Originally, klezmer music was part of the pre-war Jewish culture in Eastern Europe. Klezmer music arose in the Jewish communities in Poland, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine. The songs from the synagogues blended with the respective nation’s folk traditions. The Eastern European rhythms were coloured by expressive Jewish music, and the result was a music style bonding with Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The klezmer music was not played in the synagogues; hence it is not a religious form of music. The practitioners were self-trained, travelling musicians who belonged to the lower class. The music bears resemblance with gypsy music and Balkan tunes, yet it possesses a characteristic, musical style. Klezmer was the music being played in weddings and parties, and the purpose of it was to get people to dance.

After the Second World War the klezmer music was practically extinct in its original form. In our time the klezmer music has recovered, mainly in the USA and Western Europe. From being a simple kind of folk music it has developed to a popular world music style being played on the big stages. New artists approach the klezmer sound from different angles, and various sub-genres have come to life; jewish jazz, klezcore and hip hop klezmer. Bands like Balkan Beat Box and Gogol Bordello have brought the klezmer sound into the clubs and out on the big stages.

Urban Tunélls Klezmerband is one of very few Norwegian groups performing klezmer music. The varied backgrounds of the exceptionally skilled musicians range from classical and jazz to gypsy music and folk rock. UTKB play the klezmer music with respect and awareness of its cultural legacy, but also challenge their audience with new approaches to the music. UTKB have so far released two albums, both with traditional klezmer music – played in the bands characteristic energetic way. In 2007 another album will be released, where DJ/electronica artist DJ Kohib has made remixes of the band’s recordings.

The atmosphere at an UTKB concert shifts from cheerful and intense to mellow and tender.

Klezmer music is meant to be played at parties – and Urban Tunélls Klezmerband do not intend to break this tradition. Every concert is a party – and you’re invited!