"When New York State's Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams issued its self-titled debut album in 1998, the outré rocking folk ensemble (or is it the other way around?) merely hinted at what they would get up to as they continued to play out in small clubs, tour coffeehouses around the East Coast near and far from their Hudson River Valley home. They grew not only in their ability to command the craft of songwriting, they learned to be entertainers, a show band that could deliver musically, stretching itself to the limit and branching out musically and lyrically..." [read more]
Thursday, July 12, 2007
'Flapjacks from the Sky' Reviewed on AllMusicGuide.com
From AllMusicGuide - review by Thom Jurek
"When New York State's Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams issued its self-titled debut album in 1998, the outré rocking folk ensemble (or is it the other way around?) merely hinted at what they would get up to as they continued to play out in small clubs, tour coffeehouses around the East Coast near and far from their Hudson River Valley home. They grew not only in their ability to command the craft of songwriting, they learned to be entertainers, a show band that could deliver musically, stretching itself to the limit and branching out musically and lyrically..." [read more]
"When New York State's Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams issued its self-titled debut album in 1998, the outré rocking folk ensemble (or is it the other way around?) merely hinted at what they would get up to as they continued to play out in small clubs, tour coffeehouses around the East Coast near and far from their Hudson River Valley home. They grew not only in their ability to command the craft of songwriting, they learned to be entertainers, a show band that could deliver musically, stretching itself to the limit and branching out musically and lyrically..." [read more]
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Flapjacks DVD Review
Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin Thursday March 29, 2007 - Binghamton, NY
"Live performances can be electrifying experiences -- and when you're talking about Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, concerts can be downright transcendent." [read more...]
Friday, February 16, 2007
"In Concert: Rocking their own bigtop"
Santa Barbara News-Press
Josef Woodard, NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
Though equipped with a quirky name, Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams dishes out a rootsy American sound akin to The Band, with some circus moves thrown in. They stop at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday.
Despite impressions of Eastern European psychedelia conjured up by its mouthful of a band name, Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams is your basic all-American enterprise.
Well, "basic" is the wrong word: they mix up a range of rock 'n' roll and roots musical colors, humorous asides and jamming, all with a fun-loving attitude implying both an actual circus and rock theatrics. Making its Santa Barbara debut at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday, as part of the "Sings Like Hell" series, the New York-based band promises to deliver a show with a twist or two.
"This should be a magic night," says the band's ringleader and lead singer Joziah Longo. "We're ready to give people their money's worth and a little more."
Said "little more" comes in the form of music which makes its strongest impact in the heat and antics of live settings. They've been together since the late '90s, but have preferred the stage to the studio so far.
Like The Grateful Dead and NRBQ, bands they share values with, the Circus "thrive on live performances," confirms Longo. "We love playing together and a direct connection with the audience really works with this band. We've had some amazing experiences this year, new levels of interaction and transcendence with our audiences. [read more...]
Josef Woodard, NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
Though equipped with a quirky name, Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams dishes out a rootsy American sound akin to The Band, with some circus moves thrown in. They stop at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday.
Despite impressions of Eastern European psychedelia conjured up by its mouthful of a band name, Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams is your basic all-American enterprise.
Well, "basic" is the wrong word: they mix up a range of rock 'n' roll and roots musical colors, humorous asides and jamming, all with a fun-loving attitude implying both an actual circus and rock theatrics. Making its Santa Barbara debut at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday, as part of the "Sings Like Hell" series, the New York-based band promises to deliver a show with a twist or two.
"This should be a magic night," says the band's ringleader and lead singer Joziah Longo. "We're ready to give people their money's worth and a little more."
Said "little more" comes in the form of music which makes its strongest impact in the heat and antics of live settings. They've been together since the late '90s, but have preferred the stage to the studio so far.
Like The Grateful Dead and NRBQ, bands they share values with, the Circus "thrive on live performances," confirms Longo. "We love playing together and a direct connection with the audience really works with this band. We've had some amazing experiences this year, new levels of interaction and transcendence with our audiences. [read more...]
Monday, January 15, 2007
Maine Radio Interview Online
Joziah and Sharkey appeared recently on the radio show "Maine Things Considered" airing on Maines NPR network.
Click here to listen to show archive. [dead link - no longer online]
(Segment begins at around the 15 minute mark)
Click here to listen to show archive. [dead link - no longer online]
(Segment begins at around the 15 minute mark)
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Live on "Acoustic Cafe"
On January 22nd nationally syndicated radio show "Acoustic Cafe" will air an episode featuring performances and interviews recorded in December 2006 during our "Coffee Release Tour" in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Click here to find stations airing this show.
