Slice Me a Bigger Piece: Mahala Rai Banda and "Morceau D'Amour"

Today's tune is by the Mahala Rai Banda, a gypsy band based in Bucharest, Romania. Formed by violinist and composer Aurel Ionita, the band plays in several styles and genres. They are often cited for their innovative and inventive arrangements that position them at the intersection between traditional popular music and club oriented music. They have played over 200 concerts in 26 countries and they have released at least two albums. Their music was featured in the movie Borat. This song, Morceau D'Amour, can be found on their debut album Mahala Rai Banda, released in 2004.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahala_Rai_Banda

Step Step Crazy: 8½ Souvenirs and "Tango Lunatico"

Today's random tune, Tango Lunatico, is by 8½ Souvenirs. You'll hear the typical tango beat, aggressive and lush reflecting the sexuality and machismo also associated with the dance, with a very prominent lead guitar (though electric, unlike the traditional tangos). 8½ Souvenirs was an Austin band of the 1990s that disbanded about 2000. While called an American swing jazz band led by French turned American lead guitarist Olivier Giraud, it was clearly influenced by gypsy jazz and other European and Latin American styles. It's name came from the Fellini movie 8½ and the Django Reinhardt song Souvenirs. Tango Lunatico is from 8½ Souvenirs' 1997 album Souvonica, and features Austin singer Julianna Sheffield on vocals.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8%C2%BD_Souvenirs

If You Can Whistle It: The Luminescent Orchestrii and "How to Play Romanian"

Today's random tune is called How to Play Romanian. It is performed by The Luminescent Orchestrii, an experimental group based in the United States and active from 2002 - 2012. Their oeuvre consisted of music influenced by Middle Eastern, gypsy, and traditional European music along with Appalachian fiddles, hip hop beats and an attitude often found in punk bands. They often used instruments that they had modified to create their sound. How to Play Romanian can be found on their 2009 album Neptune's Daughter.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Luminescent_Orchestrii

Not Gypped by Gypsy Jazz: 8½ Souvenirs and "Souvonica"

Our random tune for today is by 8½ Souvenirs, an Austin band of the 1990s that disbanded about 2000. While called an American swing jazz band, this group led by French-turned-American lead guitarist Olivier Giraud was clearly influenced by gypsy jazz and other European and Latin American styles. The band's name came from the Fellini movie 8½ and the Django Reinhardt song Souvenirs. This song, Souvonica, is from 8½ Souvenirs' 1997 album of the same name.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Come With Me: DeVotchKa and "Viens Avec Moi"

Our random tune for today is performed by DeVotchKa, a Denver-based a four piece ensemble. Their name is derived from the Russian word for "girl." Their instrumentation, besides guitar, drums and bass can include theremin, bouzouki, accordion and sousaphone. DeVotchKa started as a backing band for burlesque shows, and in particular traveled with and backed noted burlesque performer Dita von Teese. During this time they were also self-releasing records and touring in support of them which earned them an underground following. The band was eventually picked by the directors of Little Miss Sunshine to score the film which earned them a Grammy nomination for best soundtrack. The band, while essentially a rock ensemble, incorporates a gypsy punk feel into many of its songs. This song, Viens Avec Moi, is on their 2004 CD How It Ends. The song is an entreaty by one person to take a companion to a beautiful place on a mountain.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Gypsy Brass: Mahala Raï Banda and "Colindat"

Romanian group Mahala Raï Banda brings us the random tune for today. Mahala Raï Banda is a gypsy band based in Bucharest, Romania. Formed by violinist and composer Aurel Ionita, the band plays in several styles and genres. They are often cited for their innovative and inventive arrangements that position them at the intersection between traditional popular music and club oriented music. They have played over 200 concerts in 26 countries and they have released at least two albums. Their music was featured in the movie Borat. This song, Colindat, can be found on their debut album Mahala Raï Banda, released in 2005.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Shazam: 8½ Souvenirs and "Kazango"

