Vampire Suit - New Music from NYC

I'm proud to present "Gaze at Your Omphalos", the debut recording by Jay Vilnai's Vampire Suit, a project that has been carving out a special niche in the NYC music scene.

"The music has enduring beauty that touches on the heart of the Middle East''s musical culture while exhibiting western flair. Open improvisations and the spirit of the belly dance coexist, encouraging the traditional undulated hip movements as a supplement to the solid instrumentation..."  - Frank Rubolino Cadence Magazine

Vampire Suit draws on Jay Vilnai's unique musical heritage as a Russian-Romanian-Polish descendant raised in Jerusalem around a mix of contemporary and traditional Jewish and Arab music, with a soul for rock'n'roll and a BFA in jazz. Couple that with a passion for Bartok and Stravinsky and you end up with all original music that draws on all those influences to create something akin to traditional music for a generation that has so many traditions it calls his. Balkan and Middle-Eastern rhythms are prominent, backed by 20th century composing concepts and jazz improvising. The result is a highly personal musical texture that takes you from the tribal dances of North Africa to the marshes of the Balkans. 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 hails from so many traditions.

"If Bram Stoker's imaginary Transylvania had a jazz scene, the music might sound something like this." - Jazz Review

To help create that sound Vampire Suit draws on the talents of young New York musicians that have had experience in different musical settings and cultures. My musical vision is realized with the help of players that have played jazz, rock, Arab music, Balkan music, African music and more. 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. Vampire Suit has been working in NY for almost two years and has had a great run of it. The band has played many major NYC venues, such as Barbes, Cornelia St. Cafe, Zebulon, Sweet Rhythm, CBGB and more. The music has been called "spirited and enjoyable" (Time Out NY), and said to posses an "airy, festive, free-form atmosphere" (download.com, editor's pick). Everywhere we went we received very strong reactions to our music, whether from sophisticated jazz listeners, hipster dudes or NYU students. I feel like the music has great universal appeal. I strongly believe in the music of Vampire Suit and its ability to speak to a variety of audiences.

For more info visit www.vilnaismusic.com or contact me:
Jay Vilnai
404 6th ave, #2R
Brooklyn, NY  11215
+1 917-710-5015
vilnai@vilnaismusic.com