Click here to listen online. [now archived on Radio-Free Slambovia...]
Click here to find stations airing this show.
Click here to listen online. [now archived on Radio-Free Slambovia...]
Friday, December 1, 2006
Flapjacks DVD on its way
Now Available - Click Here To Order. SHIPPING DECEMBER 10th!!!
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Gospel of Gandalf
Catch the spiritual rhythms of the Slambovian Circus
by CHRIS KOCHER (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin)
"If all matter in the universe is made up of tiny vibrating strings, as many physicists now think, then Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams may be the band closest to hearing that music of life surrounding us." [read more...]
by CHRIS KOCHER (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin)
"If all matter in the universe is made up of tiny vibrating strings, as many physicists now think, then Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams may be the band closest to hearing that music of life surrounding us." [read more...]
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Who is Gandalf Murphy?
Interview with Joziah on KyndMusic.com (from February 2006):
"KyndMusic: Everyone will want to know, even if you've been asked a million times, who is Gandalf Murphy?"
"Joziah Longo: Gandalf Murphy is the nickname for the founder and first presenter of the Circus of Dreams. Our first flyer said "Gandalf Murphy presents: The Slambovian Circus of Dreams". He's kind of our first mentor/advisor, "the man behind the curtain". He used to live in an old circus trailer with his wife Cleo behind the theater where we first created and rehearsed the band and we used to have coffee with them on breaks and talk about life. They had a lot of ideas about how we could uniquely do what we are trying to do, ideas bigger and trippier than anything we've done so far. But it's all been done in the same spirit and heart of those original ideas and keeps growing towards those shared all inclusive dreams." [read more...]
"KyndMusic: Everyone will want to know, even if you've been asked a million times, who is Gandalf Murphy?"
"Joziah Longo: Gandalf Murphy is the nickname for the founder and first presenter of the Circus of Dreams. Our first flyer said "Gandalf Murphy presents: The Slambovian Circus of Dreams". He's kind of our first mentor/advisor, "the man behind the curtain". He used to live in an old circus trailer with his wife Cleo behind the theater where we first created and rehearsed the band and we used to have coffee with them on breaks and talk about life. They had a lot of ideas about how we could uniquely do what we are trying to do, ideas bigger and trippier than anything we've done so far. But it's all been done in the same spirit and heart of those original ideas and keeps growing towards those shared all inclusive dreams." [read more...]
Thursday, January 26, 2006
New articles and pics
- Puppet House Theater - Year of the Dog, New Years Show - Review / pictures!
- Cool article in New Haven's PLAY Magazine: [archived on the Slambovian Free-Press...]
- Some pictures from our Knowlton River Festival show last summer: http://urlsnip.com/381980 - [dead link - no longer online]
- Pictures from Falcon Ridge a few years back...
- Cool article in New Haven's PLAY Magazine: [archived on the Slambovian Free-Press...]
- Some pictures from our Knowlton River Festival show last summer: http://urlsnip.com/381980 - [dead link - no longer online]
- Pictures from Falcon Ridge a few years back...
Monday, December 5, 2005
KyndMusic
A truely great music blog was discovered today at http://www.kyndmusic.com
In-depth articles, varied artists, plus a truely great review of our "a Night at The Puppethouse" CD is now up at their site [archived here on the Slambovian Free-Press...]
Monday, June 6, 2005
The Circus Signs With The Roots Agency
On a magic wintery night in Montreal this past February, Slambovian representatives met with greatly respected veteran booking agents David Tamulevich and Tim Drake of The Roots Agency to discuss the possibility of joining forces.
The meeting revealed feelings of easy compatibility and of a strong chemistry that would be greatly beneficial to the rest of the universe, so involved parties decided to give it a shot.
The official start date was to be May 1st, but Roots came through with a number of inspiring bookings well in advance of that date, including an appearance for the band at the Philadelphia Folk Festival this August. Looks like we're off to a flying start!
Gandalf Murphy predicts great things will come of this alliance!!!
The meeting revealed feelings of easy compatibility and of a strong chemistry that would be greatly beneficial to the rest of the universe, so involved parties decided to give it a shot.
The official start date was to be May 1st, but Roots came through with a number of inspiring bookings well in advance of that date, including an appearance for the band at the Philadelphia Folk Festival this August. Looks like we're off to a flying start!