8½ Souvenirs, an Austin band of the 1990s that disbanded about 2000, brings us the random tune for today. While called an American swing jazz band led by French-turned-American lead guitarist Olivier Giraud, it was clearly influenced by gypsy jazz and other European and Latin American styles. The band's name came from the Fellini movie 8½ and the Django Reinhardt song Souvenirs. This song, Kazango, is from 8½ Souvenirs' 1995 album Happy Feet.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Help in the Sack: Gogol Bordello and "John the Conqueror"

A song based on a folk hero is our random tune for today, and is performed by Gogol Bordello. Gogol Bordello was formed in 1999 in the lower east side of Manhattan, and is known for their sound of gypsy-inspired music mixed with punk and dub. Originally called Hütz and the Béla Bartóks, they changed their name when they realized nobody knew who Béla Bartók was. Instead, Gogol is the last name of classical Russian-Ukrainian writer Nikolai Gogol, and bordello is a gentlemen's club. The band tours relentlessly, and cites Parliament-Funkadelic as one of their main influences. They have released nine studio albums. This song, John the Conqueror (Truth is Always the Same), references the folk hero with magical powers from African-American folklore, and is also the name of a root used in folk magic for sexual spells and gambling spells. You can find it on Gogol Bordello's 2013 CD Pura Vida Conspiracy.

Makes My Dog Bark: Le Chat Lunatique and "Cri du Chat"

Albuquerque's own Le Chat Lunatique brings us the random tune for today. Le Chat Lunatique is an Albuquerque band who style themselves purveyors of "filthy, mangy jazz." Their inspiration is the Hot Club of France, mixed with some western swing, Latin rhythms, reggae and "anything else we damn well please." This song, Cri du Chat, is from their debut 2008 release Demonic Lovely.

Not Stodgy At All: The Luminescent Orchestrii and "Mur Stojmeno"

Today's random tune is called Mur Stojmeno and is performed by The Luminescent Orchestrii, an experimental group based in the United States and active from 2002 - 2012. Their oeuvre consisted of music influenced by Middle Eastern, gypsy, and traditional European music along with Appalachian fiddles, hip hop beats and an attitude often found in punk bands. They often used instruments that they had modified to create their sound. Mur Stojmeno can be found on their 2009 album Neptune's Daughter.

Those Crazy Cats: Le Chat Lunatique and "Fou"

Happy anniversary to us! We come back home to Albuquerque for our second anniversary of the Global Music random tune (this just randomly came up, I promise!). Le Chat Lunatique is an Albuquerque band who style themselves purveyors of "filthy, mangy jazz." Their inspiration is the Hot Club of France, mixed with some western swing, Latin rhythms, reggae and "anything else we damn well please." This song, Fou, is from their debut 2008 release Demonic Lovely.

Traditional Club: Mahala Rai Banda and "Kibori"

Today's tune comes from Romania. Mahala Rai Banda is a gypsy band based in Bucharest. Formed by violinist and composer Aurel Ionita, the band plays in several styles and genres. They are often cited for their innovative and inventive arrangements that position them at the intersection between traditional popular music and club oriented music. They have played over 200 concerts in 26 countries and they have released at least two albums. Their music was featured in the movie Borat. This song, Kibori, can be found on their debut album Mahala Rai Banda, released in 2005.

Shake Ya Brass: Kočani Orkestar and "But Katili"

Shake ya brass! Today's song, But Katili, is by the Kočani Orkestar, a Macedonian Romani brass band. The band takes Balkan brass band styles that are descended from Ottoman army brass bands, along with gypsy tunes, Turkish rhythms, and a little bit of Latin styles, and really funks it up. You may recognize their music from the movie Borat - a song was used without their authorization and they are currently suing for compensation. But Katili can be heard on their 2008 CD The Ravished Bride.

Gotcha: DeVotchKa with "DeVotchKa!"

