Fishtank Ensemble brings unique music to Sacramento

by Lisa Palmer, published on May 14, 2010 at 8:23PM

What do you get when you cross an opera-trained singer with a self-taught violinist, a flamenco guitarist who formerly played drums in the L.A. rock scene and an upright slap bass player, all with a passion for unique music with Roma roots? You get Fishtank Ensemble. And on Tuesday Sacramento will get a taste of the ensemble at Firehouse 5.

The group got its name from the performance space where the musicians first met. It's called the fishtank because the windows let passers-by peer in. The musicians, including singer and Sacramento native Ursula Knudson, violinist Fabrice Martinex, guitarist Doug Smolens and bassist Djordje Stijepovic, decided to do a show just for fun.

“Somebody came up to me and said, ‘What is the name of your band?’” Knudson said. She answered, “What band?” Fishtank was the first thing she thought of, and the band was formed.

“We’re like a model of the new type of independent band,” Knudson said. Being independent meant the band made its own choices, touring and building a fan base without the help of a record company. “If we were with a huge record label, we wouldn’t be making as much or have as much freedom,” Knudson said. “We’re doing things on our own terms.”

She said Fishtank puts a unique twist on Roma music. “We’re taking Roma music and taking it out of its location,” Knudson said. “It’s a twist to a traditional type of music.” The band builds on the backgrounds of its members, including Knudson, who performed in the Sacramento Opera Chorus for a year when she was 18.

Fishtank Ensemble’s recently released album, 'Woman in Sin," reflects the band’s unique music. “It’s got a lot of different styles, and each one is thoroughly explored,” Knudson said.

She said she is excited to return to her hometown and misses a lot about it. “It’s like the fake South,” she joked. “There’s two rivers, people sitting on their porches and kids walking around barefoot.”

A fun fact: Knudson’s grandfather is Jimboy of Sacramento-based Jimboy’s Tacos.

Knudson promised that Tuesday's show would be fun and unique. “It’s not pre-formulated,” she said. “I call it a train wreck that might happen, but never does.” Band members have to watch each other to find out what will happen next, Knudson said, making for an exciting and unusual performance.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and are available through Firehouse 5’s website or by phone. Firehouse 5 is at 2014 9th St. For more information, visit www.thefirehouse5.com.