The Bottom Line
Putumayo Presents Gypsy Groove contains a mesmerizing blend of traditional gypsy music infused with electronica, hip-hop, and reggae. This compilation embodies the current European nightclub scene, with contributions from artists in Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Israel, Slovenia, Netherlands, and the USA. Gypsy Groove is drenched in funky bass lines, floating around in a sea of accordion chatter and spacey middle-eastern guitars, held together by bombastic hip-hop and reggae drums and narrated by a brooding brass section. As you've already guessed, Putumayo delivers the goods yet again.
Pros
- Great for introducing a new generation of listeners to an older form of music.
- Perfect length for a compilation.
- Contains exclusive remixes.
Cons
- None.
Description
- A multicultural collection of electronic gypsy music.
- A diverse assortment of tracks for a single genre album.
- Large variety of countries represented.
Guide Review - Putumayo Presents Gypsy Groove
Reminiscent of the "Buddha Bar" compilations, Gypsy Groove creates a lush "lounge/chill-out" atmosphere, ideal for parties, clubs, and hookah bars. Ranging from the mellow Czech-rap of Gipsy.cz to the African inspired Hungarian folk of Kistehen Tanczenekar, and to the hectic gypsy-funk of New York's own Balkan Beat Box, there's enough variety on this album to keep everyone's ears glued to the speakers. Also containing a handful of exclusive remixes, Gypsy Groove spans eleven tracks and clocks in at just under 40 minutes, which is a perfect length in my opinion; not too short, not too long.Luminescent Orchestrii's "Amari Szi, Amari" (remixed by Amon) truly shines, with catchy, fast-paced electronic drums punctuated by emotional violins and a vibrant vocal ensemble. The liner notes are loaded with biographies and images of the contributing artists, written in English, Spanish, and French. Gypsy Groove is perfect for lovers of Balkan and gypsy music, as well as anyone interested in hearing some original, danceable tunes. Regardless of the occasion, Putumayo Presents Gypsy Groove is a perfect fit, whether it be your Bar Mitzvah or your next hookah-hit!
March 27, 2007
