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Written in fRoots issue 287, 2007
 

ORKESTAR BEZ IME
Nice Driveway Vol.1: Cheers From The Land Of The Freeze
OBI-001 (2005)
Nice Driveway Vol.2: Lake Aquanyet Days
OBI-002 (2006)

There are in the USA quite a few bands playing for Balkan folk dancing, and they’re often pretty competent and knowledgeable about that they play. Minnesotan quintet OBI is one of the best, with the great asset of singer Natalie Nowytski, who has an impressive and unforced command of East European vocal styles. She’s joined by accordion, clarinet, kaval, violin, guitar, tambura, frula, dumbek etc. in pleasingly melodious material from throughout the Balkans and nearby as well as occasionally Poland, Armenia, Sweden, Finland, Israel and originals, all played with conviction, wit and dance-inspiring lift.
www.rogaria.com


© 2007 Andrew Cronshaw
 

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