Jeff Newell: Flute, Diana Wayburn: Flute. Piano, Composition, Spencer Hale: Banjo, Electric Bass, Composition, Kaveh Haghtalab: Percussion
Dances of the World Project began with pieces inspired by the extraordinary polyrhythms of Guinea, West Africa mixed with jazz & classical music. The music has evolved to include traditions from other cultures as well such as the tango, the waltz, the blues and ragas. The ensemble has performed in various combinations in NYC at St Mark’s Church, Somethin’ Jazz Club, The Gershwin Hotel, Firehouse Space, Silvana and Pianos.
“…while [Dances of the World Ensemble's] music is kinetic and intensely rhythmic, it has an edge and an individuality that transcend the boundaries of African music, classical, jazz, rock and film music while combining elements of all those styles…There is no band in the world who sound anything like this group.”
Lucid Culture Nov. 2, 2014