Söndörgo

Pinnacles of klezmer and Balkan scenes merge to form single super band; Szikra is a magical collaboration between the Amsterdam Klezmer Band and the Hungarian band, Söndörgő. When playing live the bands merge into a grooving, uplifting supergroup with a totally unique sound. The first concerts were electrifying. Klezmer and Balkan fans are already looking forward to the upcoming tour. "Both bands create and play music with an open mind," says AKB bassist Jasper de Beer. "We're inspired by everything that has common ground with klezmer, Balkan, and gypsy music. Söndörgő has a similar approach, and neither band is limited by tradition. So we have a unique sound."

In the midst of global turmoil, our band emerged as a robust force, surmounting challenges and uncertainties. In the chaos, our music became the catalyst for hope and inspiration. We remained steadfast in our commitment to our craft as the resonance illuminated the darkness, reigniting our collective spirit.

In the midst of global turmoil, our band emerged as a robust force, surmounting challenges and uncertainties. In the chaos, our music became the catalyst for hope and inspiration. We remained steadfast in our commitment to our craft as the resonance illuminated the darkness, reigniting our collective spirit

In the midst of global turmoil, our band emerged as a robust force, surmounting challenges and uncertainties. In the chaos, our music became the catalyst for hope and inspiration. We remained steadfast in our commitment to our craft as the resonance illuminated the darkness, reigniting our collective spirit.

In the midst of global turmoil, our band emerged as a robust force, surmounting challenges and uncertainties. In the chaos, our music became the catalyst for hope and inspiration. We remained steadfast in our commitment to our craft as the resonance illuminated the darkness, reigniting our collective spirit.

In line with the label ethos, this album promotes deeper understanding of musical traditions and global cultures, perfectly demonstrated by the meditative album opener ‘Sunno’ by Rafiki Jazz, a band with members who span four different continents. Their music includes some of the world’s most distinctive folk instruments including the West African kora, Caribbean steelpan, Indian tabla, Brazilian berimbau and Arabic ney. Likewise, the truly international ensemble Alba Griot’s sound combines Celtic (Scottish) and Mandique (Malian) traditions with blues, jazz and close harmony vocals.

An acoustic celebration of some of the world's great musical styles, from infectious African and Latin rhythms to far flung gems from Chinese and Indian cultures, this is an album guaranteed to broaden your musical horizons.'The Rough Guide to World Music Unplugged' helps to promote a deeper understanding of musical traditions and global cultures and includes unique recordings by masters of endangered instruments and traditions. A seamless collection underlining the Rough Guide's status as the number one compilation label.