Gandalf Murphy predicts great things will come of this alliance!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2005
Iron Horse Music Hall - Concert Review
'Forget April in Paris, try January in Slambovia'
By DAVE MADELONI in The Brattleboro Reformer
"Midway through John Coster's opening set at The Iron Horse Saturday night, his percussionist Jeff Hendricks, asked no one in particular, 'Where exactly is Slambovia?'
After a moment of awkward silence, the affable Coster answered, 'Slambovia is gonna be right here tonight.'
A half-hour later on this snowy night, the hallowed music hall was transformed into that strangely whimsical/mystical place by a friendly foursome from Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., with the simple name Gandalf Murphy And The Slambovian Circus Of Dreams." [read more...]
By DAVE MADELONI in The Brattleboro Reformer
"Midway through John Coster's opening set at The Iron Horse Saturday night, his percussionist Jeff Hendricks, asked no one in particular, 'Where exactly is Slambovia?'
After a moment of awkward silence, the affable Coster answered, 'Slambovia is gonna be right here tonight.'
A half-hour later on this snowy night, the hallowed music hall was transformed into that strangely whimsical/mystical place by a friendly foursome from Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., with the simple name Gandalf Murphy And The Slambovian Circus Of Dreams." [read more...]
Thursday, December 23, 2004
ever yours
We'd like to wish all our fans, friends and family a very happy, healthy holiday season.
Thank you all for your inspired, loving support, and for joining together with us along our merry way to manifest Slambovia where ever we traveled. Thank you for sharing your inspiration with others, and helping us to bring about what came to be a very fruitfull year.
We're very grateful to all of you who through your resonance and responsiveness, continuously renew our hope for humankind. We're very much looking forward to the coming year. Think it's going to be a good one, and we want to wish you all the best - that you will be healthy, safe, ever moving toward your true center, and shining your light ever more brightly.
May the light of truth, love, hope and peace shine out and heal this troubled world.
May the highest blessings and good fortune be upon you,
ever yours,
Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Thank you all for your inspired, loving support, and for joining together with us along our merry way to manifest Slambovia where ever we traveled. Thank you for sharing your inspiration with others, and helping us to bring about what came to be a very fruitfull year.
We're very grateful to all of you who through your resonance and responsiveness, continuously renew our hope for humankind. We're very much looking forward to the coming year. Think it's going to be a good one, and we want to wish you all the best - that you will be healthy, safe, ever moving toward your true center, and shining your light ever more brightly.
May the light of truth, love, hope and peace shine out and heal this troubled world.
May the highest blessings and good fortune be upon you,
ever yours,
Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Visiting Slambovia
Show review on KyndMusic -
Visiting Slambovia with LEAH MORGAN.
"The boy found himself walking along a dirt path on a warm summer day. In every direction trees towered to the sky but still the sunlight came through and danced about the forest floor with the breeze. Then he saw a red fox dash across the path, pause on the edge, stare at him, wink and vanish into the underbrush. With a thrill, he took off after it." [read more...]
Visiting Slambovia with LEAH MORGAN.
"The boy found himself walking along a dirt path on a warm summer day. In every direction trees towered to the sky but still the sunlight came through and danced about the forest floor with the breeze. Then he saw a red fox dash across the path, pause on the edge, stare at him, wink and vanish into the underbrush. With a thrill, he took off after it." [read more...]
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Hudson Valley Magazine's "Best of the Valley" October 2004 Issue!
The Circus has been voted "Best Band" in Hudson Valley Magazine's "Best of the Valley" October 2004 Issue!
Full page color photo of the band on the banks of the Hudson River with full page feature article by Tom Staudter. Pretty groovy! (photo no longer online)
http://www.hudsonvalleymagazine.com
Full page color photo of the band on the banks of the Hudson River with full page feature article by Tom Staudter. Pretty groovy! (photo no longer online)
http://www.hudsonvalleymagazine.com
Friday, September 10, 2004
Angels and Aliens Sighted at Local IHOP
Syracuse, NY
News was made today when a group of extra-terrestrials paid a surprise visit to the Genesee Street International House of Pancakes in Syracuse early this morning. The other-worldly creatures seemed to suddenly "appear out of nowhere" at a booth on the north side of the dining room, and proceeded to place a breakfast order with stunned waitress Molly McMartin. "It was incredible!" McMartin reported, "They were really amazing looking." According to McMartin, and others present at the time, the unusual visitors were apparently delighted by the restaurant's wide variety of pancakes, but appeared to be disappointed that the flapjacks wouldn't play in what appeared to be some sort of walkman stereo. Stan Jayber, local resident and witness to this morning's close encounter exclaimed in a mid-morning interview, "Man, it was awesome! I felt like I was in one of them Shamalam movies or something!". After polishing off their breakfast, the strange silvery-green and blueish visitors vanished in a flourish of colors as suddenly as they had appeared. "The only sign that was left," McMartin explained, "was what appeared to be a message written in the syrup on their empty plates. It looked like it said 'find the circus of dreams'."
