Xopo and friends

Information about an interrelated group of Balkan bands based in Western New England

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Salsa Slava

fusing Caribbean rhythms with Balkan melodies

Salsa Slava, like the name says, is Slavic salsa. Also, "slava" can mean "party" in Serbian. This unique band blends the beautiful melodies and modal improvisations of master fiddler Miamon Miller, accordionist/santouri player Becky Ashenden, and acoustic guitarist Chuck Corman -- a trio steeped in Balkan and Mideastern traditions -- with two powerful percussionists: Julian Gerstin on a Caribbean panoply of congas, cajón, shekere, and the tanbou bèlè of Martinique (a drum you play with your foot!), and Todd Roach on Mideastern dumbek and frame drums. Shimmering melodies, shifting polyrhythms, wailing improvisations = serious slava!

Julian Gerstin-Percussion  
Todd Roach-Percussion  
Miamon Miller-Violin  
Chuck Corman-Guitar  
Becky Ashenden-Accordian, Santouri

Contact information

Julian Gerstin

julian@zabapmusic.com

Find out about Julian's other band, Zabap.