The Gypsy Jive Band
The Gypsy Jive Band has been active since the mid 80's playing folk festivals, barmitzvahs, weddings and clubs. The band started in Collingwood performing klezmer music for mixed audiences. They have also performed at the CNE and Ontario Place. Recent gigs have included Summerfolk (Owen Sound), The Gladstone Hotel (Toronoto), The Free Times Cafe (Jewis Brunch Toronto), Brume Power Corporation (Kincardine).
Band founder and leader Gary Weinger is a transylvanian transplant, raised in Toronto. After youthful years of classical violin training with the University Settlement Orchestra, he discovered some Romanian sheet music and has been fiddling Klezmer riffs ever since.
Guitarist Murray McKay started off on a steel string guitar and switched to nylon string about 10 years ago finding it to be a completely different animal. Heroes/influences - Django, Lenny Breau, Bill Frissell, Joe Schwatz, Gary Weinger, Brian Katz and a wholeraft of Brazilian guitarists. He studied with Brian Katz and participated in Klezmer workshops directed by Martin Van de Ven.
Double bassist Rachel Melas has been playing bass since 1975, when her grandfather bought her an electric bass and a couple of Mel Bay instruction books. She has played in numerous bands of every imaginable stripe, from the 80's post punk art rock of the Animal Slaves, the 90's world beat Mother Tongue and the Cajun and Zydeco band Swamperella in the new millenium. In the Klezmer world she has played with Pomegranate, the Sisters of Sheynville and currenctly plays accordion with Klezmer trip The Horables.
