05/10/2026
The newest volume in our Tanz Muzik series takes on Odessa underworld classic “Lemonchiki” (“Lemons”) by multi instrumentalist and general genius, OMFO , Our Man From Odessa.
Originally an anthem of Jewish Odessa folklore, thieves, and mysteriously missing “lemons” (read: millions), the tune was famously popularized by Leonid Utyosov.
OMFO’s „Budjak Shpaner“ sends this charming rogue on a trip to the Budjak steppe, where Maqam Niqriz adds an augmented fourth, a darker mood, and considerably less confidence about where the melody is going. It´s all in the mish: Jewish folklore, Black Sea cabaret, and Near Eastern modes meet. And the lemons get seriously philosophical.
Out now on all major platforms!