Becky Wexler (clarinet) Kinneret Sagee (clarinet) Eva Boodman (trumpet) Ryan Purchase (trombone) Randy Pierce (accordion, piano) Fern Lindzon (piano) Andy John (harmonica, bass) Lorie Wolf (drums)
Influences
Frank Zappa, Frank London, Jimi Hendrix, Aaron Alexander, Christian Dawid, David Krakauer, Josh Dolgin, Jason Rosenblatt and fellow Shtreiml wearers, Thelonius Monk, our shtetl grandmothers and grandfathers, our shtetl grandmother and grandfather's Roma neighbors, Lorie's cat Belly, Fern's impeccable dance moves, KlezKanada and Sandy and Hy Goldman.
Sounds Like
In the heart of creating a spiritual fusion of sound, The Lithuanians have combined forces to put fresh spins on tunes while still maintaining their traditional klezmer mother tongue: pickled herring, bagels & lox, and kugel meet Led Zeppelin, margaritas, and Nils Landgren to make beautiful harmonies on the streets of Harlem--make that Vilnius.
Growing out of a casual jam session at KlezKanada in the summer of 2005, The Lithuanian Empire has evolved into a contagiously energetic and innovative band that has just released its first album. The band's unique composition of members spans from East, West, and Central Canada; the Appalachian Mountains, and the Nation’s Capital of the United States.
Members come from a variety of musical backgrounds, and each adds their unique perspective to the music. Some received classical training at the finest institutions in North America, while others are highly respected and sought-after freelance musicians. What all members share is a deep love of klezmer, and the creativity and drive to take this traditional music in new directions.
Click below to listen to our interview on Klezmer Podcast.
.
BRIAN BENDER & THE WORLD BEATNIKS - "Urban Jungle" Original Reggae, Funk, Afrobeat, Calypso, Samba, Second Line compositions.
With special guests: Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce) Adam Deitch (John Scofield, Lettuce) Charles Neville (Neville Brothers) Jose Gonzalez (Bando Criollo)
BRIAN BENDER & LITTLE SHOP OF HORAS- "Eyn Velt" Original and traditional Jewish melodies blended with Latin, Caribbean, African and Middle Eastern rhythms.
With special guests: Frank London (Klezmatics, Hasidic New Wave) Alicia Svigals (Klezmatics, Mikveh) Stuart Brotman (Brave Old World) Charles Neville (Neville Brothers) Grant Smith (Klezmer Conservatory Band) Raquy Danziger (Raquy & The Cavemen) Backa Niang (Gokhi-Bi System)
Hey you nutty Lithuanians! It was awesome hearing you play this summer. When will we have the pleasure of extending the bounderies of the Empire to New York City?! Whenever you guys make it downtown I'll be there!
