Co-founder of The Klezmorim (with Lev Liberman): 1975
Band member: 1975–77. Guest artist: 1978–79.
Instruments: Violin, accordion, mandolin, clarinet, gadulka, dumbek, occasional vocals
Other functions: Musical researcher/transcriber/arranger; album co-producer (East Side Wedding)
Albums: East Side Wedding, Streets of Gold, First Recordings
Subsequent gigs: The Balkanizers, Finif, Forgatos, Danubius
Profile: Brilliant ethnomusicologist David Skuse adopted me as musical protegé shortly after my arrival in Berkeley in 1973. Whether transcribing obscure tunes or cracking the whip in rehearsal, Skuse was an inspiring, charismatic bandleader. His energy and musical integrity — more than my ability to hustle gigs — attracted David Gray, Laurie Chastain, and Greg Carageorge to join what would become The Klezmorim. Skuse remains active in the field of Hungarian regional folk music. And we're still good friends.
Website: danubiussf.com