Les Yeux Noirs set to captivate with a flurry of rhythms

Anyone who wonders whether nature or nurture play the greatest role in our lives should look at violinist brothers Olivier and Eric Slabiak, founders of Les Yeux Noirs.

“My father had two brothers who were musicians. One uncle played violin for Django Reinhart. Another uncle was always looking for the roots of our family. One time he found a photograph and all the people in the picture were holding an instrument – a cello, violin, balalaika or guitar,” says Olivier Slabiak in a telephone interview direct from his Parisian home.

Les Yeux Noirs, translated as The Black Eyes, are an invigorating mix of Gypsy, Klezmer and Yiddish with plenty of good, old-fashioned jazz.

After a six-year absence, the French-based world sextet returns to the Arden Theatre on Friday, Feb. 27.

Since 1992, the brothers, French citizens of Polish-Russian ancestry, have blazed a trail many others followed. In their quest to promote the soul of Gypsy-Yiddish music, they have ignored political and geographical boundaries and opened our hearts to the dramatic and emotional touchstones of their heritage.

Four years ago, Les Yeux Noirs released their ninth album Tiganeasca, an energetic 14-track of nostalgia and celebratory charts.

A convergence of diverse ethnicities, it brought together the influences of Russian, Romanian, Balkan, Yiddish and Gypsy traditions.

Tiganeasca is a nostalgic flight into the social life of families and communities.

“This is the music you would play at Gypsy weddings or music that you would play at ceremonies. This is not stage music. It is more personal for private parties. It is the music of their life and it is very exciting.”

In addition, the sextet is introducing two lively dance songs from Moldavia – Sirba and Bronschele as well as the lullaby Kinder Yorn and a new track of Yiddish songs with an electronic vibe.

The Slabiak brothers grew up listening to the music of Eastern Europe and ties to their parent’s homelands remains strong.

Since both brothers were musically following in their ancestors’ footsteps, the parents enrolled them at the Brussels Royal Conservatory where they received prizes for virtuosity.

At about the time, the Slabiaks entered the market professionally, Paris underwent a musical renaissance where disaffected youth went in search of their musical roots. The brothers electrifying, often emotional music quickly found a niche.

Even after two decades of performing, recording and non-stop touring, the band continues to experiment with novel approaches – creating traditional East European melodies marinated with wild jazz jams, lilting reggae pulses or funky pop undertones.

Providing spirited support is drummer Aidje Tafial, bassist Julien Herne, accordionist Dario Ivkovic and guitarist Frank Anastasio.

“We travel all over the world and we look forward to returning to St. Albert.”