Fishtank Ensemble (or simply Fishtank ) is a Euro-American musical group that formed in Oakland, California in 2004. They perform a variety of traditional musical styles including klezmer, flamenco, Japanese folk and Roma music. [1] [2] They are one of many bands to be commonly associated with the California-based eclectic indie band Estradasphere.

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Band history

Fishtank Ensemble first formed and performed together at The Fishtank in Oakland, California in January 2004. First known as Fishtank , the band is named after this venue. The band's premiere performances were recorded live. These recordings would become the band's debut full-length CD, Super Raoul , which was released November 2005. To promote the CD, the group launched a tour of the US west coast from November to December, 2005. They performed a total of 26 shows. Since that initial tour Fishtank has performed up and down the west coast of the USA. ^[3]

In November 2007, Fishtank Ensemble self released a second full length album of material called Samurai Over Serbia. On Samurai Over Serbia, traditional eastern European, gypsy jazz, klezmer and original tunes are arranged to fit the ensemble’s unconventional, but imaginative sound. "The whimsical name of the group belies the fact that these musicians play hard, fast, and serious. There’s nothing fishy about them. In fact, there’s no slouching or mannered excesses, as Fishtank Ensemble comes armed, loaded and ready to serve you up a platter of intense nearly cosmic gypsy music." ^[4] The group has been performing consistently throughout the western United States since its release. ^[5]

Band members

Much of Fishtank Ensemble's influence comes from Fabrice Martinez, a European-born violinist who is well-versed in the traditional music of the Romani. Aside from fellow European Ursula Knudsen, the remaining members of the original Fishtank Ensemble line-up are all based in California. They included Kevin Kmetz, a Japanese American shamisen performer, accordionist Aaron Seeman, flamenco guitarist Doug Smolens, bassist Tim Smolens and drummer Adam Stacey. Kmetz, Stacey and Tim Smolens are all also members of Estradasphere.

Current members

• 2004 to 2009 - Fabrice Martinez; violin and violintromba.
• 2004 to 2009 - Ursula Knudsen; saw, vocals, violin, banjolele, percussion, theremin ^[6]
• 2004 to 2009 - Douglas Smolens (aka El Douje); flamenco guitar.
• 2007 to 2009 - Djordje Stijepovic; Double bass.
• 2008 to 2009 - Joshan Petrojvic; accordion
• 2008 to 2009 - Justin Petrojvic; trombone and trumpet

Past members

• 2004 to 2008 - Aaron Seeman (aka Duckmandu); accordion.
• 2004 to 2007 - Kevin Kmetz; shamisen
• 2004 to 2006 - Tim Smolens; double bass (recording sessions)
• 2004 to 2005 - Glenn Allen; double bass (2005 tour)
• 2004 to 2005 - Adam Stacey; percussion
• 2007 to 2008 - Mike Penny; shamisen.

Discography

• Fishtank at the Fishtank (2004) (limited release)
• Super Raoul (2005)
• Fishtank Ensemble, Live at the Freight & Salvage (2007) DVD of live performance, includes interviews with members.
• Samurai Over Serbia (2007)

Notes

1. Yugo Crazy With a rollicking sound, Fishtank Ensemble swims upstream
2. Local Live | San Francisco Bay Guardian
3. www.worldrhythmwebzine.com
4. ARTIST: Fishtank Ensemble, TITLE: Samurai over Serbia, By Joel Okida
5. Fishtank Ensemble as diverse as Mountain Fair
6. Fishtank Ensemble FAQ: "OK, so what's a Theremin?"