Mahala Rai Banda is a gypsy band based in Bucharest. The band was formed by violinist and composer Aurel Ionita, who originates from a family of Lăutari from the village of Clejani. He is related to several members of Taraf de Haïdouks. The band plays Balkan-influenced music. Instrumentation used by the band includes violins, accordions, and other brass instruments performed by musicians from Zece Prăjini. Their music includes a mixture of traditional popular music and Balkan-influenced club music. Their music is known for its blend of arrangements, traditional elements, and modern approaches.
Mahala Rai Banda's self-titled debut album was recorded in 2004 in Bucharest, Romania. Additional production and mixing were carried out by Shantel and Marcus Darius in Frankfurt, Germany. The mix was done in collaboration with Ionita Aurel and Stéphane Karo. The album was released on Crammed Discs in early 2005.
Mahala Rai Banda's second album “Ghetto Blasters” was recorded in 2009 in Berlin, Germany and Bucharest, Romania. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Henry Ernst and Marc Elsner. The album was released on Asphalt Tango Records, in October 2009. The album climbed to 2nd place in the WorldMusic Charts Europe charts, and was voted amongst the top ten "Best Albums Of The Year 2009" by Songlines.
Achievements
Ever since the release of their debut album, Mahala Rai Banda's has performed over 200 concerts in 26 countries, and appeared at major festivals and clubs and concert halls. Their song "Mahalageasca" has appeared in British-American feature filmBorat, as well as in several other films and advertising campaigns. Their debut album climbed to Number 3 in the World Music Charts Europe Mahala Raï Banda have also had their tracks remixed and/or reworked by electronic music producers and artists such as Nouvelle Vague, Felix B, Balkan Beat Box, DJ Click, Russ Jones, Shantel and more. Most of these reworks appeared as part of the Electric Gypsyland albums. Mahala Raï Banda tracks have appeared on international compilations including "Buddha Bar", "Bucovina Club", "Balkan Bangers and Gypsy Beats", "Balearic Bisquits", "Balkanology", "Rough Guide to Eastern Europe", "Rromanu Suno", "Balkan Beats", "Barrio Latino", "Bar Gypsy", and others. The band's music was also featured in the soundtrack album of the film Borat. Mahala Rai Banda has also formed part of THE GYPSY QUEENS AND KINGS tour. since 2009, and have been featured on the 2011 platforming gameLittleBigPlanet 2.
