Energetic and eclectic

CYNTHIA RAMSAY

Raquy and the Cavemen were joined by Luciterra Fusion Belly-Dancers, contact juggler Chris Murdoch and DJ Lizard of Oz at the Wise Hall last week. Billed as “an evening of progressive Middle Eastern music and dance,” the energetic and eclectic show by these talented performers was more than the sum of its parts.

Dumbek (Arabic hand drum) and kemenche (Iranian spike-fiddle) player Raquy Danziger and Israeli percussionist and guitarist Liron Peled started Raquy and the Cavemen when they were married. (See Jewish Independent, April 16, 2010.) While no longer a couple, the two still share an undeniable musical chemistry. They have released six CDs, the most recent of which is Release the Green Lover (2010) and, explained Peled at their Vancouver concert, they’ve been enjoying a creative spurt, some compositions from which they played at Wise Hall.

The New York-based Raquy and the Cavemen perform both fast-paced, intricate drumming compositions as well as pieces using a variety of instruments. Danziger introduced the audience to the “king” of kemenches, a 12-stringed version of the instrument, as well as the Turkish split-hand technique that she has been studying in Istanbul, where she is currently living.

According to their website, Peled invented the dum set, which consists of a baboombeck (big copper dumbek), a bass dumbek played with one foot, a riq (tambourine) played with the other foot and cymbals played with his hands. Add to this his throat singing and guitar playing and, between him and Danzinger, their sound and presence is that of a much larger band.

Raquy and the Cavemen were preceded by East Vancouver-based Luciterra, dancers Laura Albert, Gillian Cofsky and Naomi Joy. With no fewer than four costume changes and music ranging from traditional Middle Eastern to hip-hop to industrial, the women inspired the crowd. Their style was both edgy and beautiful; strength and precision balanced by sensuality and litheness.

Adding another unique element to the evening was Murdoch, who often hosts with Luciterra. He performed some elegant tricks, making the handling of crystal balls seem effortless, like he was manipulating bubbles; he even performed an enchanting dance with one of the belly-dancers. He also added humor and levity to the evening, as did Danziger.

A finale that brought Pepe Danza to the stage for the second time playing percussion, along with a former student of Danziger’s, percussionist Euphrates, and Luciterra – followed by DJ Lizard of Oz – was the perfect end to the night.

Next time any one of these artists is performing – this time, they were brought together by Caravan World Rhythms – Jewish Independent readers should try and see them.

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