Chaje Shukarije

Amazon.com
Don't expect subtlety from the Macedonian "Queen of the Gypsies," Esma Redzepova. Do expect intensely dramatic versions of Balkan, Greek, and Turkish gypsy songs that will char the paint right off your walls. Going full tilt every moment, Esma is right at home in wailing brass and reeds provided by the virtuoso Teodosievska Ensemble with a guest turn from trumpeter Frank London of the Klezmatics. While the sizzling arrangements stay close to the traditional vein, they're modern in the sense of delivering dazzling dynamics and providing ample space for microtonal sax and clarinet solos. In fact, the ensemble gets a couple of all-instrumental songs here, and they are richly deserved. Separating Esma from melodramatic pop divas is her earned right to speak for Eastern Europe's persecuted Roma minority, not to mention her incredibly rich vocal chops. In addition to bluesy sevda tracks, there's bone-jarring fun to be had as well. With its snare-drum sizzle, pulsing electric bass, and London's soulful organ, "Nasvali So Ujum" invents gypsy funk as Esma whoops, spirals, and climbs the listener's spine to the accompaniment of an icy trumpet and clanging guitar chords. The title cut marries wild belly-dance percussion with a spoken tag-line refrain that humorously brings in the various band members while lending free rein to the diva's incredible range. --Bob Tarte

Tracks:

Nikolco
Abre Kako So Pijeja
Hajri Ma Te Dike
Rakencar Phirava
Abre Ramce
Delchevsko Oro
Volim Te Veruj Mi
Nasvali So Uljum
Nahtareja Mo Ilo Danljan
Kamloreja
Chaje Shukarije
Donkino Oro
O Ketano
Cherenije
Korkori Phirava

Amazon.com

Don't expect subtlety from the Macedonian "Queen of the Gypsies," Esma Redzepova. Do expect intensely dramatic versions of Balkan, Greek, and Turkish gypsy songs that will char the paint right off your walls. Going full tilt every moment, Esma is right at home in wailing brass and reeds provided by the virtuoso Teodosievska Ensemble with a guest turn from trumpeter Frank London of the Klezmatics. While the sizzling arrangements stay close to the traditional vein, they're modern in the sense of delivering dazzling dynamics and providing ample space for microtonal sax and clarinet solos. In fact, the ensemble gets a couple of all-instrumental songs here, and they are richly deserved. Separating Esma from melodramatic pop divas is her earned right to speak for Eastern Europe's persecuted Roma minority, not to mention her incredibly rich vocal chops. In addition to bluesy sevda tracks, there's bone-jarring fun to be had as well. With its snare-drum sizzle, pulsing electric bass, and London's soulful organ, "Nasvali So Ujum" invents gypsy funk as Esma whoops, spirals, and climbs the listener's spine to the accompaniment of an icy trumpet and clanging guitar chords. The title cut marries wild belly-dance percussion with a spoken tag-line refrain that humorously brings in the various band members while lending free rein to the diva's incredible range. --Bob Tarte

Customer Reviews:

The Queen of Gypsy Soul.......2007-02-08

Esma Redzepova, a musician of extraordinary vocal talent, brings across her life, travels, political struggles, charm, wit, and indomitable spirit in a well selected collection of songs. She is accompanied by Teodosievski Ensemble, the band formed by her husband Stevo. The first song is the traditional "Nikolco", performed as an acappella solo. I enjoyed hearing her voice stand alone for an entire song before the impressive band kicks in. "Nahtareja Mo Ilo Danljan" is one of her most beautiful compositions and was previously released as a pop song that is pure cheese. Here it is delivered in a more traditional form with a strong Middle Eastern flavor. It is moving and powerful. She executes a demanding style vocally, with many ornaments, and somehow manages to bring the material across as being effortless and fun to sing. It certainly is fun to listen to.

This CD is produced by Frank London of the Klezmatics and is the first available release of her music in the U.S. since "Songs of a Macedonian Gypsy" in 1994. Several of the songs from the 1994 release are included here. Rest assured that these are new arrangements in a voice which has matured and improved. If you are an Esma fan, you will want to have both recordings. There are a few traditionals but most of the songs are "novokomponovana" (newly composed) folk songs by Esma and Stevo.

"Queen of the Gypsies" isn't just a catchy title and is not a title to be taken lightly. In 1961 she was "meda sijum ternori" (the little gypsy girl) who sang for eighty-nine presidents at the International Summit Conference and since 1976, Esma Redzepova has been the undisputed Queen of Romani Song. She won this title at the First World Festival of Romany Songs and Music. The award was presented to her by Prime Minister Indira Ghandi. She began singing and performing at the age of 12 and has been a strong clear voice for the Romani people for more than 40 years. The CD also comes with a small booklet of commentary and includes 14 full cover photographs printed on quality paper stock. Fans of Esma will be thrilled with this recording, and fans of world music and "gypsy songs" have the chance to experience the real thing.