KAL goes boom, while George and Van Dyke Parks take the understated path
The members of KAL do not trade in quite the same uproarious Gypsy-punk style as Gogol Bordello's fellow Eastern European-bred members. But that shouldn't keep KAL from very possibly stealing the show from Gogol when the two bands perform here at 4th & B on Oct. 1.
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KAL
“KAL”
Asphalt Tango (asphalt-tango.de/)
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Based in Belgrade, KAL – whose name derives from the Romany word for “black” – simultaneously salutes and expands its homegrown Balkan music traditions while incorporating almost any other other style it likes. On its self-titled debut album, those styles range from Indian bhangra, and Gypsy swing to Spanish flamenco, Turkish modal drones and New World techno. It's a tantalizing mix that gains greater impact from the addition of manic Serbian raps and charged breakbeats that should quickly should fill most dance floors.
Guest singer Zumrita Jakupovic's plaintive vocals on the bluesy “Gurbetski Tango” are perfectly underpinned by the unlikely combination of tuba, accordion, percussion and Hawaiian steel guitar. And the electrifying twin accordions of Vladan and Dragan Mitrovic on “Obrenovac Boogie” suggests what the Allman Brothers might sound like if they were Eastern European nomads.
Inara George, with Van Dyke Parks
“An Invitation”
EverLoving (everloving.com)
Best known as half of the enchanting Los Angeles duo The Bird & The Bee, singer-songwriter Inara George is the daughter of Little Feat co-founder Lowell George, whose death in 1979 came when Inara was barely 5 years old. Composer, arranger and lyricist Van Dyke Parks is, of course, the longtime collaborator of former Beach Boys' mastermind Brian Wilson. He has also worked with everyone from The Byrds and U2 to Joanna Newsom.
On their first joint album, George and Parks have created an understated outing for voice and orchestra that takes its cues from Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Frank Sinatra's classic albums from the 1950s with arrangers Billy May and Gordon Jenkins.
Expertly produced by San Diego's Michael Andrews, “An Invitation” is airy, relaxed, unashamedly baroque and an unexpected delight.
