red hot chachkasa press release

[Julie Egger <jegger...>]

THE BAY AREAS HOTTEST NEW KLEZMER BAND, THE RED HOT CHACHKAS, RELEASE FIRST
CD  ³FAMILY ALBUM².

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Media Contact:  Julie Egger
        415-488-9125
        www.redhotchachkas. com

The Red Hot Chachkas have just released their first CD, titled "Family
Album². The recording is full of exciting traditional klezmer melodies, as
well as four original tunes.  "The album is a tribute to our ancestors, who
have inspired us to find these melodies and continue the thread," says band
founder and leader Julie Egger.

The cover features heirloom photos of band members' progenitors, while
inside are childhood snaps of the band members, as well as recent photos of
the musicians at work in the San Rafael studio where they recorded.

Klezmer music, a form of Jewish instrumental dance music, developed as part
of the Yiddish culture of Eastern Europe, and migrated to the U.S. in the
early 20th century. Since the 1970¹s, younger musicians have continued to
expand and develop the traditional tunes, and the result has been a revival
of this historic format.  As part of that revival, The Red Hot Chachkas has
added their own personal touch to give klezmer a decidedly 21st century
feel.  The Red Hot Chachkas adds avant garde improvisation, as well as hints
of classical, swing, and bluegrass music.  ³Family Album² includes new and
inspirational tunes composed by the band members, making it a recording of
joy and innovation while staying true to its roots in Yiddish culture.

The Red Hot Chachkas is comprised of multi-talented musicians from Marin,
Sonoma, and the East Bay:  Julie Egger on violin; Tony Phillips on mandolin
and octave mandolin; Paul Alexander on clarinet; Laurie Lippin on accordion;
Michael Arrow on drum kit and dumbek;  and  klezmer veteran Stuart Brotman
on standup bass and tsimbl .

Since 1997, Bay Area audiences have been excited and uplifted by the music,
dance and energy of The Red Hot Chachkas.  The Red Hot Chachkas has appeared
at local festivals, concerts, dance halls such as Ashkenaz in Berkeley,
synagogues, senior centers, and numerous private parties. The Red Hot
Chachkas were featured performers  at the California World Music Festival
and at the Cotati Accordion Festival in the summer of 2001.  They have
developed a reputation of creating a festive and joyous atmosphere anywhere
they play.  Audiences find their music inspiring, emotional, and
contagious--soit gets them up and dancing!

To find out more about The Red Hot Chachkas, including samples from "Family
Album," please visit <redhotchachkas.com> or contact band leader Julie Egger
at 415-488-9125.