Julian Gerstin
percussion /ethnomusicology
CURRENT ENSEMBLES
Syncro System: World Beat dance ensemble featuring tres, mandolin, and lap steel plus guitar, percussion, bass, and drums, all original music based on Afrocuban music, afrobeat and Irish styles
Michael Smollens and Kriya: Jazz nonet with five horns, piano, percussion, bass, and drums, all original music with a smooth but experimental jazz basis and world music influences
Alma de Oxossí: Traditional Brazilian candomble (African-based religion from Salvador do Bahia). Features conga-like atabaque drums and vocals. We also add electric bass to some songs. Available for concerts, educational demonstrations, and dancing
Judith Justíz AfroCuban Ensemble: Rumba, orisha dances, bembe, iyesa, palo, yuka, rueda, and Eastern Cuban specialties (changüi, comparsa Santiago). Judith teaches Saturdays at Ashkenaz in Berkeley, CA and her troupe is available for concerts and educational demonstrations
Batucada
Nana do Santa Cruz: A Brazilian escola do samba (marching samba
band) based in Santa Cruz, CA, led by Ken Dalluge. Batucada Nana
is pure samba with orchestral dimensions, playing non-stop sets that flow
from one unusual instrumentation to another. Dancers and vocalists
complete the show. Larger and smaller versions of the group are available
for concerts, demonstrations, and dancing
TO HEAR SOME OF THE ABOVE GROUPS, GO TO
TO SEE A FAIRLY COMPLETE LIST OFOTHER GROUPS I'VE
PLAYED IN, GO TO THE CV PAGE!
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