Vampire Suit creates a highly personal musical texture that takes you from the tribal dances of North Africa to the marshes of the Balkans. The band's unique sound comes from drawing on rhythms and forms of musical traditions from around the world and infusing them with ideas and harmonies from jazz, 20-century music, blues and other modern genres. The result is a musical journey that is at once personal and global, music that is at the same time unmistakably modern, yet feels old and familiar, a new tradition for a generation that freely draws on so many traditions.
To help create that sound Vampire Suit draws on the talents of young New York musicians that have had experience in different musical setting in cultures. My musical vision is realized with the help of players that have played jazz, rock, Arab music, Balkan music, African music, and who make their living through any one of these styles. With a deep understanding and respect to all this music they are able to tap into something new that arises from all of these influences. In addition to the musicians mentioned above, Vampire Suit has also drawn on the talents of reed players Jeremy Powell and Matthew Silberman, bass player Mike Savino and percussionists Kevin Garcia Matt Kilmer, John Hadfield and Brad Wentworth.
Vampire Suit has been bringing its unique music to listeners all over New York. Whether it is demanding jazz audiences in clubs like Cornelia Street Cafe and Barbes, or sophisticated rockers at places like CBGB, Vampire Suit has touched people in a profound way. Managing to avoid categorization, the band speaks to music that exists in our collective unconsciousness in its intensity, directness and beauty.
Jay Vilnai - Guitar
Skye Steele - Violin
Gary Pickard - Soprano Saxophone and
Clarinet
Greg Heffernan - Cello
Rich Stein - Percussion















