Results for "Dave Hofstra bass"

Metropolitan Klezmer

Active since: March 30, 1994

Metropolitan Klezmer, founded in 1994, is the collaborative adventure of seven exceptional New York-based musicians creating inspired interpretations and original compositions around a panorama of traditionally eclectic Yiddish repertoire. The band was formed by drummer/Yiddish film scholar EvevSicular with multi-talented world music artists Ismail Butera (accordion) and Michael Hess (violin, neyflutes, kanun zither) plus ubiquitous downtown bass and tuba treasure Dave Hofstra, and originallyvfeatured klezmer legend Howie Leess (b. 1920) on clarinet & tenor sax. Since their debut at John Zorn'sNew Jewish Music Fest, the group has expanded to include vocalist Melissa Fogarty and a dynamic hornsection: Debra Kreisberg (clarinet/alto sax), Pam Fleming (trumpet/fluegelhorn), and Reut Regev(trombone). Former members also include Steve Elson (reeds) and Rick Faulkner (trombone). Collectively, their experiences span genres from Albanian to Zydeco as well as jazz, Latin, classical,funk, ska and many other styles. Individually, Metropolitan Klezmer players have worked with suchdiverse artists as Bonnie Raitt, The Toasters, Bill Frisell, Toshi Reagon, Juan Carlos Formell, Indigo Girls,Burning Spear, Amy Sedaris, Max Roach, Rufus Wainwright, Nora York, and the Microscopic Septet, aswell as Jewish music performers from the Klezmatics and Andy Statman to David Krakauer, Sephardicstars Alhambra and SF's Charming Hostess. To quote Seth Rogovoy (The Essential Klezmer),Metropolitan Klezmer is "distinguished by just plain great, versatile ensemble playing... exuberant spiritand wit."