Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Middle Eastern rhythms initiate this lively recording, powered by Vilnai’s guitar fluidity and the complementary string input from violinist Steele. A flowing percussive beat from Garcia permeates the opening tune and continues throughout, giving the music a vibrant undercurrent from
which the two string players and saxophonist/clarinetist Pickard spring. Indeed, ethnic rhythms of the region are at the heart of the performance, which progresses as a suite broken by alternating tempo
but linked by its strong, vibrant pulse. Vilnai composed the entire score, which has a defined structure
but enough open avenues to permit the soloists to design outside the lines. The combination of guitar and violin works
extremely well with this band. Steele makes his instrument sing joyously and Vilnai injects a mellow,
bell-toned guitar tone as they negotiate through the movements. Pickard takes charge on “Moonbow” with a dancing clarinet solo while a
sustained refrain from bassist Savino and lively comping by Vilnai encroach from the background.
A Balkan flavor surfaces on this tune that also includes an exuberant solo by Vilnai.The performance predominantly has an Arabian Nights rhythmic balance reinforced consistently through the solos of Steele, who captures the
essence of the area’s native sound. Even a touch of klezmer emerges on the closing tune.
The music has enduring beauty that touches on the heart of the Middle East’s musical culture
while exhibiting a bit of Western flair. Open improvisations and the spirit of the belly dance coexist, encouraging the traditional undulating hip movements as a supplement in responding to the
solid instrumentation. - Candence Magazine
If Bram Stoker's imaginary Transylvania had a jazz scene, the music might sound something like this. Their songs, full of droning electric violins and guitars playing in minor scales alongside crashing cymbals harmonize nicely with the splashing rain and gray skies. - jazzreview.com
Dramatic string sections mix with free-styling guitars, lively horn parts, and sparse percussion to create an airy, festive, free-formed atmosphere. The New York band pulls off the smelting of worldly styles with a beautiful touch - download.com editor's pick
Discography
Debut release - 'Gaze at Your Omphalos' - released June 2004
'A New Song' - due in late 2007
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Vampire Suit creates a highly personal musical texture that takes you from the tribal dances of North Africa to the marshes of the Balkans. The band's unique sound comes from drawing on rhythms and forms of musical traditions from around the world and infusing them with ideas and harmonies from jazz, 20-century music, blues and other modern genres. The result is a musical journey that is at once personal and global, music that is at the same time unmistakably modern, yet feels old and familiar, a new tradition for a generation that hails from so many traditions.
To help create that sound Vampire Suit draws on the talents of young New York musicians that have had experience in different musical setting in cultures. My musical vision is realized with the help of players that have played jazz, rock, Arab music, Balkan music, African music, and who make their living through any one of these styles. With a deep understanding and respect to all this music they are able to tap into something new that arises from all of these influences.
Vampire Suit draws on Jay Vilnai's unique musical heritage as a Russian-Romanian-Polish descendant raised in Jerusalem around a mix of contemporary and traditional Jewish and Arab music, with a soul for rock n'roll and a BFA in jazz. Couple that with a passion for Bartok and Stravinksy and the result is all original music that draws on all those influences to create something akin to traditional music for a generation that has so many traditions it calls his. Balkan and Middle-Eastern rhythms are prominent, backed by 20th century composing concepts and jazz improvising.
The result is a highly personal musical texture that takes you from the tribal dances of North Africa to the marshes of the Balkans. A musical journey that is at once personal and global, music that is at the same time unmistakably modern, yet feels old and familiar, a new tradition for a generation that hails from so many traditions. Managing to avoid categorization, the band speaks to music that exists in our collective unconsciousness in its intensity, directness and beauty.
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