Gypsy Musical Synopsis
Amazon.com
Of all the gypsy guitarists to follow the path blazed by Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene has perhaps inherited more of Reinhardt's restless musical spirit than any other. Since making his recorded debut in 1980 at the age of 13, Lagrene has experimented with a wide variety of styles, including fusion and hard bop. Gypsy Project and Friends is the second CD from Lagrene and the band he formed to play Hot Club-style swing. The selections include a well-chosen mix of popular Reinhardt-Grappelli compositions such as "Djangology" and "Minor Swing," along with less familiar tunes like "Ma Premiere Guitare," which was written by the French guitarist Sacha Distel. Lagrene's band features the amazing Romanian fiddler Florin Niculescu, who plays swing with a fiery passion. The friends include guitarists Thomas Dutronc, "Hono" Winterstein, and Stochelo Rosenberg, who is one of the most technically accomplished guitarists playing in the gypsy jazz style. Lagrene and his companions play these songs in a way that perfectly balances respect for the tradition with the desire to innovate and move the style into the future. --Michael Simmons
Artist: Fly Gypsy
Title: Change For a Dollar EP
Label: Fly Gypsy Music
Genre: Hip-Hop/Soul
Sometimes the most beautiful synergy comes from the most unlikely sources. Who would have thought that in the hip-hop arena Jamaica would meet Russia to produce an explosive musical force to be reckoned with? That’s exactly what has happened with the hip-hop duo Fly Gypsy. Fly Gypsy is comprised of Russian-born Alexei Jendayi and Jamaican-born Kowboy Kom. This Washington, D.C. based team has a rapidly growing fan base due to their catchy beats, witty lyrics, and unique musicality rarely seen in today’s hip-hop. Their new seven track EP, Change For a Dollar, is refreshingly original and polished. Thoughtful lyrics, unique style combinations, expertly used samples, and flawless production make this a must-have for your musical collection.
Track one, “2 Step”, is a smooth hip-hop infused love story over a sample of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “Reasons”. “Give It to Me” is a solid club banger that makes it impossible to sit still. The addictive beat and lyrical flow will make you want to dance until you sweat. The sheer cleverness of the lyrics, beginning with a Fresh Prince of Bel Air allusion, will have you smiling while you dip and groove. “Go” is a life affirming hard hitting track with profound lyrics flowing over a gritty guitar track. Track six, “Look For You”, is hip-hop smoothed out over acoustic guitar. All of the tracks on Change For a Dollar, are puzzle pieces that fit together to form a vividly painted masterpiece. This is modern hip-hop at its best.
-Ranier Simons
www.myspace.com/flygypsy
Purchase:
Amazon
MP3 / CD
