[1] The band was co-founded by multi-instrumentalists John Kruth (mandolin, banjo, sitar, flute, and harmonica) and Jeff Greene (marimba, yayli tambor, Jew's harp)[2] and includes baritone sax player Claire Daly, percussionist Boris Kinberg and Kenny Margolis on accordion and keyboards (both formerly with Willy DeVille), Premik Russell Tubbs (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Carlos Santana, Sting) - alto saxophone, flute, clarinet and lap steel guitar, bassist Ray Peterson (Eddie Harris), trombonist Chris Morrow, John Turner on trumpet and drummer Kirk Driscoll.

Other musicians who have been known to play with the band include tabla player Badal Roy (Miles Davis, John McLaughlin) Bachir Attar (of the Master Musicians of Jajouka) bassist Dave Dreiwitz of Ween, trombonist Steve Turre.

[7] and Matt Darriau (alto saxophone, clarinet, kaval) of the Klezmatics.

The cover for their album New Deli was created by Cal Schenkel.

[8] Regarding the release of their album New Songs from the Old Country, journalist Richard Gehr called it "the fourth (and best) album by a band specializing in making old and foreign music new again.