Arooj Aftab
Arooj Aftabon Facebook | Arooj Aftab on Twitter | Arooj Aftab on Soundcloud | Arooj Aftab on Bandcamp
Arooj Aftab processes the Sufi tradition through an open-minded approach to sonic matter, reminiscent of jazz improvisation, and a contemporary production that does not shy away from incorporating subtle electronic undertones.
With this method, the Lahore-born, Brooklyn-based artist completely reworks classical Pakistani and North Indian forms, like thumri, khayal, and kafi. With those broad inspirations, she creates a fascinating mix of sounds and cultures.
Aftab’s debut album, “Bird Under Water“, dazzles with detailed arrangements and mesmerizing ambience. The music floats through the air with a particular kind of lightness and poise. Feel its elegant movement and let yourself sink in.
Julia Easterlin (Hite)
Hite official site | Hite on Twitter | Hite on Instagram
Georgia-born, Brooklyn-based artist Hite (Julia Easterlin) purls a modern Southern Gothic lament through baroque pop and Appalachian folk music. On her upcoming debut album ‘Light Of A Strange Day’ (March 2017, Six Degrees Records) Hite, along with producer Shahzad Ismaily (Lou Reed, Karla Kihlstedt, Marc Ribot, Sam Amidon, etc.), brings to light a collection of new work John Schaefer of NPR Music calls, “at once lovely and unsettling… a striking debut.”
Maeve Gilchrist
Maeve Gilchrist official site | Maeve Gilchrist on Facebook
Described by one critic as “a phenomenal harp player who can make her instrument ring with unparalleled purity”, Maeve Gilchrist has taken the Celtic harp to new levels of performance.
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, and based in Brooklyn, New York, Maeve‘s innovative folk-jazz fusion approach to her instrument stretches its harmonic limits and improvisational possibilities. She is as at home playing with a traditional Irish folk group as she is with an American string band or a contemporary ensemble.
She tours internationally as band leader or soloist and has appeared at such major music events as Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Tanglewood Jazz festival, the World Harp Congress in Amsterdam and the opening of the Scottish Parliament. She has played with such luminaries as Kathy Mattea, Esperanza Spalding, Tony Trishka and Alasdair Fraser.
Maeve has released four albums to date, including her most recent recording, 20 Chandler Street, on Adventure Records, with bassist Aidan O’Donnell and fiddler Duncan Wickel, while on her own label her solo Ostinato Project is a beguiling exploration of the possibilities of her instrument.
She also maintains a widely acclaimed duo project with percussive dancer Nic Gareiss and tours regularly with bluegrass fiddle ace Darol Anger.
Maeve also teaches widely, and is the first lever harpist to be employed as an instructor by Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she graduated. She has written several instructional books published by Hal Leonard Music.