Cardigan’s Small World Theatre played host to the launch of the stunning new album Duhovi (Serbian for ‘ghosts’) by Faith and Branko Ristic. Bolstered to a quartet by two extra musicians, they leapt straight into their accelerated set, inspiring awe in their captive audience from the start.

English accordionist and whistle player Faith met Romany violinist Branko in Serbia, and since 1995 they have been mining the seam of traditional Balkan music and gypsy folk/jazz, spicing their sound with passion. From forays into swirling, soulful Parisienne waltzes, haunting arabesques and impossibly fast and complex Balkan dance tunes, their infectious rhythms and touching sensitivity were matched by the virtuosic bass of Matt Bacon, transporting us through time and plunging us into the heart of diverse cultures.

Duhovi, recorded in director Emir Kusturica’s fabled music studios in Serbia, was a while in the making, as it commemorates the passing of fellow musicians who had recorded with them. Their performance, rich and lyrical, filled to the rafters Small World’s sonic space – the uniquely designed acoustics of this “nautical pyramid” resounding with the trio’s shivering notes. Mesmerised as we were, a Balkan kolo or progressive dance got local circle dancers and others up, as Faith taught the steps and Branko’s lightning fingers produced harmonics and grace notes you never knew existed!

An evening in Faith I Branko’s company provokes intense, primal feelings, and a lightheadedness that leaves our souls to soar in joy, floating home on their melodies and reflecting on the profound experience of being timeless and connected to all things in nature. 

Faith I Branko Romani Quartet, Small World Theatre, Cardigan, Fri 24 Feb

words JULIA DELI