December 1, 2013
Birth EP is now available!!
Please got to our music page to hear track samples and purchase a copy if you'd like.
Below are the details about the recording. Hope you enjoy it....
Dhamaru - Birth
Ocean Flower Records 2013
Genre / World Music
On Dhamaru's 2nd release, an EP, the duo's creative talents merge to birth a gem of the American-Malian Renaissance. Allured's deep roots in classical guitar and rock n' roll get reborn by inspiration of the Kora, and Kamale Ngoni music of Mali West Africa, as well as the great king of the desert blues, Ali Farka Toure. Wood's African and Latin inspired percussion holds the groove with hypnotic perfection.
The songs contained on Birth were inspired by ideas which were sparked during the bands 2011 tour. During their time on the road, mostly playing for yoga classes and various styles of dance, Chuck and Colin would record the classes on a portable recorder then craft certain ideas into songs once back home in North Carolina.
Though this is the bands' second recording, both Wood and Allured feel these songs have given birth to a deeper Dhamaru sound. Chuck says: "Our first record is good and I love so many things about it, but we were really trying to find our identity as a band with that recording. Since recording our first CD we have had time to tour and play in so many diverse settings. The experience on the road enabled us to get into a place where we could just let the sounds flow out naturally, create in the moment, and allow us to discover what Dhamaru is truly all about. I think we've captured some of that on this record and we are very excited about it."
As with their first CD, Dhamaru decided to bring in some guest musicians on Birth for added color and texture. They chose two New Jersey natives; Jeff Hambright, known for his slide guitar work throughout the state and John Ginty, internationally respected for his work on the Hammond B3 organ. Ginty also lent his talents on the production of the disc by mixing and mastering all the tracks.
Birth features 5 tracks. One vocal opus, sung by Allured, is a unique afro-centric setting of the Rumi poem, "Secret Sky". The rest of this recording features the duo's instrumental intricacy. These are great additions to a yoga or dance class playlist.
Whether you are a fan of Dhamaru, or just discovering their music, this EP takes you on one of their sonic journeys and does not disappoint. Sit back and enjoy the ride!....
Colin Allured - guitars, and vocals
Chuck Wood - djembe, congas, and percussion
Guest Musicians:
John Ginty - Hammond organ
Jeff Hambright - Slide guitar
November 19, 2013
Excited to announce Dhamaru will be releasing a new EP on December 1st 2013!
The disc is entitled BIRTH and includes 5 tracks.
One of the tracks is an afro-centric setting of the Rumi poem "Secret Sky"
The remaining tracks are what we feel to be some of our best instrumentals.
Special guest appearances by John Ginty on Hammond organ and Jeff Hambright on slide guitar.
Ginty also mixed and mastered the recording and it sounds amazing!
New art work coming also to coincide with the release.
We are thrilled with this new work and look forward to getting it out to you soon....
Birth EP is now available!!
Please got to our music page to hear track samples and purchase a copy if you'd like.
Below are the details about the recording. Hope you enjoy it....
Dhamaru - Birth
Ocean Flower Records 2013
Genre / World Music
On Dhamaru's 2nd release, an EP, the duo's creative talents merge to birth a gem of the American-Malian Renaissance. Allured's deep roots in classical guitar and rock n' roll get reborn by inspiration of the Kora, and Kamale Ngoni music of Mali West Africa, as well as the great king of the desert blues, Ali Farka Toure. Wood's African and Latin inspired percussion holds the groove with hypnotic perfection.
The songs contained on Birth were inspired by ideas which were sparked during the bands 2011 tour. During their time on the road, mostly playing for yoga classes and various styles of dance, Chuck and Colin would record the classes on a portable recorder then craft certain ideas into songs once back home in North Carolina.
