Aurora

“The Party Kings” from Portugal have a fantastic and unique sound, not to mention a great virtuoso clarinetist. They are total originals while unmistakably in the klezmer (and perhaps choro) tradition;

No FCC's: Favorite tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 7; all tracks are good to play

**1 – Aurora – 5:17 – slow, steamy klezmer with incredible piano from Felipe Melo; music feels as if it's raining down on you and then the sun comes out

*2—Olarecas – 3:40 – bright and happy beat with a Middle Eastern scale

*3 –Boom --3:33 – starts off with syncopated accordion with Noiserv serving up lyrics in English

4-Poca de Domino – 5:25 – almost classical-sounding wind instruments in harmony; with drums underneath; goes to harmonics with dulcimer sound underneath; ethereal; punches up into louder and faster piece and then back to quiet which abruptly ends

5 –Exodus – 3:42 – modulating guitar chords with sticks; violin comes in and then wind instrument; pretty minor key stuff, Ladino sounding

*6- Un Puente –3:31 – starts off with nimble pizzicato with female vocalist singing Spanish lyrics over great accompaniment; mysterious and beautiful

*7 –Fado Salterio –4:36-- starts with dulcimer; guitar comes in; habanera rhythm; steamy

*8—Ricochete – 3:34 – waltz with clarinet and violin in dialogue; delightful

9- Aurora Reprise –:50-- strange little outtake

10 – Circus Nimbus –5:27 –slower; chorus comes in partway through along with strange synth sounds