Introduction
BOLO is a remarkable and captivating musical ensemble that brings together three talented musicians: Surya Prakasha, Eliyahu Sills, and Evan Fraser. Combining their unique backgrounds and musical influences, BOLO creates a captivating musical experience that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the heart of the listener.
Meet the Band Members
Surya Prakasha (Lavay Smith)
Surya Prakasha, also known as Lavay Smith, is an accomplished musician who plays the drumset, provides vocals, and also plays the harmonium. With a passion for music that spans various genres, Surya is an essential member of the BOLO ensemble.
Eliyahu Sills (The Qadim Ensemble)
Eliyahu Sills, a member of The Qadim Ensemble, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to BOLO. He plays the ney and bansuri flutes, oud, and upright bass, adding a distinctive touch to the ensemble’s sound.
Evan Fraser (Dirtwire)
Evan Fraser, from the band Dirtwire, is a versatile musician who contributes his skills on the West African kamale ngoni (harp), kalimba, and various percussion instruments. His ability to seamlessly blend these instruments into BOLO’s music adds an exciting and dynamic layer to their performances.
BOLO’s Unique Style
BOLO’s music is a rich tapestry of African-sourced grooves, sacred folk songs, and Indian melodies, woven together with a fresh improvisational approach. This creative blend of styles results in music that is both captivating and uplifting, taking listeners on a journey across continents and uniting them through the power of music.
Influences and Inspirations
African Grooves
Drawing from the rhythmic beats and pulsating energy of African music, BOLO infuses their performances with a distinctive, lively groove that sets them apart from other ensembles.
Sacred Folk Songs
BOLO’s repertoire includes sacred folk songs that resonate with spiritual depth and meaning, allowing listeners to connect with the music on a profound level.
Indian Melodies
The enchanting melodies of Indian music are another source of inspiration for BOLO, providing a unique and captivating dimension to their performances.
The Art of Improvisation
BOLO’s approach to music is characterized by their commitment to improvisation. This spontaneity allows the group to continually explore new musical territory, ensuring that no two performances are ever the same.
**Crossing Cultural Boundaries**
BOLO’s music transcends cultural boundaries, merging the distinct musical traditions of Africa, India, and the Middle East into a harmonious and engaging sound. By fusing these diverse influences, BOLO creates a musical experience that appeals to audiences worldwide, regardless of their cultural background.
A Unifying Musical Language
BOLO’s unique blend of styles and influences speaks to the heart in a musical language that unites listeners across the globe. Through their captivating performances, BOLO demonstrates the power of music to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.
Praise from the Press
BOLO’s distinctive sound has garnered rave reviews from various music publications and critics. Here are some of the notable quotes from the press:
The World Music Report
“You have never heard something like this . . . the listener will be stopped in his tracks and left gasping for breath at the beauty of each track.”
Midwest Record
“Taking the traditional and kicking it into the future . . . A wonderful journey to the out of the ordinary.”
World Music Central
“Exquisite.”
All About Jazz
“There is an ancestral vocation that devout musicians draw inspiration and bearing from. Once on this chosen spiritual path, they enter into a mesmerizing plateau of creativity which is only accessible through profound belief in the task at hand, and a complete mastery of their instrument. The multi-instrumental trio of Surya Prakasha, Evan Fraser and Eliyahu Sills, known collectively as BOLO, on their self-titled release, have taken a cross-cultural musical odyssey into that space in time where ancient intonations and traditions merge into a modern yet organic sensibility.”
KCRW
“A wonderful surprise.”
KZSU
“Infectious . . . beautiful.”
Google Music Specialist Tomas Palermo
“I think BOLO deserves a Grammy nom!”
BOLO’s Rankings and Achievements
BOLO’s music has earned them numerous accolades and recognition in the 런피플 world music scene. Some of their notable rankings include:
- #2 on The Global Village July Top 40 New Releases List: 2013 Readers’ Choice Award Winner – Best World Music Radio Show
- #3 on the Top ten album list on KZSU!
Conclusion
BOLO is a dynamic ensemble that defies categorization, blending the distinct musical traditions of Africa, India, and the Middle East into a captivating and transformative experience. With their unique improvisational approach, masterful musicianship, and commitment to uniting people through music, BOLO is an ensemble that truly stands out in the world music scene.
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