Strange People

The third release from Portuguese klezmer quintet Melech Mechaya achieves what all klezmer bands set out to do – to make people dance. Strange People is relentless in its efforts to force the listener to stand up and leap around the room like it's their bar mitzvah all over again. The display of incredible musicianship is more than apparent, with tracks like the blistering ‘Khosidl’ conjuring images of clarinettist Miguel Verissimo hyperventilating in the studio. The double-bass slaps, pops and slides while violin flourishes whip up a frenzy that would make the likes of Stéphane Grappelli take a step back. The album does have its fair share of sombre moments, however, with tracks such as the slow waltz of ‘Chegou a Hora’ and the mournful ballad of ‘Querubim Barbudo’ allowing the listener to regain composure.

Though mostly instrumental, the album does contain some wonderful vocal performances, especially on ‘Gente Estranha’. The guest vocal from singer Jazzafari brings the extra flavour the album needs, it's just a shame that a few more tracks weren’t given the same treatment.