SisterMonk combines multicultural rhythms, imaginative songs and the inventiveness of a classically-trained trombonist, for a transportive live experience. Singer/djembe-player Kathleen Deane ignites this spirited ethnofusion.
"...art must be understood in its aboriginal sense of healing." Jose Arguelles
(What is Gypsy-Funk?)
SisterMonk's "Gypsy-Funk" is original acoustic world-music, from the Pacific Northwest. Djembe, guitar, trombone, and bass join in a spirited ethnofusion, with stirring vocals. Jody Rubel's multicultural soundscapes (Middle-East, Brazil, Spain) form an imaginative topography. The fusion of traditions and talents includes Kathleen Deane, vocalist & djembe-player, and classically-trained trombonist David Ritt.
On tour, SisterMonk meets a diversity of listeners who feel renewed by their music. SisterMonk has been noted by Luaka Bop and Triloka Records. Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista (who has toured with Sting, Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon, and Milton Nascimento) encouraged them on an independent path.
Review (Banyen Books and Sound)
"Here's something aesthetically and ecstatically different! SisterMonk is a Whidbey Island-based group that plays all original compositions in a style they call 'gypsy funk.' Kathy Deane, the supple backbone of the group, is djembe-diva, subtle guitarist and soulful vocalist; Jody Rubel on guitar and lyrics; David Ritt on improv tenor & alto trombones and bass trumpet; and Erick Rubel plays chi-qong-inspired tribal bass. Beautiful liner notes and cover designed by Deborah Koff-Chapin, creator of SOULCARDS feature complete lyrics of all the songs. This is friendly, sometimes fierce, often transporting contemporary music whose lyrics are really worth listening to! Some long instrumental journeys take us around and inside the mountain, then the poetic lyrics return to carry the human story onward... The refreshing young energy of this group carries a spiritual message that will bear repeated listening with increasing pleasure and wonder. Among the song titles are 'Winged Joy,' 'Upsided,' 'Samba is my home,' and 'Microbial Sea.''
"SisterMonk provided us with a wonderful evening of instrumental power, mystical rhythm, and soulful verse. We were grateful as well that they spoke to the mission of the evening, but from their personal perspective, giving it all the more meaning." -(Kim Winters, The Songbird Foundation)
"The music is the message/
It's the highest order/
There can be no ice/
No ice without water/
Our true nature is joyous, eternal."
"I enjoyed what I heard very much. I would appreciate hearing more." - Mitchell Markus, President, Triloka Records
SISTERMONK BIO
In 1999, Jody Rubel and Kathleen Deane formed SisterMonk Harem, later joined by trombonist David Ritt and Heather Woods.
Born in Queens, NY, Kathleen moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she discovered a sustaining and creative connection with nature. Kathy is the supple backbone of SisterMonk Harem. A powerhouse performer, she sings and plays djembe, guitar & bells in the breath of a single song. Her voice is poetical, political and lyrical.
Travels in the Andes in his early twenties led Jody to become a guitarist. For ten years he has sounded this devotion, keeping an open mind with yoga and zen. Constantly creative, Jody draws on rhythms from every culture of the world. His lyrics have the strange beauty of dreams & moments of deep reflection.
David joined the Seattle Symphony two decades ago, as its second-youngest premiere member. He encountered SisterMonk performing on the street, and was impressed with their level of accomplishment. He has since brought his own melodic flair to the collaboration. David plays unique horns, like the bass-trumpet, created for Wagner's opera "The Ring."
SMH tours on both coasts. In New York, they recently appeared at the Open Center, Le Bar Bats, Tower Records, Borders Books, and the Knitting Factory. Closer to Seattle, they have performed at the Northwest Folklife Festival, Hempfest, Bastyr University, Evergreen State College, The Vashon Earth Faire, the Whidbey Institute, the Heartwood Institute, and numerous other engagements.
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