Alito Works

Percussionist Ali Soltanshahi is a citizen of the world; born in Tehran, Iran in a music loving family; raised in Strasbourg, France, and educated in St. Louis, where he resides, Ali founded G i n k g o B i l o b a World * Music (www.myspace.com/gb4world) in 2005 to promote cross-cultural awareness through music as music is truly an international language that knows no frontier. Blessed with many international friends, Ali has always been exposed to different cultures and therefore has developed a sensitivity and appreciation for Diversity. The interactions with the citizens of the world have stimulated his appetite for the Music of the World specifically ethnic percussion instruments. Ali enjoys playing the Cajon (Spanish Box Drum), Doumbek (Middle-Eastern drum), Udu drum (Clay Pot), Congas/bongos (Latin Percussion), and the Tombak (or Tombak, Persian goblet drum) and brings a solid groove and coloration to both ensembles Ginkgo Biloba and Autumn’s Child. Over the years, Ali has played with several world music groups such as Acoustic Internote and Farshid Etniko. He has recorded with Group Mediteraneo, Farshid Etniko, Sandy Weltman & the Klezmer Nuthouse, Beth Tuttle and most recently with Autumn’s Child.