Last night the MemSahib and I repaired to an auditorium not too far away to partake of an extraordinary evening of musical entertainment.
It was my first time ever at a dance gig – where the audience are encouraged and indeed expected to to move in response to the music on offer. Luminescent Orchestrii * who hail from New York are exactly the kind of musicians who make you want to move. It was difficult not to move some part of you if only fingers &/or toes ! On offer was a continual diet of sinuous Balkan, Hebrew, Romany tunes which were so sinuous that you squirmed if you sat still but flowed if you so much as shifted a leg. The punters were certainly on form with just two couples on the floor by tune number two – who improvised and entertained and impressed Big Style! In fact one of the blokes was BIG being well over six foot lots!!
After that the flood gates opened and the floor was packed with folks doing their knees-up, Thai Hand dancing, Tango, Highland Fling, Greek dance….. whatever you brought was fine and always seemed to fit. I just loved watching the freedom of expression & creativity.
However, the Mem and I simply watched, lost in the fusion of tempo, rythm, harmony and movement. It was so good I bought the cd “Too hot to sleep” [ check website and download 'em ] for only £8! [ Uusally I'd see if I could get it off Amazon 2nd hand - don't bother, not available] But we’ll be back after practising our own routines at home, ready for the band’s inevitable return
Check out the tour dates – they’re going to be in the UK a little longer, and if you like folk songs, Europe, violins and jazz and guitars and and and dancing , for Goodness sake go and see ‘em.
* Also one of the best websites I’ve seen for ages
