Sanda Weigl: Romanian Gypsy Jazz

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"To call Sanda’s voice 'powerful’ would be an understatement...Her interpretations are dramatic, even theatrical, but never 'over the top’...If you’re a fan of vocal ethnic music of any sort, that’s something you don’t want to miss." - Bill Tilland (BBC World)

Sanda Weigl's life is larger than the gypsy lore reflected in her songs. As outspoken politically as she is uncompromising musically, Romanian singer-songwriter Sanda first achieved fame as a teen-age member of Team 4, East Germany's most popular rock band of the 1960s. After publicly denouncing communism and Russia's invasion of Czechoslovakia, she was banned from performing and sentenced to two years in an East Berlin prison.

Sanda’s interpretations communicate the vibrant life force inherent in the repertoire of Romanian Gypsy Jazz songs with emotion and craft.  Compared to french legend  Edith Piaf, a cross between Tom Waits and Cesaria Evora,  and German vocal visionary Dagmar Krause, Sanda draws from her entangled heritage to create music steeped in traditions yet, very much Sanda and, of the moment.

Since relocating to New York in the early nineties, Sanda has performed her singular renditions to critical acclaim throughout the United States, Mexico, Poland, Germany, Israel, and an especially triumphant series of concerts in her native Romania. Sanda and The Band  - Shoko Nagai - piano, accordion, arrangements, Stomu Takeishi - bass and Satoshi Takeishi - percussion,  embark on a US tour in Spring 2009.