Today's random tune is by an American band based in Denver called DeVotchKa. A four piece ensemble, their name is derived from the Russian word for "girl." Their instrumentation, besides guitar, drums and bass can include theremin, bouzouki, accordion and sousaphone. DeVotchKa started as a backing band for burlesque shows, and in particular traveled with and backed noted burlesque performer Dita von Teese. During this time they were also self-releasing records and touring in support of them which earned them an underground following. The band was eventually picked by the directors of Little Miss Sunshine to score the film which earned them a Grammy nomination for best soundtrack. The band, while essentially a rock ensemble, incorporates a gypsy punk feel into many of its songs. This song, DeVotchKa!, is on their 2008 CD SuperMelodrama.

Can You Do Both at the Same Time: Talisman and "Waltz-Tango"

A waltz-tango from Russia is our random tune for today, amazingly entitled Waltz-Tango. It is performed by Talisman, a trio of Russian musicians who aim to present music in primarily gypsy styles, with tango, jazz and flamenco thrown in. Oleg Nehls is a classically trained accordionist, Vadim Kulitskii is a renowned guitarist and Oleksandr Klimas plays a very fast violin. You can find Waltz-Tango on their 2010 CD Russian Gypsy Soul - Fiery Gypsy Music at its Best.

Does She Have a Sister?: The Luminescent Orchestrii and "Neptune's Daughter"

Today's random tune is by The Luminescent Orchestrii, an experimental group based in the United States and founded in 2002. Their oeuvre consists of music influenced by Middle Eastern, gypsy, and traditional European music along with Appalachian fiddles, hip hop beats and an attitude often found in punk bands. They often use instruments that they have modified to create their sound. This song, Neptune's Daughter, can be found on their 2009 album of the same name.

Gypsy Swinging: Mahala Rai Banda and "Romni Latci"

Today's tune comes from Romania. Mahala Rai Banda is a gypsy band based in Bucharest. Formed by violinist and composer Aurel Ionita, the band plays in several styles and genres. They are often cited for their innovative and inventive arrangements that position them at the intersection between traditional popular music and club oriented music. They have played over 200 concerts in 26 countries and they have released at least two albums. Their music was featured in the movie Borat. This song, Romni Latci, can be found on their debut album Mahala Rai Banda, released in 2005.

Gypsy Moths: The Barons of Tang and "St. Vitus Dance"

Today's song is by The Barons of Tang, a Melbourne, Australia based group that provide what they call "gypsy deathcore." Begun in 2007, they began performing for underground theater and circus troupes. After their initial performances, they began touring Australia and other parts of the world, bringing their eclectic mix of tango, rockabilly, metal and gypsy music. They are relentless in their touring, and their music certainly has an edge. You can find this song, St. Vitus Dance, on their 2010 release Knots and Tangles.

Hail of Bullets: DeVotchKa and "The Enemy Guns"

Today's random tune is by an American band based in Denver called DeVotchKa. A four piece ensemble, their name is derived from the Russian word for "girl." Their instrumentation, besides guitar, drums and bass can include theremin, bouzouki, accordion and sousaphone. DeVotchKa started as a backing band for burlesque shows, and in particular traveled with and backed noted burlesque performer Dita von Teese. During this time they were also self-releasing records and touring in support of them which earned them an underground following. The band was eventually picked by the directors of Little Miss Sunshine to score the film which earned them a Grammy nomination for best soundtrack. The band, while essentially a rock ensemble, incorporates a gypsy punk feel into many of its songs. This song, The Enemy Guns, is on their 2004 CD How It Ends. The video is a performance they did for KEXP in New York City.

Weep Not: The Kočani Orkestar and "La Llorona"

A new country we haven't represented before serves up our random tune for today. The Kočani Orkestar is a Macedonian Romani gypsy brass band who play a funked up version of Balkan brass band music directly descended from the music of Turkish army bands. This song, La Llorona (the video spells it wrong), refers to the weeping female who drowned herself in despair after a jilted love, and was turned away from the gates of heaven and not allowed to return until she finds her children. This legend is found in Latin myth throughout Hispanic America , and I can only assume that The Kočani Orkestar reference the legend from Romani/gypsy populations in Spain. La Llorona can be found on The Kočani Orkestar's 2008 CD The Ravished Bride.