Roots

Various Artists: Rough Guide to the Music of the Gypsies (World Music Network)

Various Artists: Rough Guide to the Music of the Gypsies (World Music Network)

These nomadic peoples inspire strong and contrary opinion, but there is no questioning the rich fascination of their various cultures, not least their musical traditions. According to the typically informative sleeve notes of this excellent sampler, when they first arrived in Europe from the Indian subcontinent about 1,000 years ago, they were called Gyptians because it was believed that they hailed from Egypt. In time this became Gypsies. Wherever they planted roots, be it Hungary, the Balkans, Romania, Spain, Britain, they infused the local music with their intense and intricate rhythms and haunting melodies. The 16 tracks here are dominated by music from the above, and though it differs in styles and tone, the connections are clear.

- Joe Breen