The Karma Roulette Quartet at The Back Room

OUTDOOR EVENT

The Karma Roulette Quartet is made up of four veteran multi-instrumentalists, composers, and bandleaders. They create compelling pieces on-the-spot, incorporate poetry/spoken word, and feature both original works and those by renowned Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti. Their music is truly international — drawing from the worlds of West-Africa, Afro-Cuba, North India,
Middle East, & Eastern Europe — while also versed in jazz, funk, blues, & classical styles.

Over 30 different instruments can be heard.

Their collective recording and performing credits include: world music artists Zakir Hussain, Habib Khan, Chucito Valdez, Mimi Spencer & Mary Ellen Donald, Stringquake, and Valdama; jazz and blues icons Stefon Harris, Paul McCandless, Paul Hanson, David Balakrishnan and Rebbe Soul and Brown Eyed Alligator; and Bobby McFerrin vocal collaborators David Worm and Rhiannon. ...

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OUTDOOR EVENT

The Karma Roulette Quartet is made up of four veteran multi-instrumentalists, composers, and bandleaders. They create compelling pieces on-the-spot, incorporate poetry/spoken word, and feature both original works and those by renowned Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti. Their music is truly international — drawing from the worlds of West-Africa, Afro-Cuba, North India,
Middle East, & Eastern Europe — while also versed in jazz, funk, blues, & classical styles.

Over 30 different instruments can be heard.

Their collective recording and performing credits include: world music artists Zakir Hussain, Habib Khan, Chucito Valdez, Mimi Spencer & Mary Ellen Donald, Stringquake, and Valdama; jazz and blues icons Stefon Harris, Paul McCandless, Paul Hanson, David Balakrishnan and Rebbe Soul and Brown Eyed Alligator; and Bobby McFerrin vocal collaborators David Worm and Rhiannon.


Band Personnel:

Michael Smolens — alto flute, melodica/synth, balafon, djun-djuns, dumbek, hand percussion, voice/spoken word, composer/arranger

Misha Khalikulov — 5-string cello, digital looper, dumbek, composer

John Waller & Tim Bolling — djembes, cajons, dumbeks, tars, riqq, bongos, tabla, marimba, hand percussion, guitar

Quotes about the bandleader:

"The musicianship throughout his ensembles are on the highest level. Smolens' writing is compelling and original, blending jazz and world music that is uniquely his." — Larry Dunlap (concert producer and recording artist)

"One of the premiere Bay Area composers." — KPFA.FM radio

"World-class arrangements and music, fiercely executed by some of the best musicians in the Bay Area"
— David Worm (former bandmate and Bobby McFerrin collaborator)

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