Afenginn

This Danish band presents an entertaining blend of avant-rock, kleyzmer, other folk and what not... Creative, somewhat crazy, their a thrill to listen to.

 

Here's their PA bio:

 

AFENGINN are an adventurous Danish avant-garde klezmer band who formed in 2002. The name itself means “intoxication and strength” in Old Norse. They have a strong punk, Nordic folk and world music influence and since the release of “Akrobakkus”, have taken on jazz influences as well. The group are categorised by the musical press as a “'b*****d-ethno' band with Norse melancholy and cheerful madness" and they are not far off with this definition. AFENGINN feature a drummer/percussionist and a bass player but adopt the more common klezmer band instruments of clarinet, violin, mandolin and mandola. The strong bass rhythm on many of the compositions adds a more rock-oriented feel to the music and their unorthodox approach and time signatures make them appealing to not only progressive music fans, but also those who enjoy jazz and (ethnic and gypsy) folk music.

The main collaborator for AFENGINN is Finnish mandolin and mandola player Kim Nyberg, a student of Musicology at the University of Copenhagen, who brings in that Finnish feel to Afenginn's music. He is ably assisted by Rasmus Krøyer on clarinet (also studying Musicology at the University of Copenhagen, but also previously a student of Lee Morgan of the Royal Danish Orchestra), Niels Skovmand on violin (educated at The Royal Danish Academy of Music), Rune Kofoed on drums/percussion and Aske Jacoby on bass. They are influenced by such acts as KAIZERS ORCHESTRA, ALAMAAILMAN VASARAT, TOM WAITS, TIGER LILLIES and GOGOL BORDELLO and have performed alongside Frank London from the KLEZMATICS.

They released their debut album “Retrograd” (featuring many guest musicians) in 2004 to critical acclaim from the press, receiving many nominations and several awards including “Best World Album” at the 2005 Danish World Music Awards.

In 2006, they released their second album “Akrobakkus” which again proved to be a critical success, reaching the World Music charts in Europe in February 2007. Musically, it continues on from where “Retrograd” left off, with their usual stylistics and good humour. However, during the release party for “Akrobakkus”, Andrzej Krejniuk (the original Polish-born bass player) decided to leave the band and a secret vote was taken to choose his replacement. Aske Jacoby was chosen as his successor and their sound has now taken on a more jazz-tinged direction.

Accompanying their music, the band have also commissioned several artistic and live concert videos which can be found on their website and the “Retrograd” CD.

AFENGINN have toured Denmark as well as other European countries, such as Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Faeroe Islands, Switzerland and Germany, and have also played in the U.S.

If you enjoy klezmer and gypsy/ethnic music with a twist and good humour and enjoy such bands as ALAMAAILMAN VASARAT, FRANK ZAPPA (his klezmer years) and JOHN ZORN (MASADA), then AFENGINN should appeal to you.

: : : Biography written by James R. Yeowell : : :

 

 

 

Here's the text of the press release from their website: