Lots of musical freshness, quick mouthness and full measure of humour - that sums up two concerts of excellent roma group Kal, held in Ljubljana at the beginning of this week.
Visitors, who did not know this gruop of seven well, were surprised for sure. It is certainly not a typical gipsy brass band who would only play traditional gipsy hits. Not that they don't play any of them, but they spice it up Kal style and mix with jazz, tango, even rock'n'roll rhythms.
The singer Dragan Ristić is the leader of this merry gang, but he is not the only one who glittered with his vocal inserts. The percusionist Aleksandar Radojićić and the others also prooved themself, not only in singing but also in joke-telling.
During the concert, which was - for some people unnecessary - played in two parts, we heard songs like James Rom (secret agent 007 parody), Romosom, hit song Mozzarela, featured on many compilations, as well as some new songs, like Liza and Prater.
While the first concert took place at the completely full garden of ethno club Zlati zob, organisers decided to bring it in the second night, to avoid the often visits by the police.
It was actually a baptism of the hall, which in not really finished yet, but at least the very (non) tolerant neighbours could sleep in peace.
Despite the improvised scene, Tuesdays concert was a real delight. Not as many people showed up, but that just gave the concert a touch of intimacy. The sound was better and the band was satisfied to be able to play the concert in full (on Monday the police interrupted it before).
The group is already touring in Sweden right now, and is very busy with the new album,which is supposed to see the light of day in October. A month later, we will hopefuly see them in Ljubljana again.
Photo by Tjasulja
