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Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars

Frank London

Biography

In the early 19th Century, before the transformation of Israel, the deterioration of the old traditions of Yiddish and East European Jews, and the migration to the new worlds in search of new beginnings, there was a notorious band known as "Di Shikere Kapelye" (" The Inebriated Orchestra" aka the "Band of Drunks"). This group of musicians gave birth to the soul of klezmer and gave klezmorim their imperishable bad reputation. There is very little information that is solid fact behind this story; however, the few facts we do know come from either oral accounts that were passed down through friends and families of perhaps the original band members, or from court records of irate clients and rigid governments who pressed charges against the wild band. They were often asked to perform but never invited to stay, perhaps due to the spontaneous musical collaborations in the main plazas of various towns after all the bars and pubs had closed.
As the group eventually became known more for their rebellious behaviour than for their musical talents, many members separated from the original band and formed new bands that mixed dizzy sounds and undefined dances. Their far-reaching repertoire became a strong influence for the future of klezmorim, original styles of which failed to surface until a number of extraordinary brass musicians were brought together by Frank London. The group of musicians met in the bar of New York City's Knitting Factory to combine their knowledge, history and talents and discuss creating magical music together. They threw back several cocktails in memory of the old traditions and uncovered secrets and tales of the incredible lost sounds. Alas, "Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars" were born.

Discography

Frank LondonView More

Di Shikere Kapelye

Piranha CD-PIR1467

Frank LondonView More

Brotherhood Of Brass

Piranha CD-PIR1683

Frank LondonView More

Carnival Conspiracy

Piranha CD-PIR1902