Besh o droM was founded in 1999. Their music is inspired by Balkan, Hungarian and Romanian Gypsy tunes and Middle Eastern traditional music. They interpret this music in their unique style, mixing various musical genres and backgrounds. Most of the tunes they play are traditional but they take the liberty to use any tunes they really like and enjoy. They have developed a very loyal following in Hungary and have started their carrier in the international world music circuit. Besh o droM in Gypsy language means "sit on the road" literally, but its real meaning is "follow your path, get on with it". It is also wordplay in Hungarian meaning "I am rolling." (a cigarette). Besh o droM's first CD entitled "Macsó hímzés" (again a wordplay with a local folk connotation, 'Macho embroidery' in literal translation) was published by FONO Records in October 2000.

"Macsó hímzés" features some musicians who are not with the band anymore. Ági Szalóki left the band on New Year's Eve of 2000, starting a "new life". András Monori has founded his own band. Robi Farkas left the band after the summer tour of 2001 preparing for his classical studies of violin and composition at the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy. He will play with the band whenever he has the time to do so. K-Roy at his age of 24 died of heart disease last August. The band has teamed up with a Hungarian scratch magician and top hih-hop DJ in 2001. Tradition meets the best of club sound, the unique sound of cimbalom with jazz improvisation, a fantastic brass section mixes with funk grooves. A 1000mph musical mayhem, a real audience pleaser with very strong musicianship. World music at its best - an absolute must. Dance shoes recommended.

In May 2001 they shared the stage and spirit with Boban Markovic and Taraf de Haiduks at the Music Academy of Budapest. Tracks from their first CD have been selected for various compilation CDs including FolkRootsÕ hit list CD to be published during the summer 2001. Budapest based Besh o droM is a 9-piece electro-acoustic collective, combining turntable wizardry, deep ethnic folk roots and wild jazz improvisation to spectacular effect. Their sound exemplifies the vital creative energy that is flourishing throughout the region and fusing east and west in myriad new ways.

THE MUSICIANS

Ádám Pettik (b. 1972) vocals, percussion, milk churns Self taught musician, he has played with Felix Lajko, Tatros Band, Boban Markovic Orchestra (YU), Kalyi Jag and Noir Desir (F). He has also collaborated with theatres and dancers.

Gergely Barcza, (b. 1973) soprano and alto saxophone, ney, zurna, flute, vocals Before he joined Besh O droM he played in various bands, Yuszef ve Echad, Adraba, Balakan in Israel. He studied Meteorology and attended classes at Rubin Academy, Jerusalem and Bar-Ilan University, Tel-Aviv.

Csaba Bese (b. 1969) bass guitar He has mostly played in Hungarian funky and jazz bands (Huckleberry, Tamás Szabó's Band, Bop Secret, Attila Korom's Band). He finished his music studies at a Music Studio.

Attila Sidoo (b. 1974) guitar, tambura, vocals He hes been playing and touring with various rock and ethno bands since he was 16 eg. Bandanas, VHK, Rakéta.

József Csurkulya (b. 1974) cimbalom He was born in Transylvania and has been living in Hungary for 10 years. He is a professional cimbalom maker. He has classical music education, studied percussion. He played in the Symphony Orchestra of Tirgu Mures and and also collaborated with the state folk ensemble there. .

Géza Orczy (b. 1955) percussion He has played in all the Balcan music bands in Hungary eg. Falkafolk, Szirtosz, Maskarades, Rece-fice. He also makes musical instruments.

László Békési (B. 1972) tenor saxophone, clarinet He has recently joined Besh o droM. He also plays in the band Vodku v Glotku playing Russian klezmer music (recently toured in Mexico) and in various jazz bands. He is a sculptor by profession.

Péter Tóth (b.1963) trumpet He has played in various jazz and dixieland bands (Studium Dixieland, Hot Jazz Band). He studied psycology at the University of Budapest, practices yoga and member of 'Mensa Hungarica'.

DJ Mango (Márk Jávor) (b. 1976) scratch Mango is the number 1 hip-hop DJ in Hungary. Besides being a scratch magician, he is a good MC and plays abstract hip hop, nu skool breaks, breakbeat and experimental music.

K-Roy (1976-2000) drum programming He worked with various electronic bands and DJs. He joined Besh o droM shortly before he died in August 2000. emotion.

PRESS QUOTES

"Besh o Drom often finds itself at odds with the folk purists, but that may be why they draw a young, loyal audience intent on dancing the night away to furious clarinet and saxophone harmony and driving beats." Heather Hermant, LIVEBUDAPEST