April 21
$12.00

Being a band that is hard to describe makes it challenging to relay a clearcut message to music fans who want to see and hear something new. Is Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams a throwback to 1960s psychedelic folk or pop? Are they a jam band with an accordion? Are they a New Age band with a spiritual message? Are they all of the above? Perhaps. And perhaps they are even more.

Hailing from the Hudson Valley area, this Circus is coming to town to spread their mystical musical messages. “The whole name is kind of a new vehicle that allows us to return to idealism, to find a place where you can live your dreams,” says the group’s songwriter, guitarist and lead vocalist, Joziah Longo. He likens the concept of Gandalf Murphy to P.T. Barnum.

In 1998 The Circus exploded upon the Hudson Valley music scene with their stunning self-produced debut release, “A Good Thief Tips His Hat.” The quirky quartet then began touring throughout the northeast and rapidly developed a loyal, all-ages following. Featured recently in Relix magazine, the New York Times and on the CBS hit show, Joan of Arcadia, the charismatic live performances of this band and their whimsical blend of folk, rock, hillbilly and pop have simply captivated audiences and critics alike. One New York critic says of their appearances: “I was impressed by their almost spooky ability to play as one entity, with no seams showing. Their performances reflect a refreshing lack of ego and a genuine desire to continue a musical tradition that began in the 1960s.”

Their much celebrated new release, the double-disc package, “Flapjacks from the Sky,” has received considerable praise from music writers, sparked generous activity on the radio, and continues to invoke wave after wave of enthusiastic response from music fans worldwide. The songs on this recording were in part inspired by a description of the band that came about after they released their first album. One reviewer dubbed them the “Hillbilly Pink Floyd,” and they decided to embrace this aural characterization. The result is a set of songs that is dreamy, homey, pop-oriented as well as bluesy. You’ll also hear the Slambovians described as “alt-country roots-rock” and “surreal Americana.” Yet as earthy as their music seems, The Circus has a spiritual side — “Talkin’ to the Buddha,” “Call to the Mystic,” “Living with God,” “Flapjacks from the Sky.” Dancing freely between existing religious and philosophical mythologies, their music is not only uplifting and empowering but fun — a lot of fun.

As a journalist on Long Island said: “They’re not just a band. That’s something like saying the Bible is just a book.” Again and again fans and critics say that it takes only one brief exposure to this band and before you know it — they’re your favorite. We might as well introduce them here: Joziah Longo on vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica; Tink Lloyd on accordion, cello, piccolo, vocals; Sharkey McEwen on guitars, mandolin, bass, vocals and Tony Zuzulo on drums, percussion.

In Slambovia, respect for one’s musical forebears is a cardinal virtue, and so hints of Jimi Hendrix, Hank Williams, the Doors, and the Beatles are cosmically relayed through snippets of songs. It’s truly difficult not to be swept into Slambovia at a Circus show. Even if you can’t remember the sixties, drop by and tune in.