Gipsy | Klezmer | Balkan Songs & Dances
Currently on tour in Poland: Balkan Alien Sound bring melodic chaos in the style of Gypsy, Klezmer and Balkan songs and dances with energetic rhythms and fast paced melodies that can often leave crowds riotous with dance. Formed in 2007 through experiences gained via travel and research of Balkan and Gypsy music & culture, the band's music is influenced by the dances of Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania as well as their varying backgrounds in classical, jazz and trad music. The group's Irish roots frequently exposed by the similarities and differences with Celtic & Balkan music & structure
Balkan Alien Sound..."a high octane, dance driven, folk fusion outfit that perform a mix of Irish, Klezmer, Gypsy and Balkan styles to create a distinctive and infectious musical experiience, setting them apart as world music trail blazers in Northern Ireland". A passion for travel, Balkan music and culture brought the group together, united by an ethos fueled by the exploration and celebration of cultural diversity through music.
Influences in traditional music, classical, jazz, rock and folk pepper and permeate the eclectic groups sound enthralling audiences from all over Ireland since the bands formation in 2008. Avant-garde strings combining bouzouki and violin are the melodic vanguard, accompanied by vocals and the solidity of electric bass and drums that round out the sound. Hints of Bulgaria, Macedonia and indeed Ireland can be heard throughout their writing style and their repertoire, as well as consisting of original compositions, tackles and breathes new life into traditional Balkan pieces.
The fact the band are an all-Irish outfit is an important element of the group and hints of this echo throughout their sound. Entirely at home on the big stage, the band has toured festivals throughout Ireland, U.K and Europe over the last few years including major Festivals such as Glastonbury, WOMAD, Tradicionarius (Esp) and MELA. They run their own International Music Club in Derry, Northern Ireland and regularly host bands from all over Europe and beyond, sharing the stage to embrace music and culture.
THE REVIEWS
WOMAD: Balkan Alien Sound are a 7-piece Irish band from around Derry and Donegal. Ok. Not exactly Serbia, but who cares these days. With a repertoire that encompasses gypsy, klezmer and balkan musics these guys have been building up a reputation worthy of a place at Womad. I went down to photograph them at the Charlie Gillett Stage and really enjoyed their sense of purpose and fun. They certainly seemed to be having a good time and that’s always infectious. The line-up includes Martin Coyle on bouzouki, Robert Peoples on fiddle, Marc Forbes on bass guitar, Steven O'Carolan on Accordion, Gary Cunningham on electric guitar and Niall Lynch on drums.
I was just about to leave after having spent 15 minutes shooting them - most of the other photographers had just left - when they announced that their singer was coming on now. Oh? I didn’t realize they had one. Ok, fair enough. I’ll snap a few off. And on walks the rather lovely Aideen McGinn. I’ll just say that I stayed a tadge longer than I should have, for purely professional reasons of course, you know, just to make sure the photos were all in focus, and so on and so forth… ahem. Lovely! Oh, she can sing too. (Review by Glyn Phillips - worldmusic.co.uk)
Ah, the Balkans! Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Derry, Donegal… Eh?! Thanks to the prowess of a certain bunch of Irish musicians, we can - for this weekend at least - extend the boundaries of the Balkans to include the north-west corner of Ireland. Collectively answering to the name of Balkan Alien Sound, they're a squad of musicians of different persuasions (folkies, jazzers, bluesmen, classical players) all corralled into this celebration of gypsy and klezmer music by bouzouki player/Balkans nut Martin Coyle. And terrific they are too, all spiralling violins, melodious accordions and various stringed instruments - but with the added attraction of the solid groove provided by bass and drums. Close your eyes and you'd believe you were listening to the real thing. Let Balkan Alien Sound be your ticket to a destination somewhat east of here, all without having to endure the airline food or the impolite man in seat 42B. ( Nige Tassell 2012)
Collaboration/Composition with Neil Cowely Trio: "The fusion between Cowley's Trio and members of the Derry collective Balkan Alien Sound is particularly seamless. There's a wild, unkempt attitude in the playing of violinist Robert Peoples and bouzouki expert Martin Coyle, that makes a glove-like fit with the high energy levels of Cowley and his wingmen." (Terry Blain, Culture Northern Ireland)
"The masters of adrenalin. Thank you SO much for making the onstage experience a true party. You're the business. Can't wait to do it again!!" (Neil Cowley, U.K. Jazz Musician of the Year 2013)
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