The Flair

Let the Gypsies be the image for this new World music column. They truly epitomize the veteran musical traveler. Originally from India, they embarked on a long westward journey throughout the centuries. Along the way, groups stayed in Pakistan, parts of Russia, Turkey, Greece, Romania and Hungary. Others eventually settled in France, Germany and Spain. Called by various names - Sinti, Manouche, Rom, Gitans - they encountered persecution throughout the ages, as minorities and for their resistance to blending into any established social fabric. Instead, they tended to prefer a semi-nomadic life style at the edges of townships where they made a living as soothsayers and blacksmiths. To this day, they also produce some of the most phenomenally gifted and creative virtuoso musicians.

The Recommendations

Without concentrating on their music in particular, the recommendations in this column will be influenced by the heady aroma of vivaciousness, virtuosity and unconventionality that the Gypsies incarnate so profoundly. Don't be surprised to find that featured albums always receive glowing reports. Why waste bad ink when there's so much great music to write about? Global Caravan endeavors to introduce you to music that stylistically would often fall through the cracks of neat categorizations. Think of it as World Music, Ethnic Music, International Music - hybrids that arose when artists, due to the opened access of our global village and Age of shared data, were exposed to styles outside of their own culture and began to experiment with crossovers. Some of the resultant collaborations constitute the most vibrant, cosmopolitan and contemporary music alive. Here's to hoping you'll enjoy the selections. Cheers!

Aksak Florina

Tarik Banzi Vision

Luis Delgado El Sueño de Al-Zaqqâq

Anant Jesse Mantrica

Moroccan Spirit

Sanjeev and Karuna Inspiration Unfolding

Omar Faruk Tekbilek Alif - Love Supreme

Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra Mondo Rama

David Visan Buddha-Bar IV

Chicuelo Cómplices

Vicente Amigo Poeta

Fahir Atakoglu Fahir's Music

Bratsch Rien Dans Les Poches

Claude Chalhoub Claude Chalhoub

Tulku A Universe to Come

Natacha Atlas Ayeshteni

Anouar Brahem Trio Astrakan Café

Kudsi Erguner Taj Mahal

Trilok Gurtu The Beat of Love

Nedim Nalbantoglu - Robert de Brasov Trio L'Odeur du Vent

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