Projects & Discography
Muskox, a Toronto-based post-minimalist band, was formed by Toronto multi-instrumentalist and composer Michael Smith in August of 2006 for the Bummer in the Summer music festival. From left to right: Pete Johnson, double-bass, Jamie Drake, percussion, Ali Berkok, piano and Rhodes, Mark Laver, alto sax, Michael Smith, banjo and harmonium, Erika Nielsen, cello.
KlezFactor
KlezFactor’s first album, The Golem of Bathurst Manor, has garnered critical and audience acclaim and was hailed by Wholenote Magazine as “daring and creative.” Keith Wolzinger of the Klezmer Podcast wrote that “KlezFactor takes us to their world of first-rate musicianship, dynamic improvisation and innovative arrangements.” Their latest album, Klezmachine, is earning rave reviews, called "a tour de force" and "unforgettable".
Featured Discs
The Golem of Bathurst Manor
Klezmachine
AVAILABLE AT
Formed in Toronto in 2004, KlezFactor blends rock, jazz, klezmer and classical chamber music for a modern fusion of musical worlds. Led by saxophonist/clarinetist Mike Anklewicz, KlezFactor’s debut CD, “The Golem of Bathurst Manor” has been met with critical acclaim, and is being heard around the world. It has been called “daring and creative”, and has garnered interest from a variety of sources. KlezFactor has received radio airplay on the internet radio station “Radio Free Klezmer”, and on traditional radio stations in the United States and Siberia, Russia. They have also had their music included in dj tagada’s dj sets in Paris, France, and in a short promo video for Jewish Mayhem Magazine.
Ethnocity
NOW Magazine Review
Muskox with Canaille and Damian Valles
CD Release at Music Gallery, Toronto
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"...the night belonged to Muskox. The church, with its warm, clear sound and hushed ambience, was the perfect backdrop for their muanced, impeccably arragned jazz-folk tunes. The Smith-led six-piece uses unusual instruments- banjo, harmonium, alto sax, cajon- in surprising ways, and the one-off inclusion of both a second percussionist and a five-octave marimba was genius. Run out and buy their new 5 Pieces disc. -Carla Gillis
