Sultans of String
“Canada’s ambassadors of musical diversity”, the Sultans of String thrill audiences with their sonic tapestry of Spanish Flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, Celtic riffs and French Manouche Gypsy-jazz. Their shows are a celebration of musical fusion, human creativity, warmth and virtuosity. Fiery violins, rumba-flamenco guitar with funk bass playing unstoppable grooves, drive their lively compositions. Acoustic strings meet with electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound, while world rhythms excite audiences to their feet to dance.
Six-string violinist and bandleader, Chris McKhool grew up in a home bursting with music and diversity. His paternal Makhoul grandparents immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in the early 1900’s. His Egyptian born mother is a piano and theory teacher. Growing up, Chris was fed a steady diet of delicious musicality along with Middle Eastern cuisine and violin lessons. A Vancouver Province reviewer wrote, “They are players without borders…world music that transcends place and time with a heavy dose of playfulness added in.”
From a very young age, McKhool was taught the Canadian values of tolerance, respect for all people and celebration of culture. His passion for exploring rhythm and melody led him to far corners of the world, collecting instruments and styles everywhere he went. Travels to the Canadian Arctic, Indonesia, France, England, Cuba, Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica and the Indian Himalayas to perform and conduct workshops, have added to his depth of musical and spiritual understanding.
Over the last 6 years, the Sultans have earned an impressive array of awards and nominations, including the 2013 SiriusXM Canadian Indie Awards Nomination for World Group of the Year, The 2012 Festivals & Events Entertainer of The Year, the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Award nominations for Instrumental Group of the Year, World Group of the Year, Pushing The Boundaries and Producer of the Year (McKhool), to name only a few. Maverick Music Magazine says the Sultans are “…the very epitome of world music: no boundaries, no rules… the sort of band and music that would rip up any festival in the country!”
For the Kaslo performance, Chris McKhool, on six string violin, is joined by bass, guitar and percussion accompaniment. Mike Hill, Artistic Director for the Mariposa Folk Festival, said the Sultans of String exhibit “Virtuoso playing….An exuberant and infectious sound…Powerful and moving…The Sultans are simply an awesome musical group!”
