Asheville, NC—The percussion community is buzzing with excitement about the highly anticipated forthcoming solo CD by virtuosic Multi-Percussionist/Composer/Educator River Guerguerian titled 'Grooves for Odd Times.' River has been inspiring audiences with his ecstatic and versatile percussion for over 30 years, and has performed and recorded with such groups as the BBC Concert Orchestra, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tan Dun, Tibetan Singing Bowl Ensemble, Paul Winter Consort, Chuck Berry, Sophie B. Hawkins, The Billy Sea and Ziggy Marley/Gipsy Kings. He also co-founded the world jazz group Free Planet Radio and Talujon Percussion Ensemble. The music on his new CD 'Grooves for Odd Times' represents a body of work that spans five years. This time period includes: 1) composing music for solo and mixed ensembles, 2) performing with inspiring artists, 3) recording/archiving the process of these creative cells.
“The inspiration for 'Grooves for Odd Times' was to create a sonic palette in the same way a painter might approach canvas," River explains. “The album's roots are heavy grooves mixed in with the lyrical side of percussion. There is a dance in the odd time rhythmic structures."
River has performed in many prestigious venues and places worldwide including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, Madrid International Jazz Festival, Barbican Hall (London), World Music Sufi Festival (New Delhi), Jerusalem Hall (Jerusalem), Edinburgh International Festival (Scotland) and even the White House! River received his Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music Conservatory, and has recorded on over 150 albums and film soundtracks. He also creates music for the purpose of meditation. His passion is researching the scientific effects of sound on the mind and body. River travels the world conducting Sound Exploration and Rhythm Workshops for people of all ages, and is Director of Music at the Creative Technology and Arts Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
Here's what the press has raved about River Guerguerian:
“Guerguerian made magical sounds..." —New York Times
“Superb drumming!" —Savannah Morning News
“Creative and spectacular! Asheville is truly fortunate to have world class musicians." — Asheville Citizen Times
“Guerguerian's composition, sensationally performed, devoted itself even more religiously to the possibilities of pure sound." —New York Times
Whether playing with world-class symphonies or studio musicians, partnering with Grammy- award winning composers, or creating dynamic plays of rhythm for his own projects, River's passion and attention to the vibrant life off the drum reverberates throughout the crowd. “I will be doing many performances in the southeast area, some in NYC collaborating with composers from the Aaron Copeland School of Music at the City University in New York, and a tour of Spain," says River.
In closing River instills a message to his listeners, “Try to listen to the music with your whole body and not just your mind. There is a message in the sound."
“The inspiration for 'Grooves for Odd Times' was to create a sonic palette in the same way a painter might approach canvas," River explains. “The album's roots are heavy grooves mixed in with the lyrical side of percussion. There is a dance in the odd time rhythmic structures."
River has performed in many prestigious venues and places worldwide including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, Madrid International Jazz Festival, Barbican Hall (London), World Music Sufi Festival (New Delhi), Jerusalem Hall (Jerusalem), Edinburgh International Festival (Scotland) and even the White House! River received his Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music Conservatory, and has recorded on over 150 albums and film soundtracks. He also creates music for the purpose of meditation. His passion is researching the scientific effects of sound on the mind and body. River travels the world conducting Sound Exploration and Rhythm Workshops for people of all ages, and is Director of Music at the Creative Technology and Arts Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
Here's what the press has raved about River Guerguerian:
“Guerguerian made magical sounds..." —New York Times
“Superb drumming!" —Savannah Morning News
“Creative and spectacular! Asheville is truly fortunate to have world class musicians." — Asheville Citizen Times
“Guerguerian's composition, sensationally performed, devoted itself even more religiously to the possibilities of pure sound." —New York Times
Whether playing with world-class symphonies or studio musicians, partnering with Grammy- award winning composers, or creating dynamic plays of rhythm for his own projects, River's passion and attention to the vibrant life off the drum reverberates throughout the crowd. “I will be doing many performances in the southeast area, some in NYC collaborating with composers from the Aaron Copeland School of Music at the City University in New York, and a tour of Spain," says River.
In closing River instills a message to his listeners, “Try to listen to the music with your whole body and not just your mind. There is a message in the sound."
For more information contact Glass Onyon PR - William James.
