Tribal Musette

Les Primitifs du Futur may be the most exponentially multicultural band ever conceived and organized. Led by acoustic guitarist Dominique Cravic, the group combines, blends, and jostles jazz, Latin music, and Balkan, French, Slavic, and Middle Eastern and beyond sounds in celebratory, playful, and deviously romantic ways. While some of the pieces are better defined and centered in ethnic or folk fusion, the band tends to be, literally, all over the map. Where should one start? How about at the opening track with the breezy Asian, East Indian, and Gypsy amalgam of "La Valse Hindoue"; the accordion, darbouka, baritone sax, and xylophone-fired Mediterranean dance "Je Cherche Après Titine"; or a feature for the legendary Flaco Jiménez in a funky Tex-Mex/Gypsy mode accented by a singing saw and marimba in "Los Anges de San Antonio." Adopting the stance of a somewhat campy Slavic oom-pah-pah marching band during "Syldave Ou Bordure?," Hot Club of France vintage jazz with spoken words and violin similar to the standard "Beautiful Love" for "La Dernière Rumba de Django," or the Viennese waltz accordion and Japanese koto-fed, gospel choir blues-infused "Nous Sommes Seul(e)s" — well, you get the picture. There are several sweet Edith Piaf-style French pop tunes, the Farfisa organ leading "Sur le Toit/Ramona" with Olivia Ruiz singing beautifully, and Claire Elziere as the star chanteuse of "Ton Manteau Gris." The other jazz tunes are a nutty, hilarious throwback, so-called "spooky scat" on the fun and playful multi-voiced "Ménage à Trois" and a superb intro by bassist Jean-Philippe Viret on the hip swinging waltz "Mingus Viseur" in tribute to Charles Mingus. There are even more disparate elements tossed in a blender, and outstanding performances by Cravic; xylophone and marimba player Jean-Michel Davis; accordionist Daniel Colin; Fay Lovsky on the theremin, saw, and ukulele; and flutist, clarinetist, and saxophonist Bertrand Auger. An amazing display of virtuosity, daring, street smarts, and world musics from everywhere, this CD is one not to be missed. Les Primitifs du Futur, along with Beat the Donkey, the Global Village Orchestra, and Slavic Soul Party!, are one of the perfect summertime outdoor festival bands, not to be missed if they perform in your area. [The CD was also released with a CD-R track as a bonus.] ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi