Taraf De Haidouks & Kocani Orkestar - Band of Gypsies 2 [CD]

2012 release, an ambitious project in which the 13 Taraf musicians and singers are joined by the 13 members of Macedonia's Kocani Orkester, one of the top brass bands around. The name of this collaborative project, Band of Gypsies 2, is (among others) a reference to Taraf de Haïdouks milestone 2001 album, which included three tracks in collaboration with Kocani Orkester. This time the plan is more ambitious: all the pieces of this entirely new repertoire are written, arranged and performed by an impressive, 26-piece orchestra, which explores all the contrasts between the two bands' rich, respective textures. The swirling and fiery violins, cimbalums and accordions of Taraf de Haïdouks are engaging in exciting combinations and interplay with the mighty, funky brass and percussion of Kocani Orkester.