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World Fusion Music! Gypsy Violin, Flamenco Guitar, Cuban Percussion ...
Scorching Hot Global Dance Parties featuring Flamenco & Belly Dancers!
In 2004, guitarist Ivan Tucakov (eevan tutsakov) formed the collective Tambura Rasa.
Since then, Tambura Rasa has made a name for itself by playing its signature blend of Gypsy Violin, Flamenco Guitar, African percussion, Balkan and Middle Eastern rhythms.
With their three CDs: ‘Sunrise on a New World’ (2004), ‘Viaje’ (2006) and ‘Kamanala’ (2008), as well as over a dozen styles to pull from, Tambura Rasa bring us a rich, multicultural blend of contemporary grooves and traditional rhythms. In their regularly sold-out live acts and a solid fan base, Tambura Rasa weaves a tapestry of lively danceable melodies, complete with Flamenco and Belly Dancers and Salsa Performances. They serve up an odyssey through the great musical passions of ancient and present-day folk-cultures. |
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Tambura Rasa are:
Ivan Tucakov - Guitar and Vocals
Michael Fraser / Kytami - Violin
Joseph ‘Pepe’ Danza - Multi-Percussion
Mike Michalkow / Trevor Grant - Drums
John Bews - Bass
Karen Pitkethly - Flamenco dancing
Leah - Belly Dancing |
“In the midst of a lot of gimmicky fusion, Tambura Rasa stands out as a group that has formed a worthwhile synthesis of music from many cultures”
- Rambles Magazine
“Tambura Rasa inspire wild Gypsy Music”
- CBC Radio 2
“Tambura Rasa will tantalize your senses with its high energy, electrifying, relentless and passionate musical brilliance.”
- The Source Magazine
“World music comes alive”
FM 96.1 |
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Ivan Tucakov (Nylon-String Guitar, Vocals),
of Serbo-Croation descent, was born in Belgrade, Serbia. He spent the first eight years of his childhood in the plains of central Turkey after which he moved back to Serbia, both the crossroads of Eastern and Western Cultures. Throughout the years, Ivan has travelled extensively in pursuit of artistic inspiration. Since moving to Vancouver, he formed Tambura Rasa with the aim of expanding the boundaries of world-fusion music. |
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Joseph ‘Pepe’ Danza (Percussion)
is an electrifying percussionist and multi-instrumentalist. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, he began classical guitar studies at the age of eight, and started his professional career at thirteen. He continued his studies in guitar as well as in piano, composition, music history and the physics of sound at the National Conservatory. All along he was naturally immersed in his native Candombe rhythms, the national groove of Uruguay and a fundamental element in the identity of all Uruguayans. |
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Michael Fraser (Violin)
started playing the violin at age 4 and by age 9, he was already smitten with the old jazz standards , particularly with raunchy fiddling of his idol, Stuff Smith. Stuff’s hard-swinging style is a definite influence on Michael’s improvisations. He must be on the right track because in 2001, Michael was recipient of a British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame Foundation Scholarship in recognition of his “demonstrated talent, dedication and future potential in the field of music.” |
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Mike Michalkow (Drums/Percussion)
has been performing, recording and teaching drums and percussion for over 17 years. He studied with Mitch Dorge (Crash Test Dummies) and also graduated in Latin and Jazz at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta at the top of his class. He currently owns his own teaching studio (The Langley Music Connection) and performs at the Vancouver International Drum Festivals. |
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John Bews (Bass)
plays a variety of styles for several local acts. Playing both upright and electric bass has helped him get opportunities to work with projects like Radiogram (recording two albums and touring), Mary Ancheta (local shows and recording upcoming album), Sweatshop Union (recording for their third album), Transientworld (recording various tracks) and others, as well as some time playing with the Fraser Valley Symphony while he was studying classically with Ann Stafford. |
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Karen Pitkethly (Flamenco Dancer)
has trained intensively in ballet, contemporary, and flamenco dance. She has been performing professionally for over ten years. Some performance include: Vancouver Opera’s production of “Carmen”, Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, featured soloist in Flamenco Festivals throughout Vancouver. She is also co-director and owner of “Aurora Dance” performing “brio” – a fresh approach to flamenco dance. |
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Leah (Belly Dancer)
has been dancing since she was a child. Starting out with Ballet and later discovering Belly Dance in her teens. Inspired by the earthy rhythms and haunting melodies of Middle Eastern music, Leah will transport you to the intoxicating world of the Middle East. |
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Kytami (Violin)
is a Vancouver-based electric violinist who has been playing and performing since she was 4 years old. One of the most versatile and sought-after musicians in her field, she has recorded with established artists in reggae, hip hop and drum and bass as well as in punk and metal. 2002 saw the release of Kytami’s first album titled “Conflation”, a fusion between her live violin and downtempo/hip hop flavored beats. |
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