“To call Arun Pal prodigiously talented is an understatement,†said Errol Nazareth, music journalist (CBC Radio).
Arun has long been known as a multi-instrumentalist performer, composer, producer and recording studio engineer. He has established his name in the world of modern dance as an accompanist/composer highly recognized for his ability to play piano, drums and sing at the same time. Also with over 35 albums to his credit he is no stranger to the process of taking the first inspirational moment of a musical idea and keeping the passion of that idea right through to the finished product. With an ability to wow audiences with the pure range of his voice or through the musicianship of his keyboard, guitar or drumming skills, Arun has gone on to perform thousands of shows. He has worked with people such as the late Matthew Osborne, snack!, Eccodek, Rebecca Campbell, Order of Canada winner David Earle, Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo, Wilco) and Luke Doucet, all the while frequenting venues such as CTV's Canada Am, Ontario Place, Center in the Square, Festival of Friends, Hillside Festival, The River Run Center, Nashville, The Canada Summer Games and performed for the Prime Minister's National Campaign to mention a few. He has had the privilege of opening up for acts such as David Usher (Moist), The Skydiggers, The Bourbon Tabernacle Choir, The Mahones and Fred Eaglesmith.
With a shifting focus towards his band, Arun toured through parts of 2006 and 2007 in support of his double album and last solo release titled ‘It’s Time, Once Again’. It didn’t hurt that Arun was being likened to other well known artists as he pushed his own material more and more. "Like fellow drummers Andy Stochansky and Hawksley Workman, Arun uses his new solo work to flex some singer-songwriter muscles", on Once Again "his strengths as a singer, songwriter and pianist truly shine" (Exclaim). Becoming known in various circles as a “prolific writerâ€, he is finding it easier to steer his very diverse career into the direction of “singer/songwriter meets full band experienceâ€.
After recently being honoured with the ‘Musician of the Year’ at the KW Arts Awards, there have been more rave reviews to follow. Things such as "prolific writer", "prolific session man" and "his compositions are densely layered both musically and lyrically" (Kitchener-Waterloo Record), "Arun is one of the most talented musicians that the region's ever produced", "Arun is as proficient in the studio as he is live" (Echo Magazine), "As a drummer he is a man with 4 hands" (Imprint Magazine), "Arun is heavily known as one of the region's most acclaimed percussionists" (Byron Jay – Songwriter’s Association of Canada). "Arun Pal oozes talent", "Arun is just as engaging a singer and piano player as he is as a percussionist" (Michael Barclay), “To say Arun Pal is prodigiously talented is an understatement" (Errol Nazerarth – CBC Radio One), "Pal's evolved melodic content supports David Earle's intent. It also lends emotional texture to it's most lyrical moment" (National Post).
In the year 2008 there are many things that will help launch Arun’s music even further. Another album is set to be released in May along with a music video for his single ‘Each Time’. Some DVD material is in the works and will mostly be used to find its way into the vast channels of cyberspace. A tour will begin in June and likely go until late August or even into early September. Finally, Arun will look to his very talented band mates to join him through much of these shows and help propel his “exceptional music, full of range, catchy lyrics, expression with strong melodic content and groove-orientated hooksâ€!