Her Voice Still Haunts Me...In a Good Way

by Doug MacRostie

The band name Roma Di Luna translates to 'Gypsies of the Moon' - the name is a mish-mash of different languages and cultures; 'Roma' references the gypsy life-style and the sound in Eastern European folk music, and 'Di Luna' meaning 'the moon' in European and American cultures. This combining of cultures and styles serves as a perfect name to represent the unique and exciting sound that is Roma Di Luna, who take influences from all over the world and combine them into a new style of folk song story telling.

I am very excited to have Channy and Alexei Moon Casselle of Roma Di Luna on Centerstage MN this Thursday night at 6 on KAXE. Husband and wife, Alexei and Channy are the songwriting core of RDL. When I heard their debut release Find Your Way Home back in 2007 I was floored - such moving and compelling vocals with a genuine, bare-bones style of 'new old music.' For their latest release Casting the Bones they expanded to a full band which only served to enhance and elevate the sound further into new sonic territory. Channy's beautifully haunting vocals combined with Alexei's songwriting create a truly original sound that I look forward to talking with them about.

I've also got music from the highly anticipated Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank album Traveling Show which can be pre-ordered at HoboNephews.com. They definitely have a good thing going on and their new CD will be vying for my "MN Album of the Year."

Also, Mason Jennings forthcoming release Blood of Man has arrived at the KAXE Studios, and we'll hear a song off that. Mason has turned up the rock on this new album, but still has his distinct sound and style.

If you missed last weeks show, use these links to listen to my conversation with John Wozniak of Marcy Playground about the new CD Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage and you can listen to my conversation with Matt Ray and Rich Mattson about I.R.O.M.A. and the music scene on the Iron Range.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.