The Spellbinder Orchestra is a melodious fit for our xenodochial multi-genre show.
With intricate arrangements that move from rousing and joyful to thoughtful and dreamy, Spellbinder Orchestra aims to enchant in an age of disenchantment. Born in the bay area, California, the group blends original folk music with elements of classical, cabaret, eastern European and rock. The group features a variety of instruments like ukulele, guitar, fiddle, cello, percussion, mandolin, harmonica, with both female and male lead vocals. Their music has been termed “Cowboy Victoriana,” “Folk-Noir,” and “Bohemian Folk-rock.” You decide, but be forewarned! A sprinkling of high octane vintage covers may suddenly interrupt your astral reverie and make you reach for fire water and dancing shoes.
Now a bicoastal collective, the band has appeared in both parts of the world including Woodstock’s Bearsville, Pearl Moon and Colony, Beattie-Powers House, The Great Halloween Festival, Burning Man’s Decompression, San Francisco’s Edwardian Ball, WDST Radio Woodstock, The SF Free Folk Festival and SXSW unofficial showcases.
With a background in social work and therapy, bandleader Alzara Getz finds inspiration in how people heal, or don’t. Lyrics often flow from the uncensored mythical realm of the human psyche, or languish in the modern wasteland with a touch of poetry and whimsy. She is the daughter of rock drummer Dave Getz, original drummer of Big Brother & The Holding Co. (Janis Joplin) and Nancy Baysinger, one of the first female recording engineers in the San Francisco bay area.
She formed the band, also known as Brother Spellbinder, with guitarist Jamie Wilson. Wilson was raised on roots music, bluegrass jams and high mountain music festivals since he was a wee pup. He is an early graduate of School of the Arts that spawned the likes of Margaret Cho and Sam Rockwell and will be airshipping to the east coast for this show. Cellist and soundshifter Cornelia Logan, a Hudson Valley native, has played with Hudson Valley groups Mamalama, Earth Opera and Free River band. Dedication to this trade, led drummer Al Muller to the shores of Cuba and New Orleans along with apprenticeships under Elvin Jones, Mel Lewis and John Riley.
Rocking the upright bass and mandolin, Chuck Jacob, has musical associations with Phil Hirschi, cello player in the second John McLaughlin/Mahavishnu Orchestra, and jazz pianists Anthony Davis and Larry Hamm. Altogether, the ever rotating Spellbinder crew delivers a unique blend of old world ache and a healthy dose of new age angst. For a taste of their sonic palette, go to www.spellbinderorchestra.com
