MELISMA

Melisma : Greek & Sephardic songs & dance music

Aria award winning composer and musician Irine Vela and renowned klezmer violinist Ernie Gruner have joined with vocalist Nicole Weatherill to create Melisma, an invigorating ensemble whose performances take the audience on an uplifting and mesmerising journey through Greek and Sephardic musical traditions.

Vela is known for her work with Greek ensemble The Habibis and Kavisha Mazzella. Gruner leads East European Jewish Klezmeritis, also plays with middle-eastern band Yalla!, sephardic Soleluna and the popular jazz comedy act Jugularity. Weatherill sang in the successful medieval ensemble Carnevale which included Sephardic music, and has lived in Greece. For larger concerts they are joined by guitarist Mulaim Vela, who has also played with The Habibis and other Greek ensembles.

Featuring laouto, guitar, bouzouki, violin, percussion and vocals, Melisma weave their way across the Mediterranean and the East, exploring dances and songs of love, death, exile, poignancy and passion.

Melisma received a successful response to their blackboard gigs at the 2004 National Folk Festival (Canberra) being offered a spot on the Budawang stage, and then at the 2005 festival. Melisma performances include The Boite, Barbukkah, the Darebin Music Festival, Shepparton Arts Festival, The Big House, Gippsland Acoustic Music Club. They have produced a 5 track CD recording.

Recordings

Melisma CD/EP Track titles & free music download

1. Milo Mou Kokkino ( My Red Apple) 2.57
2. Quantas Sabedes (All Ye) 1.12
3. Mes Tou Aigaiou (The Agean) 3.20
4. Kimitri (Cemetry ) 5.25
5. Erima Kormia (Aching Body) 2.55

CD Availability & Distribution

Melisma CD is out of stock.

A burnt copy is available for $10.

Email Ernie