Hershal Herscher - accordion
Nigel Gavin - mandolin, guitar, banjo, glissentar
Jon Ellis - soprano and tenor saxes, percussion
Linn Lorkin - lead vocal, melodica
Peter Scott - double bass
Influences
Hershal Describes the Jews Brothers Phenomenon
The Jews Brothers Band is klezmer in a sense in that it is an amalgam of influences some of which could be termed Jewish just as Eastern European music of the late 19th and early 20th century was an amalgam of much music of Eastern Europe including Jewish This mix was further diluted or enhanced, depending on your viewpoint, in New York City in the 1910s to 40s and became something new.
We like to think that we are continuing in this tradition with the Jews Brothers Band creating a new sound though now of course the entire planet is our source of inspiration. However, we also like to believe that the Jewish roots are still noticeable in everything we play. But mostly our sense of humour (we hope) is distinctly Jewish and is evident in both our music and live performance.
Nigel Gavin (guitar/mandolin) and myself both come from the New York City area where Jewishness pretty much pervades society. And just to prove my point, I offer as evidence a song recorded on our last CD called Dunkin' Bagels, written by an Afro-American, Slim Gaillard, also from New York City.
No you don't have to be Jewish to listen to The Jews Brothers Band, and most of our fans in fact are not! Thank you all you Goyim!
This ecclectic, eccentric, energetic band comprising two New Yorkers,
two Kiwis and a Londoner has become a legend in their home-base of New
Zealand and astounded audiences world-wide.They play, with insane
virtuosity, a combo of accordion, mandolin,banjo, double bass, saxes ,
melodica and zydeco wash-board and top it off with edgy vocal harmonies
and touches of vaudeville. Brilliantly re-invented traditionals and
their own wild swing originals ensure that whenever they hit the stage
a good time is had by all!
Profile Edited by Html-Codes.com MySpace Editor
