Owl Dreams - Press

“An essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of jazz and world music” - (The Jazz Word)

“A breathtaking blend of East and West” - (Jazz Sensibilities)

“A unique meeting point of the languages of jazz and Arabic music that invites deeper exploration” - (Brian Prunka)

“A unique sound that stands apart in today’s world and jazz landscapes” - (Five Finger Review)

 

Dharma Down

Drawing on their eclectic backgrounds and passions , Dharma Down delivers a musical adventure spanning centuries and the globe, while always pushing their genre-bending music into the future. Presenting music across the jazz compendium, Dharma Down also draws on influences from East European and Middle Eastern music and turns this identity crisis into its biggest asset. The group’s 2024 debut album, Owl Dreams, prominently features original compositions inspired by American and Arabic traditions.

The ensemble is made up of some of New England’s top players united by their love of modern jazz and middle eastern music: Mike Effenberger (piano), Duncan Hardy (alto sax & qanun), Scott Kiefner (upright bass), and John Mettam (percussion) create a sound that is as intimate as it is powerful. Their compelling rapport creates an exciting new ensemble to follow closely for years to come.


Latest News

January 30, 2025

Owl Dreams - 3 Months on the RM Top 25 Jazz Album radio charts!

Owl Dreams is available to download now!

 

Get it on Bandcamp: https://dharmadown.bandcamp.com/ or any major digital music services.

 

After a great run of record release shows in the fall, plus greate response from Radio and Press, We are preparing for a busy Spring and Summer. Rehearsing and gigging new material for a July recording while continuing to support the release of Owl Dreams.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the support!


October 11, 2024

Owl Dreams is Released!

Its official! Owl Dreams is available to download now!

 

Get it on Bandcamp: https://dharmadown.bandcamp.com/ or any of the major digital music services.

 

New shows announced this fall! Get the details on the new EVENTS PAGE

 

Check out the OWL DREAMS page for record details, links to buy, plus reviews of the album!


September 12, 2024

Owl Dreams - Pre-Order Sales Begin plus New Shows Announced!

Its official! Owl Dreams Pre-orders are here!

 

Make sure you are the first person to have the full 'Owl Dreams' record as soon as it is released on October 11th! Get it on Bandcamp: https://dharmadown.bandcamp.com/. In the meantime, you can download the teaser track 'Jalla Man', a 1000 year old Arabic song with a modern twist that only Dharma Down can bring.

 

New shows announced this fall! Get the details on the new EVENTS PAGE

 

Check out the OWL DREAMS page for record details, links to buy, plus reviews of the albbum!


July 9, 2024

Owl Dreams - Record Release 10/11/2024

Its official! Owl Dreams will be released on October 11, 2024! Keep an eye on Facebook for upcomign shows!

10 original tracks plus a modern reinvention of a 1000-year-old classical Arabic song. The recording leans into the breadth of the group’s influences and styles, buoyed by the sensitivity and virtuosity of the individual players. Owl Dreams is an exploration of ancient Arabic melodies (Jalla Man), modern and postmodern jazz (Ex One Blues), and new original repertoire in middle eastern influenced jazz (Baghdad, Jurjina, Tadafuqun), all sharing the distinctive sound of Dharma Down!


March 29, 2024

Website and New Recording

We have gotten our website up and running as we put the finishing touches on our tracks for the upcoming release of Owl Dreams: 10 original tracks plus a modern reinvention of a 1000-year-old classical Arabic song. The recording leans into the breadth of the group’s influences and styles, buoyed by the sensitivity and virtuosity of the individual players. Owl Dreams is an exploration of ancient Arabic melodies (Jalla Man), modern and postmodern jazz (Ex One Blues), and new original repertoire in middle eastern influenced jazz (Baghdad, Jurjina, Tadafuqun), all sharing the distinctive sound of Dharma Down!

Latest News