Biography
Amsterdam Klezmer Band was born in 1996 from the passion of Gijs Levelt (trumpet), Job Chajes (saxophone, vocals), Henkjan van Minnen (accordion), and Jasper de Beer (double bass, banjo) for klezmer and Balkan music. The group began performing in the streets and parks of Amsterdam, quickly gaining an appreciation for their deep, joyful music. In 1996, Amsterdam Klezmer Bans released their first cassette recording, Mesjogge. From the parks of Amsterdam to festivals all over Holland, it's only a short step to the band.
Amsterdam Klezmer Band was soon a triumph wherever it went, and in 1999 released the album De Amsterdam Klezmer Band. After Malaloka in 2000, Amsterdam Klezmer Band went one step further in 2001. First of all, the arrival of new members, in particular singer Alec Kopyt from Odessa in Ukraine, fleshed out the band's sound. Above all, the album Limonchiki broadened the audience for Amsterdam Klezmer Band, now distributed by a New York label.
In 2003, Katakofti saw the meeting of Amsterdam Klezmer Band and the Turkish gypsy group Galata Gypsy Band. After Son in 2005, Amsterdam Klezmer Band performed in prestigious venues in Amsterdam, New York, Paris and Moscow. In 2006, Amsterdam Klezmer Band released a remix album entitled Amsterdam Klezmer Band Remixed. This was followed by a new album with Zaraza in 2008.
Amsterdam Klezmer Band re-establishes itself in 2011 with the acclaimed Katla. As the revival of klezmer music continues to gather pace, Amsterdam Klezmer Band is overflowing with projects. France is well served with a concert dedicated to an adaptation of songs by Georges Brassens, and the soundtrack to Joann Sfar's film Le Chat du Rabbin.
Available on tour in 2025 & 2026
