Artist description One part Bowie, One part Spaghetti Western, One part Japanese pop and all parts Dancing Queen.

Music Style Morricone meets David Bowie with Japanese pop stylings

Musical Influences Ennio Morricone, David Bowie, Abba, Shonen Knife

Similar Artists David Bowie

Artist History El Greco formed a year ago after John Papageorge asked if any member of his aerobic class played violin. Liz Runnicles (#1 violinist in the San Francisco Opera) responded. Upon listening to her qualifications, Papageorge, with a pause, retorted, “You’ll do.”San Francisco Opera performers Kristen Clayton (vocals) and Katy Johnk (violist/singer) soon completed the El Greco lineup. The musicianship and skill of Runnicles, Clayton and Johnk elevated the dramatic vision of the group and meshed well with Bill McClanahan’s love of Latin horn and Duke Ellington-like arrangements, Kickue Yamasaki’s interest in evocative Chinese musical devices and poetry, Yumi Takayama’s fascination with Karaoke culture and John Papageorge’s melancholy songwriting style.

Group Members John Papageorge, Kickue Yamasaki, Yumi Takayama, Bill McClanahan, Liz Runnicles, Kristen Clayton and Katy Johnk

Instruments Guitar, trumpet, shamisen, koto, trip hop beats, keyboards, violin

Albums "The Greek, The Bad and The Ugly"

Press Reviews Rolling Stone loves the group. The San Francisco Bay Guardian loves the group.Everyone loves the group.

Location San Francisco, California - USA

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