MP3 John Sanders - Gypsy Reeds, Strings & Skins

A unique blend of clarinet, accordion, acoustic bass and Egyptian tabla performing folk and jazz drawing on Gypsy, French Musette, Klezmer, Brazilian Choro, Latin and Middle Eastern styles.

11 MP3 Songs in this album (53:21) !
Related styles: WORLD: World Fusion, JAZZ: Gypsy Jazz

People who are interested in Al Di Meola Astor Piazzolla Paquito D’Rivera should consider this download.


Details:
Iâve been working as a jazz pianist for about 15 years. Iâve always had an interest in other instruments and have played much guitar, bass, Japanese koto, harmonica, melodica, etc. over the years.

Two years ago I served as musical director for our collegeâs production of Cabaret. The score is written for accordion throughout, but there is one tune at the end of the first act that really demands it. We had no accordionist, so I picked up a cheap used one online and learned the tune. Iâve been playing the accordion ever since.

The Gypsy Reeds, Strings and Skins project began with open-ended accordion and Egyptian tabla jams in my basement. George and I have a similar approach to time and groove and whenever one of us would start on something, the other could naturally jump right in. Georgieâs Maksoum, Uncomfortable Friend and most of the La Partida arrangement came from these jams. I met George, by the way, through my wifeâs work in the Seattle Belly Dance community. (Search: Dahlia Belly Dance Seattle)

Saul and I have known each other since college in the mid-90âs and have talked about doing an atypical project for a long time. Weâve tossed around combinations of ukulele, clarinet, guitar, chromonica, melodica, mandolin⦠When the jams with George were starting to turn into songs, I knew Saul and the clarinet were going to be perfect for the melodies. Saul is one of the most melodic people I know.

I know Jon from my grad school and adjunct faculty days at Central Washington University. He teaches applied bass there. Weâve played in a variety of settings over the years and I knew his creativity would fit right into this project.

Weâre planning a CD release party in late summer of 2009. Please follow my links to my website or myspace page and send me a message. Iâll get you on the mailing list and keep you up to date!

Best,
John