Iowa debut | Led by
accordionist Mélanie Bergeron, this beloved Montreal quintet reinvigorates
the Roma and klezmer traditions of Eastern Europe with fiery pieces
featuring accordion, violin, mandolin, clarinet, guitar, double bass and
percussion.
With its zesty, high-spirited live show, featuring the hottest
of improvisations, Gadji-Gadjo has become a young favorite on the
world-music festival circuit, bringing a hip, new voice to the scene. In
addition to the Eastern European influences, one can hear elements of jazz,
classical, South American music, and even traditional Quebecois.
All
hailing originally from different regions of Quebec, the six band members
currently make their home in Montreal: Melanie Bergeron on accordion, Jean
Sebastien Leblanc on clarinets, Pierre-Olivier Dufresne on violin, Jean
Desrochers on guitar, Mathieu Deschenaux on bass and Ivan Bamford on
percussion.
Following their debut album in 2005, Gadji-Gadjo’s second release, 2008’s
Sur le Toit des Voisins (On the Neighbors’ Roof), won the Best World
Album of the year at GAMIQ 2008 and was nominated at ADISQ 2008 for Best
Instrumental Album.
Melanie Bergeron and fellow conspirators formed Gadji-Gadjo in 2002 after
learning a few choice traditional Klezmer and Tzigane (Roma) tunes. (Melanie had
just finished up studies in classical piano at the University of Montreal.)
With their second album, the group began adding original compositions.
In 2006, Melanie was
accordionist for the group Quartango and was featured on the Cirque du
Soleil album Cortéo. In 2007, she was accordionist and singer for the
circus production éloize on its Mexican tour.
Perfecting the styles Klezmer and Tzigane, while
adding a dash of Québecois, Gadji-Gadjo is known for its complexity, magic
and pleasure. The group's new compositions and hot improvisation are
creating a stir on the world music scene. You're invited to join the party.
But be forewarned: this music is truly contagious.
Sun Mar
14 | 7 pm
CSPS | 1103 Third St SE | Cedar Rapids $14 + fee advance | $18 door
