CD REVIEW
(To hear the band live see gig details below)
3 stars
GUITARIST Julian Curwin borrows six members of The Tango Saloon to float liltingly aloft on this whimsical flight through tango, gypsy swing and spaghetti western to klezmer, helped by Eddie Bronson on clarinets.
In 13 Curwin originals the mood is light and airy, yet varied. Sam Golding adds melodrama on tuba and some delightful upper-register bends on trumpet. Curwin’s strings ripple, twang and indulge in a little wah-wah.
Marcello Maio’s accordion buzzes and undulates; his piano is simple and delicate. With Mark Harris (double bass), Danny Heifetz (drums) and Jess Ciampa (percussion), the Balloon breezes along on a carefully crafted, carefree adventure to any Shangri-La we fancy.
CD launch: May 10, Bar 303, Northcote.
File between: Skazz, Klezmania
Download: Scene Change, Dog Day Night
ROGER MITCHELL
This review was published in the Play liftout of the Sunday Herald Sun on May 8, 2011
Coming performances:
May 10th @ 303, w/The Porch Dwellers
Bar 303, High St Northcote
(03) 9482 4577
May 11 w/Umlaut
The Toff In Town, 252 Swanston St Melbourne
(03) 9639 8770
May 12 at The Evelyn Hotel, w/Sex On Toast + Eucalyptus
The Evelyn Hotel, 351 Brunswick St Fitzroy
(03) 9419 5500
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