Eric and Olivier Slabiak were both classically trained on the violin at the Brussels Conservatory, but when these Jewish brothers discovered the American klezmer revival, they fell in love with the music. Soon they became equally enamored of the Gypsy music that shared so much with Eastern European klezmer and with the jazz created by Belgian Gypsy Django Reinhardt. Seeking a way to tie all these interests together, the Slabiak brothers 10 years ago formed Les Yeux Noirs (the Black Eyes), an octet named after a traditional Gypsy tune made famous by Reinhardt in the '30s.

Their mastery of these related genres as well as their intact enthusiasm is evident on their latest album, "Live." The twin fiddles lead the way, blazing their way through the traditional Gypsy song "Sanie cu Zurgale" and the French children's song "L' Aloutte." But just as often, the Slabiak brothers slow things down to savor the three-part harmonies on the Yiddish lament "Rozinkhes" and the Gypsy ballad "Lluba."

Marian Miu plays the cimbalom-the Eastern European dulcimer-to ring out the spry dance rhythms of "Hora ca la Caval." Drummer Aidje Tafial plays the dumbek  to emphasize the Middle Eastern underpinnings of "Balamouk." Francois Perchat's cello and Constantin Bitica's accordion bring out the thick, lower harmonies in "Tchaye." What makes it all work is superb technique, a sure grasp of each style and a passion that obviously connects with the responsive audience. With 18 tracks drawn from all their studio albums and all their styles, "Live" is the best possible introduction to Les Yeux Noirs.
                                                                              -Geoffrey Himes