Chasm then & ...                                                                                            

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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 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. 

Chasm has four releases to their credit: The Lovejoy Sessions (2009), Bamboo Blue (2008), Panorhythmica (2000), and CHASM (1995). NAV Magazine nominated Panorhythmica a finalist for Best Acoustic Instrumental Album of 2000.  Chasm has also enjoyed critical acclaim and international airplay.  

The Lovejoy Sessions is actually a return to the original line up of their first two releases; self-titled CHASM and Panorhythmica. Lovejoy is unique in that it is Chasm’s only record exclusively produced by Whipple. He had the final say on what it would sound like. Although it has the same chasmic sound as last year’s release, Bamboo Blue, it is less jazz influenced. It's contemplative acoustic guitar music with a touch of melancholy. “Lovejoy” is the name of the street where the sessions were recorded in Portland, Oregon.

Based in Ventura, California ~ Chasm performs live with the following musicians:

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”.   

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 and Bodhisattva Jones. Check out Michael's new CD Imaginary Weather here!  

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 rock fusion band, The Art Farmers. 

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.

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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