Aashram is intrigued by various melodic and polyrhythmic forms, including the clave, rumba, samba, son, merengue, maquam, tala, and raga. The group is influenced by several musical styles, such as flamenco, reggae, salsa, classical, progressive rock, hip hop, country, rap, gospel, techno, cumbia, tejano, electronica, delta blues, ragtime, zydeco, reggaton, American and Latin American folk, bachata, tango, industrial, bluegrass, avant-garde and experimental music.
In January of 2007, Aashram recorded 30 minutes of music at 54 Sound in Ferndale, Michigan. It was a live tracking set of three songs with no overdubs. Staff engineer Al engineered the session assisted by Joe Gruszka.
Aashram was formed in July of 2006 by Omar Taji, Eric Fillip, Joshua Thomson, and Jeremy Olsen. Aashram has since gone on to perform and collaborate with John Paul Dutka, and Uday Trevedi. The formation of Aashram started in Dearborn, Michigan when members Eric Fillip (drums), Omar Taji (piano), and Joshua Thomson (alto saxophone) began rehearsing various theoretical jazz concepts and techniques. Not long after came the addition of bassist Jeremy Olsen, which officially established the group as a quartet. The group played their first performance on September 3rd, 2006 at the Pontiac Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival. Aashram has been performing throughout Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Toledo.
Eric “Fil†Fillip is a native of Detroit, MI and was born on November, 4th 1982. Fillip was introduced to the drum set (Fibes Cocktail Kit) at age 8. However, at age 13 he seriously pursued the instrument. Throughout the last 8 years, he has performed extensively and has recorded with several groups. Co-founder of the rock-fusion group Timecube, he gigged with Timecube during 2001, 2002, and 2003 and recorded twice with the group at 54 Sound in 2001, 2003. Moreover, Timecube’s most recent recording was done in 2005, featuring Joshua Thomson (Alto Sax) and Omar Taji (Wurlitzer). He has also performed with Seed of Being, Stereo Mystery, FBT, My Cousin Leonard, and Cosmic Orgasm. Fillip has studied various rhythmic techniques with several percussionists and drumming specialists. Presently, he studies with Detroiter Lewis Julian. Fillip earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Wayne State University in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2005. Currently, he is working on a Masters degree from Wayne State.
Joshua Thomson is a native of Detroit, MI and has been playing saxophone since the age of 9. At age 17 Thomson began seriously studying jazz saxophone in high school and began performing live. Thomson has studied with several professional saxophonists and educators including Ben Janssen, Paul Vornhagen, Bradley Stern, Ernie Mitchelat, and Phil Lasley. Prior to Aashram, Thomson performed and recorded with Timecube in 2005 and 2006. Thomson co-founded the band Cosmic Orgasm in 2004 and has performed with My Cousin Leonard, Seed of Being, Integrity, and Stereo Mystery. In 2005, Thomson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Michigan -Ann Arbor. During 2005, Thomson also spent time studying and performing in the Dominican Republic and Austin, Texas. Currently, Thomson is furthering his independent studies in jazz and resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jeremy Olsen is a native of Muskegon, Michigan, where he began playing bass at age 13. He studied jazz for five years under the tutelage of James Lawrence at Muskegon High School. In 2000, Olsen began studies at Alma College. Prior to joining Aashram, he played bass and drums in the Detroit progressive/politico/surf rock band JewsKillingArabsKillingJews. Olsen currently resides in Hamtramck, Michigan where he has lived for two years.
Omar Taji was born in Windsor, Ontario and was raised in Detroit, Michigan where he began playing piano at age 4. During his early teens, Taji studied with jazz pianist Danny Fels in Florida. Classical music became Taji's focus during his late teens and studied intensively with classical pianist Mary Harrison. Later, he would go on to collaborate with various hip hop groups and rappers from around northern Florida. Most recently, Taji has studied with Detroit jazz educator Tad Weed and Windsor pianist Phil Whitfield. Taji has performed and collaborated with: The Greater Christ Ministry Church, My Cousin Leonard, Timecube, Exchange Bureau, Cosmic Orgasm, and Integrity. Omar currently resides in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Members of Aashram have collaborated with: Phil Whitfield, Bradley Stern, El-Mahdi Ahmed, Mike Leonard, Marco Coco, Mike Vial, Eric Fritts, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Jared Graf, Shane Dignan, Bryan Gurcynski, Tim Hutchla, Rico, Myron
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