Album Notes

KLEZMERITIS main inspiration is Eastern European Jewish traditional celebration and dance music. The band draws on Jewish musical roots as well as Gypsy, Hungarian, Moldavian, Ukrainian, Greek, Turkish and Arabic modes and rhythms. As well as mainly traditional pieces, Klezmeritis includes on this first CD some fusions of the above styles.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, the band is led by violinist Ernie Gruner who has studied with Klezmatics’ Alicia Svigals, and at Klez Kamp San Fransisco and the Cracow Jewish cultural festival. He has also recorded and worked with Leo Rosner and Klezmania.
Accordionist Phil Carroll also plays for Jewish functions, but his main speciality is middle-eastern music which he studied overseas. This album includes him playing the zorna and the ney. The group started in 1996 and foundation double-bass player is Ron Hansen who previously also had experience with classical, gypsy and jazz music.

This album was recorded in 2000. Reviews include :
“ Played extraordinarily well by a very tight ensemble” - Klezmershack website
Annual Critics Poll mention 2000 - Folk Roots Magazine (England)
“Playing is superb throughout” - Canberra Times

Klezmeritis have played at festivals around Australia including Woodford, Port Fairy, National Folk, Fairbridge and others. They have appeared on national television program “Spicks and Specks” as well as interview/performances on national radio including “The Deep End”.