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then & now... |
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Fact Sheet
(PDF)
Promo
Photo (JPEG)
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CHASM biography |
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A musical
excursion that began in 1987 continues with the release of Chasm's third CD,
Bamboo Blue. It was back when Mark Esakoff and Michael Whipple met while working aboard the
RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California that they formed a multi-instrumental duo known as Chasm
[kaz'm]. Since then they have continued to evolve with their
World Fusion sound; blending contemporary jazz within a world music setting.
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Chasm’s sound originally centered on instruments that resonate from one of three sources: “wood” (marimba, bamboo chimes, etc.), “skin” (congas, gut/nylon strings, etc.), or “wind” (flute, recorder, etc.). Later, some metallic and electric sounds were added for sparkle. Chasm’s
concept is to connect primitive acoustic textures with modern musical structures. The result is instrumental music with a uniquely earthy sound. It is their contribution to the diverse genre of World Fusion. |
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Bamboo Blue (2008) is the first CD with three new band members who were not present on the previous
releases; self-titled CHASM (1995) and Panorhythmica (2000). Although the new CD has the same chasmic sound as their other albums, there are some fresh twists and turns due to the influences from the new guys who have joined the
band. The intention is to
transport the listener to an exotic audio getaway... each song
a 5-minute vacation. |
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NAV magazine
voted Panorhythmica a finalist for the Best Acoustic
Instrumental Album of 2000. The band has also enjoyed critical
acclaim and international airplay.
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Based in Ventura, California ~ Chasm is: Mark Esakoff on classical guitar,
ukulele & marimba; Michael Whipple on flute, keyboards & percussion; Brad Strickland on classical guitar & electric sitar; Arne Anselm on upright acoustic bass; and Aaron Winters on drum kit &
djembe. Guest musicians also appear: Brad Ranola on drums, bongos &
cajon; Bodhi Jones on bass & drums; and Mark Freddy on
danmo, angklung & vocals. |
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MARK
ESAKOFF was
born in Montebello, California. Playing guitar and marimba, he comes from a musical background in rock
and folk; later being inspired by jazz and flamenco. As a founding member of
Chasm, he considers himself a songwriter with a sound concept more than a
guitarist. The acoustic nylon
string guitar is just the prominent voice within the concept along with the
marimba which he plays like a "log drum piano”. |
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MICHAEL WHIPPLE was born in Oxnard, California. Playing flutes, keyboards, congas & percussion, he comes from a
musical background in prog-rock and jazz; later experimenting with numerous
fringe genres. Being a “chameleon” of sorts he uses musical instruments as tools
to realize color, line, shape and texture as he reacts visually to what he
hears. He also performs, composes and records jazz under his given name. |
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BRAD STRICKLAND was born in Hempstead,
New York . Playing guitar and electric sitar, he comes from a musical background in
rock and has since evolved into very proficient jazz and classical
guitarist. His most noteworthy contributions to Chasm’s music are his
endless arrays of “heady” guitar solos. And in the tradition of jazz, he
rarely repeats himself. Brad also is the founding member of the jazz fusion
band, The Art Farmers. |
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ARNE ANSELM was born
in Santa Barbara, California. Playing the upright acoustic bass, he comes from a musical background
rooted in punk rock, but has now morphed into a world music bassist. He is able
to create rich tones that provide the perfect “acoustic couch” for
Chasm’s sound with his 1930’s Czechoslovakian Juzek double-bass. Arne
also plays in the Gypsy
jazz band, Swing
Cheese. |
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AARON WINTERS was born in Los Angeles, California. Playing
drums & percussion, he comes from a musical background in rock, jazz,
funk and reggae; later exploring the rhythms of world music. With this he
has developed his own style and plays a hybred drum set using djembes
instead of the traditional drums. He often plays a different rhythm to the
same song from gig to gig.
Aaron helps reinvent Chasm’s music by causing “happy
accidents”. |
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Music Samples 
