Jan. 20, 2015 The Kleztraphobix!

 squared-Kleztraphobix-large-hirezThe Kleztraphobix are an exciting band committed to creating new klezmer featuring their own compositions mixed with the traditional, incorporating everything from free jazz to Macedonian folk tunes to produce a sound that is fearless and invigorating.

The individual musicians of the Kleztraphobix are Psachya Septimus (accordian), Rich Melnikoff (drums/percussion), Ron Caswell (tuba), Michael Cohen (clarinet) and Jordan Hirsch (trumpet). The Kleztraphobix have brought their high energy brand of music to concert settings, from Maine to Washington D.C. and the “Borscht Belt”. They frequently perform in NYC clubs, such as the Knitting Factory, Tonic, Don’t Tell Mama’s, Otto’s Shrunken Head, CBGB’s Gallery and the Sidewalk Café. Highlights include, The Yiddish Radio Project, Portuguese Fado singer Fatima Santos, special tribute shows to Shlomo Carlebach, and a number of collaborations with famed Cantor Ben Tzion Miller.

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 the So What Brass, and Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars.

Kleztraphobix is one of the most exciting bands on the contemporary Klezmer scene.
While firmly entrenched in Klezmer tradition, Kleztraphobix draws on the diverse musical experience of its members to create a fresh, vibrant expression of the art of Klezmer.

REVIEWS

“This is real New York klezmer with attitude: tight, loud, driving, and delightful.” Ari Davidow, Klezmershack

“What a great band. You guys kick A**! No, you guys are really amazing.”

Susan Hoffman Watts, Trumpeter and Vocalist

“Another Bottle of Vodka should give Kleztraphobix the better recognition it deserves and should place the group where it belongs, namely in the top tier of modern klezmer groups”
Michael Atelson, Program Host, WMPG FM, Portland, ME

“I loved it, great musicians and risky Klez behavior… track number fourteen reminds me of a Jewish Version of Ghost Riders in the Sky.”
Cookie Siegelstein, violinist

“It’s fresh and exciting, and it sounds great on air. You’ve got a really hot sounding group with a cool name.”
Barry Reisman, Program Host, WNRW AM 1540, Philadelphia, PA.