New York based PARADOX TRIO creates original music inspired by Eastern
European, Balkan, Gypsy and downtown traditions. In the last seven years the
quartet has toured and played major festivals throughout the U.S., Europe
and Canada. The group's dynamic performances and approach cut across
stylistic and geographic boundaries creating an unusual and eclectic sound,
redefining the concept "world beat". GAMBIT, their fourth CD, is now out on the ENJA label
(Munich)and features the Bulgarian kaval virtuoso, Theodosii Spassov. Their third Knitting
Factory Records CD, Source, explores the common ground between Balkan and Klezmer
music. Their second CD, Flying at a Slant is regarded as a work that gives voice
to a truly organic fusion of several idioms - unifying the high energy,
complex rhythms and oriental modes of Balkan and Rom (gypsy) music with jazz
composition and improvisation. Their 1st CD Paradox Trio was nominated for
the prestigious 1996 German critics prize. The group features Matt on two
unique and lyrical Bulgarian instruments, the Kaval (end-blown flute, like
the Arabic ney) and the Gaida (bagpipe) as well as saxes and
clarinets. With Brad Shepik on guitars, Rufus Cappadocia ..o and Seido
Salifoski on dumbek, Paradox Trio has written and performed live music
scores for the silent films Battleship Potemkin (Eisenstein), Un Chien
Andalou (Bunuel/Dali) and Isaac Babel’s Benya Krik about a famous Jewish
gangster in Odessa in revolutionary Russia. ***********************************************
BALLIN' THE JACK
The new project of veteran New York eclectic reedman, Matt Darriau, creates new interpretations of music from the early swing era. The four horn (seven-piece) Ballin’ The Jack, plays music of the ‘20's & ‘30's with an emphasis on Ellington, Basie, John Kirby and some of the jazz roots of R&B. While the players pay detailed attention to the original orchestrations and intent, these unique periods in jazz provide a creative platform for the band's spontaneous interpretations and interactions, allowing them to explore ways in which early swing, with its often through composed and unusual forms, can inspire contemporary "open" musicians - especially early Ellington, who was working before standard conventions in jazz were established. This crew of established "downtown" players stay inside the lines drawn by their earlier counterparts, but don't always color with the same crayons. The result is a far more lively and relevant aesthetic than your average repertory orchestra. Members: MATT DARRIAU, ANDY LASTER -reeds, FRANK LONDON - trp, CUTIS HASSELBRING - tbn, ANTHONY COLEMAN - piano, JOE FITZGERALD - bass, GEO SCHULLER - drums *****************************************
DISASTRO TOTALE (Matt Darriau/Yuri Lemeshev): A recent collaboration with accordionist Yuri Lemeshev (GOGOL BORDELO), thi s high energy duo explores Russian, Klezmer, European and South American repertoire as well as original compositions utilizing the the complex modes and rhythms, wallowing in the range of Balkan emotional excesses, from profound sorrow to improbable goofiness. Laugh, cry, get carried away: it's ok. You're in Balkan company! The DUO has done numerous tours in Europe and has 1 CD on Totale Records.
Influences
Balkan, Jazz, Jew, 78rpm, Johnny Hodges, John Kirby, Africa, Turkey, miles
Sounds Like
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KLEZMATICS GRAMMY WINNER!!!!
Saxophonist, clarinetist, ethnic-woodwind specialist and composer MATT DARRIAU has made several innovative contributions to the New York music scene. His background in the fertile and eclectic milieu of the New England Conservatory of Music's Third Stream Program in the early 80's, and the continued practice of Balkan, Klezmer and Celtic folk idioms, have helped shape his esthetic and passion for creating new and unusual music. He is active as composer-musician in the KLEZMATICS, DESASTRO TOTALE, BALLIN' THE JACK (avant-swing septet - 2 CD’s on KF records) the new celtic band Whirligig, Roberto Rodriguez Septet(Tzadik), FRANK LONDON'S Klezmer Brass Allstars and his recently formed and the Recycled Waltz Orchestra. He has been awarded grants and commisions from the NEA, Chamber Music America (2005) and is a regular in New York’s downtown jazz scene. ***********
Originally from Seattle, guitarist BRAD SHEPIK has toured the world and
recorded with Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band, Joey Baron’s Killer Joey,
Pachora, Dave Douglas' Tiny Bell Trio and Simon Shaheen. ***********
Canadian-born cellist RUFUS CAPPADOCIA is much sought after in the downtown
new music scene with his unique approach on his self-designed 5-string
electric cello, employing extended bass and cello techniques. He has played exstensively with Dave Fiuzcynski, renowned Greek instrumentalist Ross Daly, the new dance/music hit Urban Tap with Tamango and Keba Cissoko. ***********
Macedonian-born percussionist and dumbek virtuoso SEIDO SALIFOSKI plays
music from his Rom (Gypsy) lineage and Balkan traditions. He is the
foremost dumbek player in the New York area and has performed extensively
for the past 12 years with leading Eastern European and N.Y. artists
including Bulgarian clarinetist Ivo Papazov, Omar Faruk, Tarkan and has
recorded and toured with Yuri Yanakov (Bulgarian wedding band). ***********
