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 upcoming 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

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 albbum!


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