Seventeen Hippies

The 17 HIPPIES are one of the most innovative acts in the German music scene today. The term world music does not suffice to describe the way in which the band has taken its musical strengths to top form in recent years. Oh, and by the by: don´t bother to count the band members! The number 17 just sounds good and does not necessarily stand for what crosses the mind… or what you might see on stage.

PHANTOM SONGS is the band’s tenth album. They have toured across the globe performing in more than 20 countries so far. In March 2011, they will be the first German band ever to perform at the legendary WOMAD Festival in Australia and New Zealand.

The 17 HIPPIES repertoire spans more than the sum of all identifiable components. It all started with the idea to take music down to its smallest common denominator, to make it possible for as many muscians as possible to join. Their own story began as collectors of melodies and traditional grooves of their neighbourhood: Balkan tunes and rhythms giving new impulses to their Western rock/pop & jazz background. A mix of music to match each band member. They play a multitude of acoustic instruments to create their unmistakable sound.

PHANTOM SONGS focuses on songs and stories. It shows the impressive musical path that the 17 HIPPIES are following. Without losing sight of their origins, they are constantly on the move – open, changeable, and with breath-taking ease… right on the pulse of time.

17 HIPPIES on tour (13 musicians)

Antje Henkel – clarinet, saxophon
Daniel Cordes – upright-bass
Christopher Blenkinsop – ukulele, Irish bouzouki, vocals
Daniel Friedrichs – violin
Dirk Trageser – guitar, vocals
Elmar Gutmann – trumpet
Henry Notroff – clarinet
Kerstin Kaernbach – violin
Kiki Sauer – accordion, harmonium, flute, vocals
Kruisko – accordion
Lüül – banjo, guitar
Romain Vicente – percussion
Uwe Langer – trombone, trumpet, euphonium