Another much delayed gig which was supposed to include a set by the band and live film accompaniament music they had written for the 1930 documentary 'Salt for Svanetia'. The film was ditched at the last moment as showing a propoganda film from the Soviet era was not considered appropriate any more. They did however play some of the film score in the second half of the gig after a first half of their songs - a few of which I recognised. It has been ten years since I last saw them play but the band seemed pretty much the same. Phil on piano (mostly) and accordion and Greg on fiddle are the two leaders in the band but all contribute with songs and the fusion of styles and rhythms is what makes their gigs a real joy. Mario on bass contributes a Spanish/Brazilian music sensibility illustrated beautifully by a song he wrote that starts off as a solemn Spanish Rumba tune that explodes into a Brazilian Rumba tune half way through. 'Timgad' was a slow paino led piece by Phil and another highlight was of course the Klezmer based tunes they play so well. The band has been playing together for nearly 20 years and they make their hard to categorise but great to listen to music seem effortless. I and the audience enjoyed it immensely.
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