Amariszi
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | INDIE
Music
Press
Album reviews: CD ‘Balkan Chaotika’
“…Amariszi is more than just that.” (Het Parool ( **** 2012)
“Homage to the expressive singer Merel Simons, supported by a tight horn section and the refreshing play of accordionist/leader Kay Krijnen.” (Revolver’s Lust for life **** 2012)
“The group protrudes with catchy (exciting) melodies that are solidly arranged with unexpected harmonic turns.” (Music Frames/Radio 6 World Blog 2012)
“Balkan Chaotika is an excellent record.” (Podiuminfo, 2012)
“With their enthusiasm, Amariszi warms up the floor, no better: they heat it up!” (Syncoopnieuws 2012)
Concert reviews
“It is probably said and written before, but leaving limbs and body parts unmoved is strictly impossible. Amariszi is balkanvirtuostity at its best.” (3voor12, 2012)
"The group disposes a significant amount of originality, a good presentation, the interaction with the audience is simply outstanding and they have a great singer.” (Juryraport NederBalkan Blues Contest/Int. Gipsy Festival 2011)
“The cheerful sound from this youthful eight-piece band was terrific, and they kept the energy swinging from soulful ballads to foot-stomping Balkan ska within the same songs.” (Romabuzzmonitor.net 2011)
- sevaral
Album reviews: CD ‘Balkan Chaotika’
“…Amariszi is more than just that.” (Het Parool ( **** 2012)
“Homage to the expressive singer Merel Simons, supported by a tight horn section and the refreshing play of accordionist/leader Kay Krijnen.” (Revolver’s Lust for life **** 2012)
“The group protrudes with catchy (exciting) melodies that are solidly arranged with unexpected harmonic turns.” (Music Frames/Radio 6 World Blog 2012)
“Balkan Chaotika is an excellent record.” (Podiuminfo, 2012)
“With their enthusiasm, Amariszi warms up the floor, no better: they heat it up!” (Syncoopnieuws 2012)
Concert reviews
“It is probably said and written before, but leaving limbs and body parts unmoved is strictly impossible. Amariszi is balkanvirtuostity at its best.” (3voor12, 2012)
"The group disposes a significant amount of originality, a good presentation, the interaction with the audience is simply outstanding and they have a great singer.” (Juryraport NederBalkan Blues Contest/Int. Gipsy Festival 2011)
“The cheerful sound from this youthful eight-piece band was terrific, and they kept the energy swinging from soulful ballads to foot-stomping Balkan ska within the same songs.” (Romabuzzmonitor.net 2011)
- sevaral
4**** stars - Het Parool (Dutch Newspaper)
4**** stars - Het Parool (Dutch Newspaper)
4 stars - Revolvor's Lust for Life
4 stars - Revolvor's Lust for Life
The most energetic band of the evening was Amariszi, who would also be declared as the winner of the Dutch Balkan Contest later in the day. The cheerful sound from this youthful eight-piece band was terrific, and they kept the energy swinging from soulful ballads to foot-stomping Balkan ska within the same songs. Vocalist Meredith Simons delighted the audience by passing them a bottle of the Bulgarian alcohol rakia, and the chorus of “Ra Ra Ra Ra Rakia” was on everyone’s lips long after the band’s performance! Her scatting and jamming with the instrumentalists were superb, and drummer Dolf Huybers even playfully drummed on the bottle of rakia when it was passing him. - worldmusiccentral.org
The most energetic band of the evening was Amariszi, who would also be declared as the winner of the Dutch Balkan Contest later in the day. The cheerful sound from this youthful eight-piece band was terrific, and they kept the energy swinging from soulful ballads to foot-stomping Balkan ska within the same songs. Vocalist Meredith Simons delighted the audience by passing them a bottle of the Bulgarian alcohol rakia, and the chorus of “Ra Ra Ra Ra Rakia” was on everyone’s lips long after the band’s performance! Her scatting and jamming with the instrumentalists were superb, and drummer Dolf Huybers even playfully drummed on the bottle of rakia when it was passing him. - worldmusiccentral.org
Discography
2012 - Balkan Chaotika
2013 - Banana RMX EP
2014 (october) - Nine Balkan Nights
Photos
Bio
Highlights 2012-2013:
Swinging Crossover with Balkan, Pop and Ballad Grooves
Amariszi creates an exciting mix of Balkan influenced music delicately weaved together with pop, reggae and swing. Original compositions arranged especially for the band attract a wide audience: this unique approach to the music has drawn in much attention from the Balkan scene.
The Amariszi line-up of virtuoso accordion lines, groovy horn section, guitar, bass & drums, explores a world of music where anything can happen, and their appearance, animation and enthusiasm makes every performance a party!
Merel Simons captivating presence on stage, clear timbre and beautiful expressiveness is an outstanding contribution that immediately appeals to the audience.
Amariszi was founded in 2007 by accordionist/composer Kay Krijnen and drummer Dolf Huybers. Four years later their remarkable debut album Balkan Chaotika was released, critically acclaimed and appreciated, with coherent teamwork, originality and inspiring virtuosity.
The group won the Dutch Balkan Blues Contest 2011, Zimihc International 2010 and was crowned the winner of the Next best Band 2009.
The band has toured in Turkey, Bulgaria, France,
Macedonia, Czech Republic and Hungary and played on various festivals such as
Sziget (HU), United Islands (CZ), Paaspop, Festival Mundial and Oerol.
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