Name: Desert Queen by Minouchka
Duration: 5 min 19 s
Description: Andy Bergman, clarinet; Larry Mancini, guitar; Brian O'Connell, bass; Dylan Jack, drums; Rachel Koppelman, accordion & composition

Andy Bergman, clarinet; Larry Mancini, guitar; Brian O'Connell, bass; Dylan Jack, drums; Rachel Koppelman, accordion & composition

Desert Queen

The music of Minouchka is cinematic, mysterious, and captivating, evoking influences of the Balkans and the Middle East, early jazz, and classically influenced art rock.  Some tunes might be at home on a film noir soundtrack.  Led by accordionist and composer Rachel Koppelman, the music has drawn comparisons with Steve Swallow, Charles Mingus, Ennio Morricone, Blonde Redhead, Stereolab, Radiohead, Danny Elfman, and Ghorar Deem Express (Rachel's first band, the 10-piece, Amsterdam-formed ensemble with which she cut her teeth on accordion and compositions).  

In 2008, Minouchka's tune, '???' (The Question Mark Song) was selected to be performed as part of a circus performance by Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band and the Madcap Rumpus Ensemble.

The group is comprised of incredibly talented musicians from different facets of the Boston music scene: Andy Bergman's jazz and world-music influences permeate his sound on clarinet and baritone sax; Larry Mancini (Ol' Brown Shoe) brings his Jerry Garcia-inspired stylings on guitar; Brian O'Connell (dB, Uncle Sammy) offers his highly kinesthetic, funky jam bass playing; and Dylan Jack (Charlie Kohlhase, Dylan Jack Quartet) shapes the music with his dynamic, intricate, and creative drumming.