Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams
| Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams | |
|---|---|
 Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams at Roots on the River Festival, Bellows Falls, VT. June 9, 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Sleepy Hollow, NY |
| Genres | Folk-rock |
| Instruments | Guitar, harmonica, mandolin, accordion, flute, piccolo, theremin, cello, bass, percussion |
| Years active | 1998 - present |
| Labels | High Noon |
| Website | www.slambovia.com |
| Members | Joziah Longo, Sharkey McEwen, Tink Lloyd, Eric Puente |
| Notable instruments | |
| theremin, slide mandolin | |
Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, aka The Grand Slambovians, is a Hudson Valley, New York based band,[1] which was founded in Sleepy Hollow in 1998. The band's music is a form of Folk rock and is sometimes described as "Hillbilly Pink Floyd,"[2] or "Punk Classical Hillbilly Floyd." Their latest album, "A Box of Everything", was released April 1, 2014, on the Red River Entertainment label.[3]
The band regularly plays the major folk music venues, coffeehouses and music festivals in the Northeastern, and East North Central United States often to sold out crowds. They also tour in other regions of the United States, including California and Florida. In August 2008 they made their first appearance outside of North America, at the Rhythm Festival in England. Their reception there was so enthusiastic that they were invited back for the 2009 festival, as well as several other UK festivals in the summer of 2009.[4]
The flavor of the band is best captured by a live concert, or by one of their live recordings. The band is noted for the dedication and support shown by their fans.[5] Some fans travel hundreds of miles to attend concerts.[6] A high point of the year for many fans are the Grand Slambovian Hillbilly Pirate Balls, annual costumed events held in London and New York in the run-up to Halloween.[7]
Members
The band's current lineup is:
- Joziah Longo - lead vocals, guitar, harmonica
- Sharkey McEwen - lead guitar, backing vocals, mandolin
- Tink Lloyd - accordion, cello, flute, piccolo, theremin, backing vocals.
- Eric Puente - drums and percussion
Tony Zuzulo was a founding member of the group and the band's drummer from 1998 to January 2012. In past lineups Joziah and Tink's twin sons, Chen and Orien Longo, played bass and keyboards with the band. Both later left the band to attend college - Chen in September 2009 and Orien in September 2010. They still play with the band on special occasions, such as the annual Extraterrestrial Hillbilly Pirate Balls.
History
In the late 1980s and early 1990s Joziah, Tink, and Sharkey were members of a progressive rock band called The Ancestors, which released 3 albums.
- The Ancestors (1988)
- The Enemies Dance (1991)
- Brigadoon (1994)
Tracks on Brigadoon were produced by Eddie Kramer.
Other members of The Ancestors included Bob Muller (of the Trey Gunn Band), and Alistair Farrant.[8]
The Ancestors had some degree of success but the band broke up in 1995, and they took a hiatus from the music industry. During that hiatus Joziah and Tink took courses in computer graphic design and video production at the Westchester Arts Workshop[9] and met Tony Zuzulo, who was one of their instructors. In 1998 they formed The Circus and added Tony when they discovered that he had been a bar band drummer.[10]
Discography
Year Title Comments 1999 A Good Thief Tips His Hat Studio recording 2000 Live from WDST - Acoustic Breakfast Live recording. Out of print. 2000 Suddenly It's Christmas CD single. 2001 Live at the Towne Crier Live recording. Out of print, but available from iTunes. 2004 Flapjacks from the Sky Studio recording 2005 A Night at the Puppet House Live recording. 2005 The Christmas Show 2004 Live recording. 2005 Flapjacks from the Sky 12" vinyl studio recording 2006 "Flapjacks from the Sky" Concert DVD - Live at The Depot Theatre Live DVD of a performance of the entire Flapjacks album 2007 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Hillsdale NY - July 21st, 2006 Live recording. 2007 Roots on the River, Bellows Falls, VT - June 9th, 2007 Live recording. 2007 Ancient Murphy Greatest Hits of the 20th Century A collection of tracks by a previous incarnation of the band as The Ancestors. 2008 The Great Unravel Studio recording 2008 A Very Slambovian Christmas Live Recording 2011 The Grand Slambovians Studio recording 2013 Folk! Studio recording 2014 Box Of Everything Studio recording
See also
- Rock music portal
References
- ↑ Staudter, Thomas (October 2004), "Best Band", Hudson Valley Magazine
- ↑ Kocher, Chris (November 22, 2006), "The Gospel of Gandalf -Catch the spiritual rhythms of the Slambovian Circus", Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
- ↑ "Slambovia: Press Resources". Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ↑ Kocher, Chris (May–June 2009), "Mummer's The Word", Dirty Linen
- ↑ Oksenhorn, Stewart (January 11, 2008), "At the Wheeler: Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams", The Aspen Times
- ↑ "Circus Fans". Retrieved May 10, 2009.
- ↑ Grand Slambovian Pirate Ball @ Electric Ballroom: 27/10/11
- ↑ http://cdbaby.com/cd/gandalf5
- ↑ "Center for the Arts". Westchester Community College.
- ↑ Staudter, Thomas (April 18, 2004), "From Gig to Gig, a Band Draws Loyal, Local Fans", The New York Times
External links
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