© Steve Nimmons

Combining elements of punk, Gypsy music, and Brecht-ian cabaret, Gogol Bordello tell the story of New York's immigrant diaspora through debauchery, humor, and surreal costumes. Leader and singer Eugene Hütz's taste in the mix of gypsy music was spun out of black market tapes of the Birthday Party and Einstürzande Neubauten in his native Ukraine. After being evacuated to western Ukraine in 1986 following the Chernobyl disaster, Hütz became enamored of the mystical, outsider qualities of Gypsy music. Living as a refugee in Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Italy before moving to the United States in 1993, he experienced life as an outsider himself. After arriving in New York, he teamed up with guitarist Vlad Solofar and squeezebox player Sasha Kazatchkoff. American Eliot Fergusen added a strong rock sound on the drums and the band was also augmented by Sergey Rjabtzev on fiddle, a former theater director from Moscow whose past experience would prove helpful in the future in crafting Gogol Bordello's bizarre stage shows.

© songbirdocarina

The Roma Gypsy culture has made lasting contributions to classical music. The Roma people still face many instances of discrimination in Europe, which is a legacy that refuses to die. But the Roma have made a great impact on Western culture, especially in the area of Gypsy music. This music is saturated with energy and emotion, and the illusion of freedom that is pervasive in the music is what makes it so attractive.

You can hear the Gypsy influence in Haydn's chamber works to modern superstar band Taraf de Haidouks. There are some very stereotypical treatments of Roma culture in classical music, including Bizet's Carmen and the Gypsy scenes of Verdi's Il Trovatore. Brahm's attitude towards Gypsy culture was more positive, though not really enlightened. He stole passages from Gypsy bands for his Hungarian Dances, and later denied the accusations of plagiarism. Liszt, a famous Hungarian composer, achieved his goal of glorifying Gypsy music and his native country.

© Sam Anvari

The band Ameranouche performed melodies and gypsy music at The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St. last weekend.
The virtuoso trio used gypsy music instruments like jazz guitars and upright bass. Richard Sheppard was on guitar, Zach Pearson on stroke guitar and Stepher Gibson on bass creating gypsy musical aura.
The group largely follows the gypsy music history and is inspired by legendry Gypsy music guitarist Diango Reinhardt.
Three original songs from album "Homage A Manouche" are featured in movie "Beach Party at the Threshold of Hell."
Pat Martino said," This was more than an exceptional form of gypsy oriented jazz. The happiness is projected through those who are really gifted to do so."
Band's new album "Awake" is available in stores.