Biography
Originally performing under the name “Ama” the pan-European gypsy cabaret group LaXula first came into being when vocalist Monte Palafoux searched London classified ads looking for a free cat, and finding instead multi-instrumentalist Assi Rose. The Israeli born saxophonist, accordionist, and composer was looking for a singer to collaborate with, and when the two met up, their chemistry was undeniable. A host of experimental, similarly minded, world-traveling musicians soon joined up as well, and the band appeared a short time later for their debut performance at the Cannabis Festival in 2002. So enchanted were both the musicians and audience alike that Ama traveled to Barcelona that summer, paying their way with earnings from the sale of their eight-song demo. Palafoux soon assumed the role of matriarch over the strange band, and her stage name/character LaXula became its figure head. Adopting “LaXula” as their band name (while leaving the “a.m.a.” in parentheses), their unique blend of flamenco, klezmer, salsa, Arabic music, and psychedelic rock found its way onto some of London’s most exclusive stages. Building up a loyal fan base through years of regional touring, LaXula (a.m.a) created a live performance experience characterized by a melancholy nomadic aesthetic, quasi-gothic costuming, and a vivaciously joyful (yet simultaneously dark) stage presence. Their debut record In X-Ile (a nod to the displaced gypsy lifestyle) was released in 2006. LaXula’s notoriety widened significantly when their name began to appear all over European world music charts in 2007, and continues to grow as they perform on stages all over the continent.


Discography