Taraf de Ha douks and Kocani Orkestar are undoubtedly two of the most famous Balkan Gypsy bands. Started in 1991 in a small Romanian village, Taraf de Ha douks is celebrating its 20th anniversary by launching a kind of Balkan big band, in which the 13 Taraf musicians and singers are joined by the 13 members of Macedonia's brassy Ko ani Orkestar. Band Of Gypsies 2, is a reference to the Taraf' milestone 2001 album, which included three tracks with Ko ani Orkestar. This more ambitious project sees the all-new repertoire written and performed by an impressive 26-piece orchestra, which explores all the two groups myriad contrasts. The swirling and fiery violins, cimbalums and accordions of Taraf de Ha douks, engage in exciting interplay with the mighty, funky brass and percussion of Ko ani Orkestar, covering Balkan elements from Romania, Macedonia and Serbia to Bulgaria, Turkey and beyond.