Band

Taraf De Haidouks

Mapped through Balkan music influences; 10 albums in the Staimusic archive.

Taraf De Haidouks
Biography

Taraf De Haidouks: history and sound

Taraf de Haïdouks (Romanian: Taraful haiducilor, Taraf of Haiduks) are a Romani-Romanian taraf (a troupe of l?utari, traditional musicians) from the town of Clejani, one of the most prominent such group in Romania in the post-Communist Era.
Discovering the Romanian Folk Sounds of Taraf De Haidouks
Eastern Europe has a rich history of traditional music, with each country having its own unique sound. One group that has risen to the forefront of this scene is Taraf De Haidouks, a Romanian band that has been making music for over 30 years. Their sound is a mix of lively, intricate rhythms and melodies that are sure to get your feet tapping. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the musical biography of Taraf De Haidouks, including their music genre, best songs, and famous concerts.
Taraf De Haidouks was founded in the early 1990s by a group of Romanian musicians from the village of Clejani. The band quickly gained popularity for their unique sound, which is a blend of traditional folk music and influences from other cultures, including Romani, Turkish, and Jewish. Their music often features fast-paced rhythms, virtuosic violin playing, and soulful vocals.
One of the best-known songs from Taraf De Haidouks is Hora Ca la Ursari, which translates to Bear Dance. This lively tune features an infectious rhythm that is impossible not to dance to. Other notable songs from the band include Cind Eram la '48, a melancholic ballad with haunting vocals and Turceasca, an upbeat instrumental track that showcases the group's impressive musicianship.
Taraf De Haidouks is often classified as a world music band, but their sound is unique and unmistakably Romanian. Their music draws inspiration from the traditional sounds of the Balkan region, but they're not afraid to experiment with new sounds and styles. This openness to other cultures and genres has helped them to reach a wider audience, and they have performed all over the world, including at famous concerts like Glastonbury in the UK and the WOMAD festival in Australia.
Despite their success, Taraf De Haidouks has also faced criticism in their home country. In 2001, a Romanian journalist accused the band of being fake and using Gypsy music as a gimmick. This sparked a heated debate in the Romanian media, with some defending the band and others calling for them to be banned. However, Taraf De Haidouks continued to make music and tour internationally, proving that their unique blend of traditional sounds and innovative experimentation has worldwide appeal.
If you're looking for music that will transport you to another time and place, look no further than Taraf De Haidouks. This Romanian band has been making music for over 30 years, blending traditional folk sounds with influences from other cultures to create a sound that is uniquely their own. Their fast-paced rhythms, soulful vocals, and virtuosic musicianship have won over audiences around the world, and they continue to inspire and innovate with each new release. Whether you're a seasoned world music listener or just discovering this genre for the first time, Taraf De Haidouks is a band that should not be missed.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Lezghinka
Taraf De Haidouks Lezghinka
Cacurica Dances
Taraf De Haidouks Cacurica Dances
Tiganeasca
Taraf De Haidouks Tiganeasca
Dumbala Dumba
Taraf De Haidouks Dumbala Dumba
Danza Ritual Del Fuego
Taraf De Haidouks Danza Ritual Del Fuego
The Missing Dance
Taraf De Haidouks The Missing Dance