As clarinetist and bandleader, Mike’s is also devoted to his klezmer band Kleztraphobix. Their latest album, Another Bottle of Vodka, has been described by Klezmershack as "defining an exciting, driving sound that makes New York the place to listen to Klezmer."
The individual musicians of the Kleztraphobix are Psachya Septimus (accordian), Rich Melnikoff (drums/percussion), Ron Caswell (tuba), Michael Cohen (clarinet) and Jordan Hirsch (trumpet). They have performed with some of the best musicians in Klezmer, Orchestral and Jazz.
A great love for the rich repertoire of Eastern European Klezmer informs their music, while their eclectic experiences propel them to expand their musical language, incorporating everything from Macedonian folk tunes to free improvisation. The Kleztraphobix are committed to creating new Klezmer music, and often feature the original compositions of the members of the band. This balance of tradition and modernity creates an invigorating, exciting, musical experience.
The Kleztraphobixhave brought their high energy brand of music to concert settings from Maine to Washington, D.C. Kleztraphobix has also performed at a number of clubs in and around NYC, There have also been sightings of Kleztraphobix performing in the "Borscht Belt." They have performed special tribute shows to Shlomo Carlebach, and have had a number of collaborations with famed Cantor Bentzion Miller.
Mike has also been playing in a chamber setting with Suzanne Mueller on cello and Ellie Zayas performing chamber music for cello, piano and woodwinds. The music ranges in genres from classical to contemporary. We have premiered works by composer Matt Doran and will be performing some of my music at our next concert.