Concert Review - Circa Paleo @ So Cal Renaissance Faire

While attending the Golden Jubilee of the Southern California Renaissance Faire, I happened upon a performance of a music group who were playing some seriously entertaining ethnic folk music, with an energetic young lady sawing a smoking hot violin lead. I was on my way to another event at Faire at the moment, but I made a note of their name. A few weeks later, I specifically went back to the Ren Faire just to catch a full set from Circa Paleo, and I am so glad I did.

This foursome from Austin, Texas plays a wonderful blend of exotic folk music from the four corners of the earth. Indeed, the self-described definition of their name is "around the world in approximate times". During the final set on the closing day of the Renaissance Faire, the audience were treated to music from Ireland, the Balkans and even a piece from the era of the Vikings.

As you can see and hear, this is a group of musicians who play complex arrangements of world music incredibly well together. It was the sound of Jenny O'Connor's violin which attracted my ear upon first hearing them. You can hear an excellent example of this from one of the best pieces Circa Paleo played during the set; "Shikee, Shikee Baba" from their debut album, Eleven Lives.

During the concert, there were calls from the audience for Circa Paleo to play "Kashmir". Fortunately, this wasn't the Ren Faire equivalent of hollering "Play Freebird!", as the group does in fact cover the Led Zeppelin classic on their album, Roseland.

As you can hear, Circa Paleo's version of this legendary staple of classic rock radio makes perfect sense, with its gypsy-esque arrangement revealing so much more of the nature and origins of the piece from the well-known original.

To say I was impressed by Circa Paleo's live performance would be an understatement. The songs heard during their vivacious 45 minute set were more than enough reason to pick up their complete discography from their merch cart. (*Note to other bands: Having a gypsy belly dancer selling your wares from a merch cart is a very good idea, even if you don't play this brand of music.) There is something truly magical about their arrangements and explorations of folk sounds from across the globe, and as you can see it was inspiring enough to many in the audience to get up and dance.

Circa Paleo is very active on the Ren Faire circuit which is in full swing right now. If you are seeking out something new and exotic to fill your ears, I encourage you to travel to Circa Paleo's website to see if they will be playing in your area and by all means acquaint yourself with their three albums.

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