Romany, the language of gypsies, says that "Balval" means "Wind." That's a pretty good description for the music of this four-person group. Wind will do everything from tickle your ears to knock you flat. While I don't understand much more than the single word of Romany, I'd say the group was quite aptly named.

Le Ciel Tout Nu (The Naked Sky) is a single-disc release of 12 songs spanning 55 minutes. Ball is a French group that derives its inspiration from Romany (Gypsy) poetry and has moved those poetic verses to song.

For such a rich sound, I was surprised the group is so small. The band features Rosalie Hartog with a spicy voice and violin; Benjamin Body with vocals and electric bass; Bachar Khalife on vocals and cymbals; Awena Burgess on vocals; and Daniel Mizrahi on both electric and acoustic guitar.

Their lead singer, Awena Burgess, has a strong range that evokes smoky evenings lit by firelight. The music itself is a blend of traditional and electric. Of course, the violin is strong in the mix, but you can also hear an electric bass and guitar blending smoothly into the music. Percussion is spare, primarily cymbals and simple drumming, but it's enough to get you on your feet.

This exotic blend of songs is well worth putting on for a romantic evening or to spice up a cold, rainy day.

If you're like me and don't know a word of Rom, Balval has kindly included liner notes with the translations. "Nina," the sixth song, is not about a woman but a Romany lullaby. This is really different from the "sleep in heavenly peace" I think of when I hear the word lullaby.

Hush-a-by my little boy,
Go to sleep full of wisdom,
Hush-a-by my little girl,
There's gold in your hands.

Hush-a-by my little boy,
You will become rich,
Hush-a-by my little ones,
May luck be with you
And with all of us.