JORDAN WARAKSA – violin/vocals/guitar/banjo/mandolin:::::::::
NICK WARAKSA – piano/vocals/accordion/guitar/mandolin:::::::::
Chuck Lawton: Bass:::::::::
Scott Roush: Percussion
a PORCH-LIT CAROUSEL:::::::a piano and a violin echoing the influences of their classical roots, but intertwining the folk-like acoustics that you would hear from a distant porch that familiarizes its soul with that of an old trusty carousel.
KSA’s music has often been described by the metaphor, “A Porch lit Carousel” which is the title of their latest album. The piano and violin echo the influences of their classical roots, but intertwine the folk-like acoustics that you would hear from a distant porch that familiarizes its soul with that of an old trusty carousel.
KSA started out as musical duo of two brothers (Nick and Jordan Waraksa) that grew up together performing classical music. As a duo, they have recorded two full-length albums of original music and composed the award winning soundtrack for the Milwaukee 48hour Film Festival that went on to win a screening at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008.
Each graduating from both MIAD and The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with degrees in visual arts and music performance (Nick, Piano; Jordan, Violin), KSA’s founding members have no shortage of creative talent. Jordan has toured with professional orchestras in Italy during the summers of 2006 and 2007, while Nick has lent his composition skills to various ad campaigns including Alverno.edu.
In 2006, the duo expanded to a quartet with the addition of bassist Chuck Lawton and percussionist Scott Roush. With each addition, the group added new textures to their compositions including vocal layering and more ethereal musical improvisations that create a more interactive experience for the audience.
KSA’s music is diverse, and draw upon the acoustic instrumentation each member brings to the stage; violin, piano, acoustic guitar, accordion, upright bass, and a variety of percussion instruments that are both low-key and dynamic. The group sometimes describes their music as ‘Gypsy-Noir’, reflecting not only cultural touchtones of their music, but also as a statement of aesthetics both musically and visually. Their original compositions blur genres, combining classical elements with singer-songwriter, folk, bluegrass, blues and gypsy tango stylings.
As KSA continues to perform, they are currently working on a new full-length album due out in Spring of 2009. Produced by Chuck Lawton with KSA, the album features complex arrangements that are true to what audiences have been hearing live over the last several years - original music that defies convention performed by classically trained and extremely talented songwriters.
(photos by Nat Davauer - davauer.com)
Thanks for sponsoring the drinks on Saturday night. I had a good time. . . in spite of the kerfufle (that's technical term). I'm so happy! I'm so happy! I'm so very bloody happy! Yay!
By the way, I absolutely LOVED your yoga expo last night. It warmed the very cockles of my heart to know that you have been secretly paying close attention to my various moves. . . Your pops was right. You may not show it, but stuff goes into that lovely head of yours, bumps around for a while and suddenly comes spilling out when you least expect it. (Plus you looked aDORable!)
Ciao bambini! Ho bisognio escoltare il grupo tocare sua musica bellisisma! Vado al show de arte de Jordan questa sera nella MIAD....chi veddiamo dopo! Molto bacci e amore....
Wish we could see the show this weekend guys but we're playing in Oshkosh the same night, bummer we all wanted to go. Let us know when you have some more shows lined up!
Sir jordan, I shall probably be calling you sometime over spring break if that does you alright.
Musn't have to rush in the photographing, you understand.
Oh and come get some chocolate milk sometime geeez.
Hi, guys! Been a long time since we ran into you...Guess the last time was at a talent contest at The Coffee House (last year?). Anyway, first I want to thank you for the invite for your performance this Saturday. Unfortunately, our band is playing two gigs that day, so we won't be able to make it. But I do have to tell you how wonderful your tunes are! WOW! You are growing musically by leaps and bounds!
Do hope we manage to catch you sometime (or manage a double billing somewhere)!
Jan. 17 @ 7:00PM: Stravinsky's "L'Histoire du Soldat" ("The Soldier's Tale"); with Frank Almond; Zachary Cohen, bass; Mark Niehaus, trumpet; Megumi Kanda, trombone; Todd Levy, clarinet; Ted Soluri, bassoon; Tom Wetzel, percussion; and Jonathan Smoots narrator
Its gonna be REALLY tight.
