Chasm

 
Nu-Jazz
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Ventura,  California
 

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About Chasm

A musical journey 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 jungle jazz sound; a blend of contemporary jazz within a world music setting. 

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 sound 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.  

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 the other albums, there are some fresh twists and turns due to the influences from the new guys who have joined the journey. The intention is to transport the listener to an exotic internal getaway.  

Based in Ventura, CA ~ Chasm is: Mark Esakoff on classical guitar, marimba & ukulele; 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. 

 
 

Mark Esakoff was born in Montebello, CA. Playing guitar and marimba, he comes from a musical background in rock and folk; later being inspired by jazz and flamenco. As co-founder of Chasm he considers himself a songwriter with a sound concept more than a guitarist.  The acoustic nylon string guitar is his prominent voice within the concept along with the marimba which he plays like a “log drum piano”.  

Michael Whipple was born in Oxnard, CA. 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. Whipple also performs, composes and records jazz under his given name.

Brad Strickland was born in Hempstead, NY. Playing guitar and electric sitar; e comes from a musical background rooted in rock and has since evolved into a very proficient jazz and classical guitarist. His most noteworthy contributions to Chasm’s music are his endless array of “heady” guitar solos. And in the tradition of jazz, he rarely repeats himself. Strickland is also the founder of the jazz fusion band, The Art Farmers.

Arne Anselm was born in Santa Barbara, CA. Playing the upright acoustic bass; he comes from a musical background rooted in punk, 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 Juzek double bass from Czechoslovakia. Anselm also plays in the Gypsy jazz band, Swing Cheese.

Aaron Winters was born in Los Angeles, CA.  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 as he plays a hi-bred drum set using the djembe instead of the traditional drums. He often creates a different rhythm to the same song from gig to gig.  Winters helps reinvent Chasm’s music by causing “happy accidents”.  

 
   
 

 
  
  
  
  
   
 
   

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