L'Orient Est Rouge

This explosive Gypsy brass band from the Balkans is led by trumpet player Naat Veliov, and comprises two trumpets, three tubas, saxophone, clarinet, zurla (traditional oboe) and percussion. Their music is a punchy mixture of powerful brass band sounds, Turkish/Bulgarian rhythms (including characteristic asymetrical time signatures such as 7/8, 9/8 etc., which are sometimes called ‘Aksak’ in traditional Turkish music), and Eastern-style solos which are at the same time very skilful, inspired and wild. The sound of Oriental brass bands (which was introduced to larger parts of the Western public by Emir Kusturica’s film ‘Underground’) draws from traditional dance music from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, elements of rumba and salsa, and even Indian film music. A live performance of the Kocani Orkestar is a formidable and exciting experience.