 Formed in Sleepy Hollow, New York in the late 90's, Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is one of the best known and loved bands in their home state, singled out as Hudson Valley Magazine's "Band of the Year" for the past 3 years. On stage they create an enchanting atmosphere, using traditional folk instruments, tasty electric guitar and the distinctive singing and songwriting of Joziah Longo. Citing influences as diverse as Hank Williams, Dylan, Bowie, Incredible String Band and early Pink Floyd, Longo describes the band's music as "punk-classical-hillbilly-Floyd", a mental rollercoaster of whimsical, thought-provoking songs. The Circus' live shows are where the real magic comes down, earning them critical acclaim as well as a fiercly loyal following. Their last studio release, "Flapjacks From The Sky" has been hailed as a masterpiece by many and continues to make a buzz internationally as a great americana work of art. Their newest cd, "The Great Unravel" was released in August, 2008.
"Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is simply one of the finest American bands out there on the road."
All Music Guide
"If somebody forced me to describe the Gandalf sound I would say: It's as if David Bowie recorded 'Hunky Dory' with the Band in the basement of Big Pink". - Reinhard Holstein, Glitterhouse Records, Germany
"Whenever I watch The Circus it reminds me to write and perform with my whole heart and soul."
Dar Williams
"A riveting, mesmerizing, crazy, amazing machine of music" - Chronogram
"Imagine a band that has mixed 25 years of rock and roll with a dash of folk and a pinch of Americana into an enormous caldron over a blazing fire. Stir it all with creativity and season with talent. The result is the sound of a yesterday long forgotten, and a refreshing revival of what made you listen to music in the first place." - Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Review
"Gandalf Murphy's repertory is filled with lively songs that are imbued with mystical stirrings and idealism suggestive of the 1960's." - The New York Times
"The Slambovians cast a wide net... (their) music seems to energize anyone who hears it." - Relix Magazine
"Onstage they create an enchanting atmosphere, a tasty recipe combining musical ability and finesse with charismatic personalities." - Taconic Weekend
"Don't say I didn't warn because with a charisma bordering on cultish, the Slambovians will lure you in and they will become your new favorite band." - KyndMusic
"They're not just a band. That's something like saying the Bible is just a book." - Westchester County Weekly
Music that can 'Heal what ails ya!'
Gandalf Murphy is:
 Joziah Longo (lead vocals, guitars, harmonica), born in Philadelphia, grew up playing traditional country, folk and mummers music with his father. Performing professionally from the age of 13 doing Dylan covers, he moved to New York to pursue his muse. Playing venues ranging from CBGB's to Carnegie Hall as a headline performer, Joziah was also the first American musician invited to perform in mainland China in the early 90's ending a decade-long ban on Western music.
 Multi-instrumentalist Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, flute, theremin) comes from a long line of feisty Irish musicians which brings a unique spark to the band's music as well as performance. Tink has worked with Joziah and Sharkey on previous projects.
 Sharkey McEwen (guitars, mandolin, backing vocals), longtime musical partner of Joziah, grew up in L.A. and played the club circuit before coming to New York in the early 90's. His intuitive, evocative playing is a key ingredient of the band's magic. He is in constant demand as a producer and guitarist for other artists.
 Native New Yorker Tony Zuzulo (percussives), sold his hair, spent all his money on a banana split, and became a professor of multimedia at the local college - which is where he met Joziah who convinced him to pack up what was left of his dessert and run away with the Circus.
 Beginning in 2004 The Circus reinforced their sound with the addition of Chen Longo (bass, backing vocals). Further reinforcement came in 2008 with the addition of Orien Longo (keyboards, backing vocals, percussion). These two, better known as The Longo Twins, were born into a circus family with a long and colorful  musical history and they've fortified The Circus with their unique contributions of artistry and musicianship.
|
