GYPSOPHILIA play the Tranzac October 13. See listing. Rating: NNNN
There’s a lot to love about Haligonian seven-piece instrumental Gypsy-jazz group Gypsophilia – as long as you enjoy not knowing what genre you’ll waltz or shimmy into next, that is. Constellation, recorded live off the floor in Montreal by Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Stars), is the band’s cleanest and crispest yet.
The ECMA-award-winning musicians incorporate everything from popular songs and classical music to rugby chants into their compositions. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but dance-ready single Montréal is a contender. On Skirmish, jazz gets a new hairdo with skronky electric guitar and lots of organ. Classical waltz Valse Provero has a futuristic Bowie-esque synthesized interlude.
The band plays with traditions, throwing a duck call into romantic Goncourt and flying off into Dixieland piano at the end of Trick Wick.
Top track: Montréal