Though this is the bands' second recording, both Wood and Allured feel these songs have given birth to a deeper Dhamaru sound. Chuck says: "Our first record is good and I love so many things about it, but we were really trying to find our identity as a band with that recording. Since recording our first CD we have had time to tour and play in so many diverse settings. The experience on the road enabled us to get into a place where we could just let the sounds flow out naturally, create in the moment, and allow us to discover what Dhamaru is truly all about. I think we've captured some of that on this record and we are very excited about it."
As with their first CD, Dhamaru decided to bring in some guest musicians on Birth for added color and texture. They chose two New Jersey natives; Jeff Hambright, known for his slide guitar work throughout the state and John Ginty, internationally respected for his work on the Hammond B3 organ. Ginty also lent his talents on the production of the disc by mixing and mastering all the tracks.
Birth features 5 tracks. One vocal opus, sung by Allured, is a unique afro-centric setting of the Rumi poem, "Secret Sky". The rest of this recording features the duo's instrumental intricacy. These are great additions to a yoga or dance class playlist.
Whether you are a fan of Dhamaru, or just discovering their music, this EP takes you on one of their sonic journeys and does not disappoint. Sit back and enjoy the ride!....
Colin Allured - guitars, and vocals
Chuck Wood - djembe, congas, and percussion
Guest Musicians:
John Ginty - Hammond organ
Jeff Hambright - Slide guitar
November 19, 2013
Excited to announce Dhamaru will be releasing a new EP on December 1st 2013!
The disc is entitled BIRTH and includes 5 tracks.
One of the tracks is an afro-centric setting of the Rumi poem "Secret Sky"
The remaining tracks are what we feel to be some of our best instrumentals.
Special guest appearances by John Ginty on Hammond organ and Jeff Hambright on slide guitar.
Ginty also mixed and mastered the recording and it sounds amazing!
New art work coming also to coincide with the release.
We are thrilled with this new work and look forward to getting it out to you soon....
January 23, 2012
Dhamaru's song Mantra Dance is featured on the latest seva CD from the Kripalu Center. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase will go to the Kripalu Teaching Diversity Program which brings yoga to communities that are economically, socially, and physically challenged. Also on the CD are Jai Uttal, Dave Russell, Mimi Cross, Eddy Nataraj, Temple, Steven Leonard, Charlie Braun, Antonio Aversano, and Kairos, Allison, & Shaun Laframboise.
October 18th, 2011
We had the honor to be interviewed by Melanie Thiel on WNTI: Contours Radio.
We'd like to thank them for their support, and we hope you'll enjoy the listen…
Live interview
We had the honor to be interviewed by Melanie Thiel on WNTI: Contours Radio.
We'd like to thank them for their support, and we hope you'll enjoy the listen…
Live interview
October 13th, 2011
CD Review
Praise for Dhamaru (Ocean Flower Records)
Five Stars!
Author: Susan Bloom, freelancer and contributor to
publications including USA Today, The Asbury Park Press,
New Jersey Monthly, and Natural Awakenings Magazine
In their self-titled debut CD, multi-percussionist Chuck Wood and classically-trained guitarist and vocalist Colin Allured join forces to deliver a unique and uplifting collection of world-inspired music that amounts to much more than just the sum of their parts. Dhamaru, which refers to a sacred Tibetan hand drum, constructs a solid bridge between the ancient music of the east, traditions of West Africa, and contemporary western thinking, inviting listeners of all persuasions to take an enlightened walk across.
From the warm and welcoming opening track, “Mantra Dance,” to the rattlesnake rhythms of “White Cosmic Dog” and the breezy, pop-infused “Sara’s Chant,” the tracks on Dhamaru journey through life’s many moods and cycles, making for relaxed, yoga class-ready accompaniment or pleasing personal listening. This CD offers a rich international flavor which incorporates beautifully-executed mantra vocals with African and Afro-Cuban drumbeats, a guitar style influenced by the stringed instruments of India and Mali, and other creative elements. Through it all, Dhamaru explores the native sounds which “provide a connection back to the source and bring a sense of community and commonality to all of us,” according to percussionist Wood.
This is one world tour that will truly leave you feeling refreshed body and soul, from the inside out.