Musical Gypsies

The Denver based quartet, DeVotchKa, meaning “girl” in Russian, have returned with their fifth album, A Mad & Faithful Telling.  Fusing Romani, Greek, Slavic, Boloero, and Mariachi into their American folk music is no easy feat, but DeVotchKa has mastered the art form.  The four-piece multi-instrumental ensemble is made up of Nick Urata on guitar, bouzouki, piano and trumpet; Tom Hagerman on violin, accordion and piano; Jeanie Schroder on sousaphone and double bass; and Shawn King on percussion and trumpet. After the smash success with scoring the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack in 2006, fans have been anxiously waiting for the latest release since 2004’s How It Ends, and while the band might not be stretching their musical talents on the album, it’s definitely a tune all their own.

“Comrade Z” is one of the highlights of the ten track album which demonstrates the bands unique ability to cross blend musical genres. “Blessing in Disguise” is another not-to-be-missed track that will make anyone a fan of Mariachi music with it’s tight guitar-strings but soft lyrics while “Head Honcho” takes listeners over to the European side of things with it’s drawn out accordion and flamenco style strings.

A Mad & Faithful Telling has the ability to inspire, even if DeVotchKa plays it safe this round.  Their overall expertise in musical uniqueness not only sets this band apart, but the advantageous blending of musical styles  makes them a true musical success.