Mathias (2007)

take a listen – hear an audio preview:

Mathias was inspired by the wild and infectious energy of Mathias Kunzli, percussionist with Ljova and the Kontraband. The only Kontraband member who does not drink coffee, Mathias is simply electric in rehearsal & concert. The tune was also very much inspired by the lounge music I heard while living in Budapest — I tried to create a pulsating dance-music, albeit, of course, in 5/8 time. It grew into its own rather quickly.
CATEGORY	Ljova and the Kontraband, lead sheet, world music, jazz
INSTRUMENTATION	Ljova and the Kontraband
DURATION	5 minutes
WORLD PREMIERE	January 17, 2007 – Joe’s Pub, New York [see video of the premiere]
WORLD PREMIERE PERFORMERS	Mathias Kunzli on percussion, Ljova on viola, Patrick Farrell on accordion, Mike Savino on bass, and Sarah Darling on viola
OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES	“Mathias” has been a staple of the Kontraband’s repertoire since the premiere.
RECORDING	Recorded on Ljova and the Kontraband’s debut CD, “Mnemosyne”, with a special mix by EmiKa [album details]
SCORE AVAILABILITY	All arrangements are available for sale via PDF or mail delivery; arrangements for combinations not listed above may be commissioned on request. [contact for more info]