Press Quotes


“'Fusion' projects are fraught with peril. Often, attempts to marry the compelling elements of disparate genres of music result instead in an uneasy cohabitation. The magic of each personality is lost as conflicting aesthetics jostle for attention or rough edges are smoothed over for the sake of compatibility, seeking a common denominator. Luckily that doesn’t happen here.

Dharma Down achieves the impressive feat of integrating jazz with the melodic and rhythmic vocabulary of Arabic music while always remaining firmly rooted in jazz feeling and aesthetics. There’s no trace of orientalism here - the references are often subtle, reflecting a deep respect and knowledge rather than a passing interest in ‘exoticism.’ The end result is a unique meeting point of the languages of jazz and Arabic music that invites deeper exploration.”

-Brian Prunka, American Oud player & Guitarist (Sharq Attack, Nashaz)


"Saxophonist Duncan Hardy, Pianist Mike Effenberger, Drummer John Mettam, and Bassist Scott Kieffner AKA the collective quartet Dharma Down, as in "Gittin' Down", ain't playin' around. These are four very serious cats whose shared musical interests and instincts cover the sonic waterfront; from Raga to Prog Rock, from Post-Post-Bop to a healthy helping of the Blues. There's no fluff in this stuff. it's a delight to the discerning listener's ears from the beginning to end."

-Paul Lichter, Curator of the Portland Conservatory of Music's Dimensions in Jazz series


"Dharma Down is a fantastic project and I look forward to their successes.”

-Bill McHenry, American jazz saxophonist and composer


“Great music and band and it's so wonderful to have music and musicians like this up in Maine."

-Mike McGinnis, American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer

Band Photos


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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.

Mike Effenberger

Keyboardist Mike Effenberger is a recording and performing artist who has been living in the Seacoast since 2007. He received the Young Beacon in Jazz award from New School University in New York City, from which he graduated in 2005. Studying with diverse artists including Jane Ira Bloom, Reggie Workman, Fred Hersch, and Joanne Brackeen, Mike has curated an unmistakably individual voice that draws on gospel, American minimalism, jazz, and 20th century music. A founding member of NYC ambient cult heroes Bing and Ruth, Mike now plays throughout New England with a variety of bands including NOLA jazz band Soggy Po Boys, improvised electronic trio fiveighthirteen, Jazzputin and the Jug Skunks, the secular gospel choir Rock My Soul, and Weird Turn Pro, which plays his original music.

Duncan Hardy

Saxophonist Duncan Hardy is an active performer in the greater New England music scene. In 2010 he received his B.A. in Jazz Saxophone Performance from S.U.N.Y Purchase College. While at Purchase Duncan was awarded the prestigious James Moody Scholarship award and had the privilege of working with James Moody, Hank Jones, Jon Faddis, Steve Wilson, Eric Alexander, Jon Gordon, Hal Galper, Antonio Hart, Maria Schneider and Randy Brecker.

After moving to Portland, Maine in the summer of 2010 he began exploring music from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and India. He attended the Arabic Music Retreat where he had the distinct pleasure of working with oud and violin virtuoso Simon Shaheen, qanun master Jamal Sinno as well as multi-instrumentalist and UCLA professor Dr. Ali Jihad Racy. In 2014 Duncan began working with Thelonius Monk Competition winner, drummer and composer Steve Grover recording as sideman on the 2016 release ‘Variations’.

Scott Kiefner

Bassist Scott Kiefner currently lives in Portland, ME. After graduating from McGill University, he returned to New England and began a busy career as a sideman and occasional bandleader. His skills and interests range from early jazz to metal to the avant garde and beyond. Kiefner performs regularly as a member of the Soggy Po Boys, Dharma Down, OURBIGBAND, Flacco’s Bizarre Adventure, and many more.

John Mettam

New York drummer, John Mettam has performed and recorded with many world class artists across multiple musical genres. Highlights include Marc Ribot, Bobby Previte, Jamie Saft, David Tronzo, Matt Darriau, