ARTIST INFORMATION

Voice of Roma

For Roma, music is an aural tradition often passed down from generation to generation, and it is still very much a living tradition. The role of brass bands has been particularly important throughout Romani communities in Serbia, Macedonia, Romania and Turkey, where they are regularly called to play at key occasions including wedding processions, funerals, and other major life events. Similar to the multicultural music that BLO is accustomed to performing, the traditional music of Romani brass bands is energetic, soulful and driven by an propulsive beat. Where these traditions differ, though, is primarily in the intricate ornamentation and odd meters prominent throughout Romani and Balkan music in general. Furthermore, as Western musicians, BLO's members have learned most of their repertoire through notated charts, which are almost non-existent for Romani music.

Since last fall, however, under the guidance of Rumen (who himself comes from a long line of Romani musicians, continuing with his own son Angel), the musicians of BLO have been emulating the learning process common throughout Romani mahalas (neighborhoods) in the Balkans. In addition to works he freshly composed for this project, Rumen (with the assistance of Peter) has been teaching the BLO musicians traditional Romani processional street music by ear - meaning that every melody, harmony, rhythm and ornament was transmitted through repetition and call and response techniques until each musician was comfortable with his or her part. After each part was learned, the musicians rehearsed for countless hours, each day improving the quality of their sound and absorbing more and more of the traditional Romani brass band flavor.

Of course, it is important to remember that in Romani societies, dance and music go hand in hand (although, contrary to misguided popular belief, it is also important to remember that not every Romani person knows how to dance and play music!). Unfortunately, due to the effects of globalization and the widespread diaspora, many of the centuries old traditional Romani dances have been forgotten and are not being taught to the younger generations. Dedicated to preserving these traditions, Sani has taught many of the dances that can no longer be commonly seen throughout the Balkans to members of BLO. Similar to Rumen's teaching style, Sani has taught these dances visually, without written choreography. While specific dances may vary somewhat from country to country, the underlying Romani style always remains a constant.

In recent years, gadje (non-Roma) have been unabashedly exploiting Roma by using the word "Gypsy" to promote anything and everything from musical groups to night clubs to clothing lines. While on the surface, referring to "Gypsy" this and "Gypsy" that may seem like a harmless sales tool, these marketing techniques actually have a much more profound effect as they actively promote false images of Roma. This is not only hurtful and insulting, but it adds to the continuing widespread misunderstanding of the culture. For nearly fifteen years, Voice of Roma has worked towards building a "Global Mahala" by producing events, and creating partnerships with both Roma and gadje across the United States and Europe, educating thousands of people and inspiring them with a deep respect and understanding of the Romani culture. Helping to carry this larger message of cultural awareness, the musicians and dancers of BLO are now armed with a new repertoire of traditional and contemporary Romani rhythms and sounds, which they are proud to present to you this evening. Learn More: www.voiceofroma.com

* Note: Rom (Gypsy), Roma (Gypsies), Romani (adjective)

ARTIST BIO'S