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Arabesk are a Sydney based quartet who have adopted many disparate international sounds and moulded them into their own unique style. Theirs is a musical journey of constant discovery that has taken them from the sounds of the tradition-steeped back streets of Eastern Europe to the bustling bazaars of Turkey . Added to this potent worldly brew are a list of influences that include luminaries such as guitarist Django Reinhardt, jazz drummer Elvin Jones, tango master Astor Piazzola and bassist Stanley Clarke.
Originally formed in Sydney, Australia in 2003, Arabesk includes Veren Grigorov (violin/viola), Rob Shannon (guitar/d’rrbuka), Calvin Welch (drums/percussion) and the position of bass player is shared by Dauno Martinez, Rory Brown and James Haselwood.
With a wealth of musical experience it is little wonder Arabesk are such a powerhouse of invention and innovation, fused with constant hypnotic rhythms and laced with the lushness of violins and guitars, their music has been likened to a series of “conversations across the ages” where all kinds of traditions converge into a modern day celebration of intoxicating global grooves.
STOP PRESS: Arabesk win best instrumental song at Australian Songwriters Association Awards, 30 November 2011.
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- Sting Ray
- Ruby My Dearest
- Gadge
Sting Ray
Ruby My Dearest
Gadge
Arabesk's first CD features inspirations ranging from Eastern Europe, India, The Middle East, Africa and France. But this is home...Australia! And this is the sound of the world on your doorstep! Enjoy! Arabesk are: Rob Shannon (Guitar/D'rbukka), Veren Grigorov (Violin/Viola), Philippe Wittwer (Accordian), Kory Horwood (Double Bass), Calvin Welch (Drums).
Download this album
www.ihearmusic.com
Arabesk play a brand of music that is often described as Gypsy Jazz. Arabesk's music follows many paths at anyone time. Like a river it is fed from many different tributries to form the whole, drawing upon strong jazz influences... Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery, Eastern European Gypsy/ Classical music, upon a back drop of heavily African and Arabic influenced rhythms. At any moment it will swing hard, only to drop into a thick funk pumped bass line, all the while the violin floating above it. The drums hammer and thunder beats reminicent of Motown, Blue Note and Afro Cuban jazz.
Download this album
www.ihearmusic.com
ihearmusic.com press Four “cheeky” men in hats is how a female friend described the band Arabesk, in concert at the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music in Bathurst last Friday night. Cheeky would not be a term I would use for an all male band but it does describe this group pretty well. Excellent musicianship with lots of movement bordering on acrobatics from violinist Veren Grigorov.
Four very talented, wordly experienced musicians delivered their style of European gypsy soul. The set started with a classic 3/4 time gypsy waltz which put us all on the runway and ready for take off, and take off we did…the band took us on a rollercoaster ride with their music, soaring high before levelling off and then diving over the rooftops with a drumming duel between drummer Calvin Welch and Rob Shannon playing dharabuka (small steel drum). Arabesk is based in Sydney and was formed by Veren Grigorov (violin) and Rob Shannon (guitar) in 2003 and includes bassist James Haselwood and Michigan born drummer Calvin Welch.
Veren’s violin gave us an inspired gypsy soul sound and Welch’s powerful jazz drumming helped the band take on a style of their own.
Bill Browne.
From Mitchell Conservatorium review May 2007
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tour 
MAY 2011
Japan Tour, Takatsuki Jazz Festival, May 1 - 7, 2011
Fri May 13, Taste Canowindra, Canowindra NSW
JUNE 10, 2011 Club 505, Cleveland St, Surry Hills
AUGUST 11, 2011 Supporting Jazz Legend Carl Orr direct from London, at The Basement, Sydney
SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 The Sydney Fringe Festival presents Arabesk _ Notes Newtown
OCTOBER 18, 2011 iHearMusic.com presents
"The World in The Basement", The Basement, Sydney
Featuring Isaiah B Brunt, Paula Baxter & Arabesk
JANUARY 2012
Wednesday January 11, 2012. The Basement, Sydney.
Arabesk + Special Guest Glenn Cardier
Book: www.thebasement.com.au
MAY 2012
Friday May 18, 2012. Albury Wodonga Jazz Basement.
Book: www.jazzalburywodonga.com
