Fishtank Ensemble offers a unique blend of up-tempo Gypsy, Balkan and klezmer tunes and original compositions--and a rollicking good time! From the smokey cafes of Bucharest to the Gypsy caravans of yesterday, this 7-piece group evokes the spirit of a past age with the sounds of tomorrow.
Their arrangements are always surprising, and include instruments from many countries, from flamenco-style guitar to the Japanese shamisen. You may not know what to call the result ("acoustic traditional/eclectic" comes close), but it will have you smiling and toe-tapping.
Recently the band launched a tour of the US West Coast promoting its first full length CD, entitled Super Raoul, released in November 2005. Sound clips are available on the band's web site http://www.fishtankensemble.com.
Fishtank Ensemble formed in January 2004 and is based in Oakland and Santa Cruz, California. The Gypsy violin of Fabrice Martinez is the backbone of the sound, and has to be heard to be believed. Originally from France, Fabrice spent seven years criss-crossing Europe in a mule-drawn caravan learning and playing folk music with the ensemble "Croque Mule." Much of that time was spent living in Romania, often in Gypsy (Romani) villages.
The band also features the voice of the talented and beautiful Ursula Knudsen, "The Swedish Nightingale" (or is that Jenny Lind?), who when she isn't playing the saw or violin, sings everything from cabaret to art song. There is nothing ordinary about this band--so check them out!