New York has a vibrant musical subculture with strong ties to both klezmer and Balkan music, which has given rise to a whole array of stylistically diverse bands. Saxophonist and clarinetist Matt Darriau is one of the founding members of The Klezmatics; in Paradox Trio, he also plays Bulgarian bagpipes and the kaval flute. The group’s sound is further enriched by jazz improvisation, connections to experimental music, and the kind of open-minded approach so characteristic of New York. Cellist Rufus Cappadocia uses percussive string techniques to link ethnic roots with Black funk, while Macedonian-born percussionist Seido Salifoski brings Balkan and Romani influences to the mix.
Soon after its formation in 1994, the trio expanded into a quartet, although it retained its original name. The fourth member was Seattle guitarist Brad Shepik, who has played with Paul Motian, Carla Bley, Charlie Haden, and other prominent jazz musicians. The group soon established a strong reputation on the New York club scene, performing at venues such as the Bell Café and the Knitting Factory. With its members’ extensive jazz background, Paradox Trio goes far beyond the usual conventions of the genre.
The group has also performed live scores for classic silent films, including Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel’s surrealist masterpiece Un Chien Andalou. Paradox Trio’s latest project is a collaborative album with Bojan Z, one of Europe’s most distinctive pianists. Originally from Serbia and now based in Paris, Bojan Z has also performed at the Respect Festival in the past.
MATT DARRIAU’S PARADOX TRIO:
MATT DARRIAU – ALTOSAX, CLARINET, GAIDA, KAVAL, FLUTES
BRAD SHEPIK – ELECTRIC GUITAR
RUFUS CAPPADOCIA – ELECTRIC CELLO
SEIDO SALIFOSKI – DUMBEKS
