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Ljova and the Kontraband -- is chamber-jam music for the "remix generation". As if by alchemy, Eastern-European and Gypsy melodies, Latin rhythms, Jazz-inspired improvisations, and deeply rooted Classical forms are given new meanings in original compositions that fearlessly forge a new direction, with a nostalgic gaze towards the past.
Since making its debut in June 2006, the ensemble has performed at venues such as New York's Museum of Modern Art, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where it was the opening musical guest of the Sundance@BAM Film Festival. The Kontraband is also a mainstay at New York's legendary venue Joe's Pub, and the Brooklyn-based club, Barbes.
Founded by the maverick film composer, arranger, and violist Lev 'LJOVA' Zhurbin --- hailed by Billboard magazine as "one of New York's fastest rising composers and instrumentalists" -- the ensemble also features his close collaborators on vocals, accordion, bass and percussion. Inspired by his collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Osvaldo Golijov, the Kronos Quartet, the rapper Jay-Z and others, Ljova's compositions dazzle with intricate textures, odd rhythms and lilting melodies, creating music that is both fresh and timeless.
The Kontraband's acclaimed debut CD, "Mnemosyne", was released in September 2008.
LJOVA AND THE KONTRABAND
Ljova, viola
Inna Barmash, vocals
Patrick Farrell, accordion
Mike Savino, bass
Mathias Kunzli, percussion
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Winner of Argentina's National Prize of the Arts Grant (Premio Fondo Naciónal de las Artes). Since Jofre Romarion arrived in New York from Argentina, the bandoneónista has taken his form of contemporary tango to some of the city’s most important venues such as Jazz Standard, City Center, and the New Jersey PAC. Jofre was asked to take part in Rosie O’ Donnell Live (NBC) sharing the stage with world-renowned stars such as Liza Minelli, Alanis Morissette, Gloria Estefan, The Lombard Twins. Jofre is currently writing music for his Jofre Romarion New Tango Quartet, performing the Astor Piazzolla's Concerto with symphonic orchestras all over the world and is member of the Fernando Otero Quartet, the Paquito D' Rivera Jazz Band, the Eternal Tango Orchestra, Tango Connection, Octavio Brunetti Quintet and other ensembles.Jofre began his musical studies at the National University of San Juan Argentina, where he studied piano, composition, before eventually deciding to dedicate himself to the bandoneón in 1999. In 2003, Juan Pablo gave his first performance at the 1st International Festival of Chamber Music in Mendoza, playing Bach solos and Piazzolla solos for bandoneon. In 2004 Jofre received a grant from San Juan Mar del Plata SA and Auditorium Juan Victoria to study under bandoneón master Daniel Binelli and Julio Pane in Buenos Aires. Binelli writes of Juan Pablo, “(he is a) incredible musician, blessed with excellent skills to play the bandoneón.”
JOFRE ROMARION NEW TANGO QUARTET
Juan Pablo Jofre Romarion, bandoneon
Octavio Brunetti, piano
Nick Danielson, violin
Pablo Aslan, bass
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Truly new music...I’ve been fortunate to see this group twice- once at Lincoln Center (waited in line on a cold evening) and again at a local t... MorePost Your Own! |
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Truly new music...
In response to Ljova and the Kontraband - Report this Comment
I’ve been fortunate to see this group twice- once at Lincoln Center (waited in line on a cold evening) and again at a local theater on here Long Island. All I can say is that Ljova and the Kontaband are pure energy and creativity. The pure genius of violist/composer Ljova cannot hide as he expresses himself though different time signatures and haunting melodies which are not easily forgotten. But who would want to? It is the personality of this ‘new music’ with roots in the old that makes it so exciting. The facial expressions of the upright bassist demonstrate the emotion he feels as he instinctively knows when to be heard upfront, to be a backdrop, or a strong creative support to the others. I cannot say enough about their percussionist Mathias Kunzli . Every time I have seen him perform it is like the first. He has so many methods of both making and enhancing rhythm. NEVER a dull moment. I love Inna’s deep vocals as she ‘plays’ with the band. Entices and releases...her vocals are a balance, never taking anything away from the strong instrumentals of this group. She is brilliant. And this band really demonstrates just how underrated the accordion is. I never thought such sounds would come from this instrument. For me Ljova and the Kontraband ~well all I can say in summary is that they are a total, fresh experience. I’ll be there.
cecelie
In response to JP Jofre New Tango Quartet - Report this Comment
It is a privilege to watch a musician who is himself transported by the music. Whatever plane Romarion ascends to, he graciously allows us to accompany him on the journey.
wawwww
In response to JP Jofre New Tango Quartet - Report this Comment
Juan Pablo is an incredible musician, so young and blessed with such a talent!It´s a pleasure to listen to him.
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