Tsigayner (plus support Cesar Camba and Mark Harvey)

By all accounts this promised to be a good one, just going on the strength of the pedigree of the band members alone - Paul and Chris are ex-Mooncoin (popular former Norwich band) and Helen is ex-Jack Orion, and they were joined by Louisa.

First though the audience were warmed up by Cesar Camba (also ex-Mooncoin) and Mark Harvey, a.k.a. National Image.  Cesar and Mark joined forces last September and this was their debut performance.  They provided a simple, light-hearted set of songs based on feelgood subjects such as holidays and love.   Mark forgot the lyrics a couple of times but being true professionals, this did not faze the duo and they bravely continued on, laughing it off.  Not a bad start, guys.

Then on to Tsigayner (which apparently translates as "gypsy" - and this gives you an idea of what type of music to expect from the band, i.e. traditional, folk-inspired).  This was also their debut gig.  They delivered a superb performance of Klezmer and folk based tunes: some uplifting, foot-tapping tunes (which would befit a Jewish wedding party) and conversely some dramatic emotive songs (such as "Yiddish Tango" which includes a reference to Hitler!)   Chris handled the Yiddish lyrics with apparently seamless ease (to the uninitiated such as myself) and she also attempted a song in Hebrew!  Louisa and Helen provided beautiful smooth, mellow clarinet accompaniment and Paul provided the essential fluent fiddle lines with no sign of squeaky notes.  Helen also demonstrated her dexterity, doubling up on accordion on some numbers.  

The band gave a very polished performance and were perfectly synchronised.  I have high hopes for them and as Richard Penguin said on the evening, they are destined to progress to bigger venues - it is only a matter of time.

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Author: Dorraine Bennett                           ©2010 Dors Productions