with contained walking bass but quickly careers into eccentricity, Csik’s cimbalom adding extra interest.
With its energy and emotional intensity, Songs of the Roma is an absolute delight, and the level of detail, technical virtuosity and lyricism merit repeated listening. Itis accompanied by a booklet giving detailed background information and translations of the lyrics.
