Guy Mendilow Ensemble

“The group is truly a topflight ‘world music’ group … I have had the distinct pleasure of hiring this group twice for Morris County’s First Night Morris, a massive New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts involving approximately 300 artists featured in 92 events located in 25 venues in and around Morristown, NJ. On both occasions, the Guy Mendilow Ensemble enthralled, educated and engaged the audiences with its artistic excellence.

I would also add that, at this past year’s First Night performance, the group demonstrated truly exceptional professionalism. Despite the bitterly cold, icy weather and a van transmission that failed midway along the trip from Boston area to NJ, they kept in touch and managed to arrive, set up and perform - with distinction - for the event. After 10 hours of harrowing travel, to deliver a beautiful performance which inspired a capacity crowd of over 400 people is testament to their dedication and remarkable professionalism.
I recommend the group very highly and without reservation.”
—Dr. Lynn L. Siebert, Director of Arts Participation & Communications
Artistic Programmer, First Night Morris, Arts Council of the Morris Area

“They were mesmerizing…Their musicianship, versatility, and originality was most impressive.
Our audience left raving about their talent and the sound of their music.”
— Rich Warren, nationally syndicated broadcast, The Midnight Special/Folkstage, WFMT Chicago

“The Guy Mendilow Ensemble’s Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom is not to be missed. This innovative approach towards Ladino music offers insight to the poetic grace and gritty dynamic of a genre born in simplicity. True to the language and power of Ladino verse, oft presented stilted artsongs are thoughtfully transformed to textured arrangements which crackle and evolve. Through the pure joy of creative collaboration this ensembles breathes life into a re-imagined world of Ladino music.

The Guy Mendilow Ensemble’s Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom tenders an incredible gift; a resurgent force of musical settings that explode with artistry, refinement, and excitement. This project is living proof that the power of art will always triumph.”
—Cantor Yvon F. Shore, Director of Liturgical Arts and Music
Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion

"The Guy Mendilow Ensemble's Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom fuses traditional forms and sounds with an expanding and exciting aural palate of musical possibilities. Guy's use of the berimbau is unconventional and enticing and adds an earthy element to music that is often mystical and transports the listener to a place far removed from the concert hall or outreach service site."
—Steven Schmidt, General Manager, City of Rochester Music Dept./Riverside Concerts
- Impact at PACs, Festivals, Universities

“It's a folk music of hope and affirmation,
sophisticated in its delivery but easily accessible to listeners anywhere. ” —Chicago Tribune

“Guy Mendilow is an international tour de force.” — Bethlehem Morning Call

“The Guy Mendilow Ensemble embodies world music at its best.”
—The Cedar Rapids Gazette

“One of the most ear-opening albums of the year. During the 1960s, Kaleidoscope featuring David Lindley stretched the boundaries of world music within a rock band about as far as they could be stretched, walking away with a reputation as heroes for sonic adventurers. The Guy Mendilow Ensemble may not be quite as rambunctious, but they are no less daring. ”— The Boomer's Guide to Music & News

“One of Boston's most original world-music acts.”— Boston Herald

“This isn’t for quirky ears, it’s for jaded ears that need to be shaken awake with
something substantially different that keeps the interest on the beam throughout.
Delightfully different, even when it seems like it might be familiar. ” —Midwest Record

“This is, to folk, what Bela Fleck is to Foggy Mountain Breakdown. This is unusual and exciting.”
— Philadelphia Folk Song Society

“Guy Mendilow is quickly developing a reputation as a masterful, deeply passionate and sincere performer.”
— Global Rhythm Magazine

“The glory of what [Mendilow] does is finding a common ground among different cultures.
And that’s what makes his music so exciting.” —Jewish Advocate

“Auditory magic”— Wildy's World

“They were mesmerizing…Their musicianship, versatility, and originality was most impressive.
Our audience left raving about their talent and the sound of their music.”
— Rich Warren, nationally syndicated broadcast, The Midnight Special/Folkstage, WFMT Chicago

“A magical, shape-shifting world music quintet hailing from four countries…Often reminiscent of David Lindley's all-encompassing, stripped-gear approach to pan-genre explorations.” — Iowa City Press-Citizen
“…Vibrant musical storytelling awash with warm harmonies, captivating rhythms
and rollicking, fast-paced vocal improvisations.” — Cambridge Chronicle
- Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, etc