Since its foundation in 1996 by saxophone player Job Chajes, the band has evolved rapidly. In no time the band became famous in Amsterdam for its many vibrant performances on the streets, in the parks and in the pubs. Soon the rest of The Netherlands followed: the band performed at the Oerol Festival in 1999, 2000 and 2001 to great acclaim and was invited to the Noorderslagfestival in January 2001 (the media describing their performance as 'the great surprise of the festival'), followed by the Lowlands Festival in August 2001. During the same period the band toured in Slovenia, Switzerland and Italy and completed three successful tours of Turkey.
The third CD of Amsterdam Klezmer Band, Limonchiki, was released on the New York label Knitting Factory label and the band had a grand tour of the Dutch club scene in the autumn of 2001, with as its highpoint the presentation of Limonchiki in Paradiso, Amsterdam .
In September 2003 the cd Katakofti was released. It's the result of a collaborative effort of Amsterdam Klezmer Band and the Galata Gypsy Band from Turkey . The cd was released on the Turkish world music label Kalan Records.
In january 2005 the new cd SON (Russian for ‘dream') is released, containing a veritable treasure-trove of new Amsterdam Klezmer and Balkan music.
Nowadays only part of Amsterdam Klezmer Band repertory consists of traditionals from the Balkan and Klezmer traditions. Most of the repertory has been created by the band members themselves, who all without exception contribute musically to an ever-growing melting-pot of infectious Balkan/Gypsy/Klezmer cross-overs. In this manner the band endeavours to breathe new life into the Eastern European Balkan, Klezmer and Gypsy music tradition.
The members of Amsterdam Klezmer Band are passionate musicians and well-versed in a wide range of styles. They have made their musical mark on the Dutch and European club and festival scene and are well known for their parts in various other remarkable pop, jazz and world music projects in the Netherlands , past and present, such as: Jammah Tammah, De Jongens Driest, Mendoza Dance Parti, Parels en de Funky Reddingsbrigade, Traffic Jam, Allez mama, Noujoum Raï, Cousin-x, Rickshaw Chase, Bernie's Lounge.
The wind section of the De Amsterdam Klezmer Band have participated in several studio projects, including ones by Arling & Cameron, Postmen, Normaal and Daryll Ann (two-meter sessions).
valentina
Amsterdam Klezmer Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She’s not to be tamed or told what to do! Women like Valya are to be treasured and loved.
There are many stars in the sky, but there’s one that shines brighter than the rest. Even the Moon grows pale at her sight! Yes, Valentina is the one and only…
Ref: I swear by Heaven – there’s no one more beautiful and cheerful than the incomparable Valya!!!
The Amsterdam Klezmer Band's song "Valentina" is a poetic tribute to a mysterious and captivating woman named Valya. The song opens with the singer asking how many more paths he must walk and how many more shoes he must wear out just to catch a glimpse of her beauty. He describes Valya as "the most beautiful, gentle, sweet and cheerful" woman he has ever known. Despite her captivating presence, he recognizes that she cannot be controlled or ordered around - women like Valya are to be cherished, not tamed.
The song goes on to compare Valya to the brightest star in the sky, a celestial body that outshines all others. Even the Moon pales in comparison to her radiance. The singer swears by Heaven that there is no one more beautiful or cheerful than Valya - she is truly incomparable. Throughout the song, the Amsterdam Klezmer Band's music contributes to the dreamy, otherworldly mood. The song features lush strings, traditional klezmer melodies, and a driving percussion section, all of which lend an air of mystery and enchantment to this poetic tribute to the unforgettable Valentina.
Line by Line Meaning
How many roads am I still destined to walk, how many shoes am I to wear thin just to look in the eyes of the most beautiful, gentle, sweet and cheerful Valentina?
Valentina is so beautiful and lovely that I am willing to endure any hardship just to meet her and bask in her radiance.
She’s not to be tamed or told what to do! Women like Valya are to be treasured and loved.
Valentina is an independent and empowered woman who should be respected and cherished for who she is.
There are many stars in the sky, but there’s one that shines brighter than the rest. Even the Moon grows pale at her sight! Yes, Valentina is the one and only…
Valentina is an exceptional person who stands out from the crowd and shines with her own unique light.
I swear by Heaven – there’s no one more beautiful and cheerful than the incomparable Valya!!!
Valentina is truly an incomparable beauty with a joyful and radiant spirit.
Contributed by Jonathan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.