Barbez

Album Title: Bella Ciao
Record Label: Tzadik
Review by John Noyd
(1775) Page Views

Barbez - Bella CiaoBarbez - Bella Ciao

Although the concept and related history behind, “Bella Ciao,” is absolutely fascinating, one can be completely enthralled with the vivacious ethnic-jazz maelstrom captured by New York City’s intelli-eclectic Barbez simply by tuning into their joyous voicing of old-world cabaret and European folksong. Working nearly four years on their fifth release, Madison native Dan Kaufman, inspired by ancient Roman Jewish melodies and the Italian Resistance during the Second World War, constructs provocative, punch-drunk stunts subtly crunching riveting traditions to clever revelry; a stormy hornet’s nest of festering defiance cast in swirling, atmospheric, avant-rock resilience. A classically trained chamber ensemble of clarinet, violin, electric guitar, bass and drums, Barbez, along with Spires That In the Sunset Rise and Page Campbell, play Madison’s High Noon Saloon November 17th.

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