by Dan Bloom, producer
Co-founded by Ori Kaplan & Tamir Muaskat and fronted by Tomer Yosef, Balkan Beat Box is a growing force in a growing sector of 21st century music: cross-genre bands like DeVotchKa and Gogol Bordello that require new terms like ‘Gypsy Punk’ to describe them. Though comprised of Israelis, Kaplan claims Balkan Beat Box would never have developed its signature sound without the incubator of New York City. Klezmer, Reggae, HipHop and Rock influences are all present in thier latest album, “Blue Eyed Black Boy,” which the band recorded in Serbia for added Gypsy authenticity.
Great as they are on record, you really need to experience Balkan Beat Box live to hear their true voice. Here’s a little taste, recorded by a fan here in Washington DC at the 9:30 Club.
Balkan Beat Box website
Balkan Beat Box 2011
May – July touring in EU
July 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Center
July 20 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
July 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
July 22 – Trumansburg, NY – Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival
July 23 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Folk Music Festival