“We don’t actually like Klezmer!” is a jocular remark sometimes heard during the AKB’s very lively rehearsals. This reflects the fact that the group doesn’t worship tradition. Rather than a historically correct performance practice, the AKB prefers a living fusion of Klezmer and Eastern European music, mixed with equal parts of street vibe and jazz mentality.
In recent years the AKB has been involved in all sorts of side projects. Festivals were organised, tours were undertaken with other bands, guest vocalists were hired. Notwithstanding the inspiration these activities generated, the AKB now wanted to create a new album that marks a return to the good ol’ live vibe, full of the vibrant energy which in the past caught the attention of passers-by and made them dance. Forget everything you think you know about Klezmer and traditional Eastern European music: with ‘Son’ De Amsterdam Klezmer Band formulates a sparkling speech for acoustic tunes, a groovy update of an age-old tradition. Fifteen new compositions and one new arrangement of a traditional melody. Featuring: Job Chajes - alto saxophone; Janfie van Strien -clarinet, sopranino saxophone (4); Gijs Levelt – trumpet; Joop van der Linden - trombone, percussion (2), baritone (3,11); Theo van Tol – accordion; Jasper de Beer - double bass; Alec Kopyt - percussion, vocals (2, 6, 11)
