This sensational band from the Gypsy ghetto of Bucharest combines a staple Romanian diet of violins & accordions with a horn section consisting of army brass band veterans, powered by a funky rhythm section. Formed by two people closely related to the Taraf de Haïdouks (violonist/arranger Aurel Ionita and Taraf musical director Stéphane Karo), the Mahala Raï Banda have recorded this debut album in Romania, and mixed it in collaboration with electrogypsy whiz Shantel.