Similar reports have come in from other parts of the country in recent weeks, but none quite as substantial as this morning's story from Syracuse. "Who knows," Mr. Jaber mused afterwards, "maybe this is the beginning of a whole new time or something! Man, with visitors from other worlds comin' around like this... I'm pretty psyched!"
News was made today when a group of extra-terrestrials paid a surprise visit to the Genesee Street International House of Pancakes in Syracuse early this morning. The other-worldly creatures seemed to suddenly "appear out of nowhere" at a booth on the north side of the dining room, and proceeded to place a breakfast order with stunned waitress Molly McMartin. "It was incredible!" McMartin reported, "They were really amazing looking." According to McMartin, and others present at the time, the unusual visitors were apparently delighted by the restaurant's wide variety of pancakes, but appeared to be disappointed that the flapjacks wouldn't play in what appeared to be some sort of walkman stereo. Stan Jayber, local resident and witness to this morning's close encounter exclaimed in a mid-morning interview, "Man, it was awesome! I felt like I was in one of them Shamalam movies or something!". After polishing off their breakfast, the strange silvery-green and blueish visitors vanished in a flourish of colors as suddenly as they had appeared. "The only sign that was left," McMartin explained, "was what appeared to be a message written in the syrup on their empty plates. It looked like it said 'find the circus of dreams'."
Similar reports have come in from other parts of the country in recent weeks, but none quite as substantial as this morning's story from Syracuse. "Who knows," Mr. Jaber mused afterwards, "maybe this is the beginning of a whole new time or something! Man, with visitors from other worlds comin' around like this... I'm pretty psyched!"
Monday, July 12, 2004
The Circus - Live on XM Radio's "X-Country"
Just got back from XM Radio in DC where we recorded a live 45 minute set with Jesse Scott for XM's X-Country Channel. The crew down there at XM are just awesome people. We had such a great time hanging out with them and think this is the beginning of a long, exciting relationship. XM is really taking off!
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Live on WFUV - 90.7 / NY
Sunday, May 30 -
The Circus joined host John Platt for a live in-studio session at WFUV. "Sunday in the Rain" and "Circus of Dreams" performed live, and "Living with God" and "Call to the Mysic" from the new CD, the hour was laced with engaging dialog. This fantabulous show can be found at the WFUV.org archives for City Folk Sunday Breakfast. [now archived here on Radio-Free Slambovia...]
John's dubbed us "The little band with the big name!"
The Circus joined host John Platt for a live in-studio session at WFUV. "Sunday in the Rain" and "Circus of Dreams" performed live, and "Living with God" and "Call to the Mysic" from the new CD, the hour was laced with engaging dialog. This fantabulous show can be found at the WFUV.org archives for City Folk Sunday Breakfast. [now archived here on Radio-Free Slambovia...]
John's dubbed us "The little band with the big name!"
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
FEZ in NYC
The band's FEZ show in NYC on Friday, June 11 was pure magic!!! This benefit for Earth Day New York was recorded for XM radio w/ host Russ Davis.
Big thanks to all those involved in the success of this show - You know who you are... Especially Pam Lippe!
- hear selected songs on Radio-Free Slambovia...
or
- download full show from the Slambovian Mercantile...
Monday, June 14, 2004
Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams made it's full band debut at Jammin' Java (May 30) in Vienna Virginia - A big success! Thanks to all our fans and supporters and for the radio and press support we got for the show.
The Connection - Vienna edition did a homecoming story featuring Tink: "Local girl comes home... and she's bringing The Circus with her!" [read more...]
(Article will soon also be viewable at our Slambovian-Free Press page)
Looking forward to returning to Jammin' Java this fall!
The Connection - Vienna edition did a homecoming story featuring Tink: "Local girl comes home... and she's bringing The Circus with her!" [read more...]
(Article will soon also be viewable at our Slambovian-Free Press page)
Looking forward to returning to Jammin' Java this fall!
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