DeLeon

DeLeon uses their own distinctive style of rock to transform ancient Sephardic folk music into a sound that is both brand new and centuries old. The band, named for 12th Century Kabalistic philosopher Moses DeLeon and front man Daniel Saks’ great-grandfather Giorgio DeLeon, reconciles Saks’ family’s cultural journey with his modern influences. By re-imagining these old melodies as contemporary pieces, DeLeon has given the world at large a unique chance to experience the deeply mysterious and entrancing cadences of the ancient Sephardic tradition, and to do it while dancing. They’ve released two albums on JDub Records (DeLeon, Casata) and have toured North America and Europe with other like-minded bands such as Gogol Bordello, Os Mutantes, Ozomatli and Balkan Beat Box. Their 3rd album Tremor Fantasma, recorded in Saks’s home in Mexico City was released in late 2012.

In 2013, frontman Dan Saks debuted a night of Sephardic Songs and Stories at the Washington Jewish Music Festival. This event is perfect for more intimate events.

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“DeLeon’s set at the Winter Garden, part of a JDub Records reunion show, was outstanding. The band’s collision of different strains of traditional folk with rock feels authentic and modern, and they manage to pull it off beautifully live: there was a lot of joyful energy coming off the stage. “

-Olli Chanoff, THE OFFICE performing arts + film (programmer, Celebrate Brooklyn Festival, MASS MoCA, Williams College ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance, FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival)

“DeLeon’s performance at the Philadelphia Museum of Art was filled with passion and precision, captivating the audience, inspiring some to get up and dance, others to sway in place, and still others to close their eyes. Their music rocks and transports.”

– Lila Corwin Berman, Director, Feinstein Center for American Jewish History
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

DeLeon

Roster Videos

DeLeon - Ya Ribon Alam (official music video)