MELISSA BLOCK, host: Since the overthrow of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989, Romania has      been trying to establish its musical identity.  The country has strong      folk and Gypsy traditions and a group called Shukar Collective is      blending those sounds with modern influences.  Chris Nickson has a review      of the group's debut CD called "Urban Gypsy."</s>MELISSA BLOCK, host: CHRIS NICKSON reporting:</s>MELISSA BLOCK, host: When generations collide, occasionally something magical happens.  It      certainly has for Romania's loosely knit Shukar Collective.</s>NICKSON: Young musicians from Bucharest's dance and electronic scene      teamed with a band of Gypsy performers in the arcane rural usari or bear      tamer tradition.  It's a style that originated centuries ago when the      Tartans and Mongols invaded the country.  The results of this      collaboration can be startling, a mix of electronic beats and samples,      traditional percussion and soulful, guttural singing.</s>NICKSON: The three usari musicians, the oldest of whom is 62, used to      make their living in the villages.  They sang and played spoons or hit      wooden barrels with rocks while a declawed bear danced around them.      While no longer working with the bear, they're still playing barrels and      spoons, staying true to their roots in a thoroughly modern setting.</s>NICKSON: That's perfectly illustrated on "Malademna," where      pain-stripping vocals careen over a tense rhythmic bed until the total      effect becomes hair-raising.</s>NICKSON: Sound shapers Lucian Stan and Dan Handrabur deserve credit, and      they've treated usari music with the respect it deserves, but they've      also made it relevant to a generation whose gathering place is the dance      floor rather than the village square.  Together the members of Shukar      Collective have created something distinctive.  With the CD "Urban      Gypsy," Romania's folk music has firmly entered the 21st century.</s>MELISSA BLOCK, host: The music is from Shukar Collective, our critic is Chris Nickson.
Romania's Shukar Collective brings together young musicians from Bucharest's dance and electronic scene and a group of older Gypsy performers from the rural usari or "bear tamer" tradition. Together they make modern music with a traditional Romanian soul. Chris Nickson has a review of their CD Urban Gypsy.