A fascinating trip along various cultures and musical genres. That is the best way to describe the music of
BaLaKo. A dizzying mix of traditional, folkloristic Balkan rhythms and catchy Latin influences, on a surprising range of instruments and embellished with classical jazz input. BaLaKo, short for Balkan Latin Kollective, is the brainchild of five highly trained musicians from Romania and Cuba, who are accompanied during live shows by four regular guests, including vocalist Elena Ionescu. Marius Cristian Ciupitu (drums), Alexander Himely Benavides (congas), Omar Secada Dihigo (piano), Valentin Andrei Zachar (saxophone) and Antonio Damian Segui Rolando (trombone) create an original blend of eclectic sounds and driving rhythms with gusto and passion that make every performance into a real party. BaLaKo is creative, captivating and, most of all, exhilarating.
