Unfolding The Roots

Flemish-fusion music played on four different types of mandolins; European dance music with a light touch and added influences and flourishes; rich texture with all the strings interweaving melodies, drones, etc.; schottisches are meant to be danced; these are so lovely you want to sit and listen; if you like choro music, you'll probably like this

NO FCC's; all instrumental; favorite tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11

1- Polka Charleston Nederokkeazeel – 3:14 – uptempo; mandolins with a beat but tuneful and fun

*2 –Schottische Eppegem and Elewijt –3:18 – a bit of gypsy in there with the schottische and some syncopation

*3 –Mazurka Houtem – 3:00 – starts off sounding a bit Hawaiian and segues to waltz; pretty!

*4- Schottische Hever –4:44 – starts off with insistent beat in minor key; nice tremulos and drones in latter part; lots of sound and texture

5-Waltz Eppegem and Zemst –4:21 – light and fast little waltz in treble; Italianesque; gets wider and deeper

**6 –De Reutzekens – 3:35 – a little jazzy sounding at outset; desultory and interesting; percussive effects and harmonics

7 –Polka Antewerp –2:24 – traditional sounding with nice light touch played almost presto

8-Schottische Wezembeek-Oppem – 3:38 – interesting arrangements

*9 –Mazurka Zaventem –4:06-- very pretty little dance tune done with a light touch with classic mando tremulo in second half

*10- Polka Leefdaal – 3:55 – very fast polka with treble thirds and some syncopation

**11- Rumba del Raval –4:08 – leads off with rhythmic bass and flute; definitely a Belgian-Latin fusion piece; very choroesco

12-Contredans Ghent in A Minor- 1:54 – stately in a light-hearted way