Ghandharva performs inspired instrumental pieces of music using an eclectic blend of international percussion instruments including the tabla, frame drum, balafon, doun doun, conga, djembe, berimbau, shekere, singing bowls and bells. They infuse the traditional music and rhythms of West Africa, East India, Brazil, and Cuba with the dynamics and attitude of Rock & Roll to create a refreshingly unique hybrid percussive sound that is meditative, as well as up lifting and intense.They have also incorporated the use of a technology known as "live sampling" or "looping" along with the use of digital and analog effects which allows them to expand their sound and create interesting textures.
The heart of the band consists of two percussionists from North West New Jersey, Arjun Alan Bruggeman and Chuck Wood. They have been recording and touring the U.S. under the name Ghandharva since the spring of 2002. Chuck and Alan often invite other musicians to perform with them on stage. At past shows additional percussionists, vocalists, and a sitar player have been added to the line up to give their live shows an ever changing sense of excitement.
Band Member Bio's:
Born in Paterson, NJ, Arjuna, has 10 years tabla and hand percussion experience, and 20 years on traps. He has studied classical percussion under Michael Frashe. Study of tabla by Zakir Hussain, Ty Burho, and Benjiy Wertheimer. Teachers for other percussion and music have been Glen Velez, David Darling, and various temple drummers in India. Alan has performed and recorded with Krishna Das, Shyamdas, David Darling, Prana, Coleman Barks, Robery Bly, Steve Gorn, Benjiy and Heather Wertheimer, Wha!, The Fiendz, The Rings Project, Pamela Wynn Shannon, The John Ginty Band, Michael Franti of Spearhead, David Hykes Harmonic Choir, and Russell Paul. For the Past 3 years Arjun has been touring the world, and recording with Krishna Das. His deep interest and study of eastern meditation and healing arts has influenced and opened the sensitivity, spontaneity and joyfulness of his playing.
Born in Morristown, NJ, Chuck has been playing and studying hand percussion for more than 25 years. His teachers include such great talents as Baba Olatunji, M'Beba Bangoura, Mohammed Camera, Yayo Nelson, Ladji Camera and Mar Gueye. He has appeared live and recorded with Neal Casal, Bobby McFerrin, David Darling, Shannon McNally, The John Ginty Band, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Michael Franti of Spearhead, Tribe After Tribe (featuring the South African musician Robbie Robb, Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam & Doug Pinnick of King's X), Three Fish (featuring Robbie Robb, Jeff Ament & Richard Stuverud), Anthony Krizon (Spin Doctors)
and Roamin' Gabriels.
