Being a huge fan of gypsy, world-genre-bending acts like Gogol Bordello, Kulture Shock, DeVotchka and J.U.F., I was incredibly excited to catch Balkan Beat Box during their twilight performance on the State Farm Stage. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.
Mixing multiple genres, styles, and their own heritages, this revolving door of musicians is based in the talent of Ori Kaplan, a former member of Gogol Bordello, and Tamir Muskat. Balkan Beat Box features up to ten “regular” musicians live, as well as featuring collaborating acts to enhance their electronica based tracks.
Doing this allows BBB to craft tracks that are incredibly infectious and ultimately dance worthy. Almost every photographer in the photo pit was dancing between shots and having a blast and the crowd behind us was clapping, cheering, and dancing along with the beat (which was loud enough to feel in the back of your teeth and clear as crystal through my earplugs). Their hour and a half long set was incredibly brilliant, even for them, and definitely one of the best gypsy performances since Gogol Bordello played on the same stage during Bumbershoot 2007.
Look for them on tour in a town near you shortly- this is one show you won’t want to miss, and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Check them out here at http://www.balkanbeatbox.com/
