Songs of Gypsies Past

We Romanies lead a frustrating existence.  Rarely are we allowed to mark our own identity; instead it is marked for us by society, the same society who labeled us incorrectly as Egyptians. Who are we? We are con artists, thieves, even murderers and sexual predators according to shows like Criminal Minds, The Riches, The Finder, and Law and Order:SVU and NCIS:LA.  We are violent and aggressive according to the latest batch of reprehensible shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, and American Gypsies.  Our music is wild and uncultured and our female performers are exotic and sexual according to bands like Fishtank and Caravan of Thieves, just to name a few. 

How can a Romani be a Romani and celebrate his real heritage and culture and be accepted within society? By taking the initiative and putting something real before the eyes of the public. Nais tuke, Nick Wildwood. Brava.

Mr Wildwood has collected recordings from the past, performed by real Romanies who remained true to their heritage. This collection has been beautifully remastered in Pennsylvania for release with Volume 1 of Songs of Gypsies Past. This CD contains traditional music performed in the Romani language.

When speaking to Mr. Wildwood over the phone about this ambitious project, I was touched to the point of tears by his enthusiasm and love for the music of his people."Most of the artists are no longer with us; recordings that were handed down from my grandfather to my father and then to me. Many of these musicians had no formal training. They learned by ear and are beyond our imagination." 

 "You'll find six baso songs (traditional Romani dancing) that you might see at a party or a wedding. One of the "basos," labeled The Happy Dance, is performed by an accordion player known throughout the United States, Meeska, and that recording is at least 100 years old," he continues. "And there are 15 tracks of a "taw-cheve" performances with one special track called Autumn Leaves and in this track, the woman sings half in English and half in Romani. My grandmother used to sing this song when she was a 'boryee', or a young bride."

Even the cover art, shown above, was painstaking selected. "Two of the photographs are from the Romani Archive and Documentation Center and the other two are of an authentic bow top Gypsy wagon. The gorgeous horse on the back cover is a Gypsy vanner, bred by Romani in Europe. When the horse would run, they (the Romanies) would say the horse "whorrall" which means the horse could fly. The reason is that the fluffiness of the hair of the hooves, tail, and the mane would be blowing in the wind, giving the horse the appearance of lifting off the ground. That's our horse!" he says with great pride in his voice. "They wanted a strong horse like a Clydsdale but they didn't want the burden of feeding a horse as big a Clydesdale or the difficulty of caring for a horse as big as a Clydesdale, so they bred a smaller version."

Even the CD inside bears the stamp of Romani pride. "The CD itself is encrypted with the cover art," states Mr. Wildwood. "So this is indeed a collector's piece, a thing of beauty for the eyes as well as the ears." 

This CD collection has an even greater significance to the Romani people than just music, however. Mr Wildwood has formed a unique and special agreement with Europe's Children, the children's ministry branch of the Assembly of God Church. This agreement means Romani children will benefit from the sale of this CD. 

"We are working with the Assembly of God Church, and they represent the European people as far as children are concerned. But because of our people, the Romani people, they have made an exclusion that the funds will go to support Romani children in orphanages throughout Europe," explained Mr. Wildwood, and his voice cracked in his emotion while speaking of the children. "They (Europe's Children) also help Romani girls to get off the streets and into a home.They have missionaries in each of these countries that actually deliver food, clothes, medicine, and the most very important thing that they are teaching them is the word of God."

One way to support our brothers and sisters in Europe is to purchase Songs of Gypsies Past. It is available on Amazon.com for 14.95 and you may purchase it by following the link above. 

Another way to support our children in Europe is to donate to Europe's Children. It doesn't take much to help these children. Simply click on the link above and when you send in your donation, note that you would like your donation to assist Romani children. Help our Romani families overseas and purchase the CD or donate today. If you are Romani, claim your heritage and purchase the CD. If you are not Romani and want to experience the real deal, purchase the CD and help make a difference. 

And a closing message from Mr. Wildwood: 

"Paw-cheave-po-menga - to your happiness!"