Balkan Beat Box (w/Golem) — Live at The Orange Peel, Asheville

Copenhagen, London, Paris, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, New York, ASHEVILLE! That’s not just where Balkan Beat Box is touring, it’s what they sound like. They’ve been here a couple times before, but this is the first time I’ve seen them. It was an excellent show. And maybe I’m guilty of grade inflation lately, or maybe I don’t get out enough, but I thought this show rocked. Even the crowd rocked. This stuff is just so fresh, fresh, fuh-resh. I’ve been listening to their first, self-titled album constantly for the last few months, through their web site. I finally got around to buying it at the show, along with their brand new release Nu Med. I’m not going to try to explain the sound. Just go to their site. I recommend beginners start with “Cha Cha” and then maybe “Try Rai (Shushan).”

They came out on the dance floor with drums and saxophones to get the show started. Excellent! Then, they made their way to stage and by the second song, “Cha Cha”, (which Tomer Yosef did a lot of rapping on, unlike the studio recording) the entire crowd was jumping up and down. I have never seen so many people going off with their own crazy dance moves. Maybe the music demands inventive steps.

Opening act Golem also put on a solid show. I enjoyed them but I didn’t already know their music. After a while it all started blending together. But their playing and stage presence were great.

“When you hear the chicken… make some noise!”

Toubab Krewe — Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe -- Toubab Krewe

• Artist: Toubab Krewe
• Title: Toubab Krewe
• Year: 2005
• Format: CD
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 2007 – Secondspin.com
• Keeper: Yes

These guys are the business. Toubab Krewe are making music that takes more effort than some dudes getting together and just jamming. They use a lot of African instruments that you probably have never heard of, and probably couldn’t find someone to teach you, at least in this country. And somehow this all came together right here in Asheville, NC. My favorite, I think, is “Devil Woman.” You can hear it and three other songs at ToubabKrewe.com. There’s even more stuff at their MySpace page. (Be sure to check out “Buncombe to Badala”)

This type of instrumental music is not for everybody, but it is for cool people. Think about that. Thanks to another local musician, Andy John, for turning me on to this.