Hungary's
Besh o Drom is, to put it mildly, all over the map. They're a gypsy band who breaks through many of the normal barriers associated with that style, while still rooted in their heritage. So, along with the more traditional feel of the title cut or "Igenyes Legenyes," you get the manic guitar work of "Casgo Menyhart" (a cute play on the name of
Django Reinhardt, the great French gypsy guitarist), and the hip-hop beats and semi-rapping of "Csujogato" or the turntablism of "Cigansko Oro." There's also a very playful sense of humor at work, as evidenced by the made sound effects that skitter through "Manocsavo." Make your way through that maze of sound and there are also some very affecting songs, like "Engem Anyam Megatkozott" and "Szeles Vilag." The playing is always exemplary, with some outstanding cimbalom (or hammered dulcimer) work. For anyone just coming to gypsy music, this probably isn't the place to start. But if you've already investigated it and you want to hear what a new generation is doing, you won't find better than this. ~ Chris Nickson