Album Notes

The Kleztraphobix are one of the most exciting Bands on the Contemporary Klezmer scene. While firmly entrenched in the Klezmer tradition, the Kleztraphobix draw on the diverse musical experiences of its member musicians to create a fresh, vibrant expression of the art of Klezmer.

The individual musicians of the Kleztraphobix are Psachya Septimus (accordion), Rich Melnikoff (drums/percussion), Ron Caswell (tuba), Mike Cohen (clarinet) and Jordan Hirsch (trumpet). Individually and collectively, they have performed with such famed organizations as:
Duke Ellington Band, New York City Opera, Little Orchestra Society, Orchestra of St. Lukes, Bermuda Philharmonic, They Might Be Giants, the Flying Karamazov Brothers (Broadway), Our State Fair (Broadway), Urinetown (Broadway), Max Roach and the So What Brass, Frank London's Klezmer Brass All-Stars , Yiddish Radio Project and too many others to list.

A great love for the rich repertoire of Eastern European Klezmer informs their music, while their eclectic experiences propel them to expand their musical language, incorporating everything from Macedonian folk tunes to free improvisation. The Kleztraphobix are committed to creating new Klezmer music, and often feature the original compositions of the members of the band. This balance of tradition and modernity creates an invigorating, exciting, musical experience. The Kleztraphobix have brought their high energy brand of music to concert settings from Maine to Washington D.C., in addition to performing at a number of clubs in and around NYC, such as the Knitting Factory, Tonic, Don't Tell Mama's, Otto's Shrunken Head, CBGB's Gallery, Sidewalk Cafe, etc. There have also been sightings of Kleztraphobix performing in the "Borscht Belt". They have performed special tribute shows to Shlomo Carlebach, and have had a number of collaborations with famed Cantor BenTzion Miller.

Having just completed their new CD, the Kleztraphobix are looking forward to its release.