Here are the beautiful brass sounds of Fanfara Tirana, a band formed from ex members of the Albanian Army band that produce such a rousing sound to even "make the dead dance". Sweeping sax tangles with pumping bass tuba, allowing wondering clarinets to improvise in true Southern Albanian style.

Fanfara Tirana exude pure unconcentrated joy, the execution of these traditional songs is perfect, arrangements (Roland Shaqia) woven from the finest antique spindle convey boundless emotion. The weathered vocal of Hysni Zela (brought out of retirement to join Tirana for this record) is passionate and skilled. As heard on "Janinës Ç'I panë sytë" (What did the eyes of Janina see?) where he uses a call and response technique with unearthly results.

Another superb track is "Apocalyptic Kaba," a drone style instrumental led by a bagpipe sound, add to that ornate flourishes from clarinet and you have quite a Middle Eastern psychedelic sound, definitely a footnote of Ottoman history and a fine piece of music.

Fanfara Tirana also blow out a number of melancholic sounds, displaying their versatility and suitability for any hour; on evidence of this absorbing work we should all want an Albanian Wedding.

Fanfare Tirana at Womex 2007