‘Fanfare Ciocarlia’

00:00 > 01:30

Henry Ernst founded Fanfare Ciocărlia (literally: the song of the lark) in 1996, after discovering the brass band in Zece Prajini, a small, secluded Romanian village. Having selected a dozen of its musicians, the German world music fan organised the band’s first tour in his home country. It was a major success and since then the brass band has doubled in size and now consists of 24 musicians who perform around the world, maintaining traditions inherited from their forefathers and keeping the authentic spirit of gypsy music alive. The incredible speed of its interpretations, rhythm changes and tones of its brass set this band apart. They have been blasting out Balkan grooves for more than 20 years but are equally at home playing gypsy music, popular Romanian songs, jazz standards, rock or funk.  In order to celebrate their 20th anniversary, which marks their first major milestone, they have released a new CD entitled “Onwards to Mars” which was named “best European album released in 2017” at the Songlines Music Awards. In it, Fanfare Ciocărlia explore both Romanian folklore and contemporary Balkan music. The album includes exceptional collaborations, with the likes of Puerto Candelaria, one of the best Colombian cumbia groups.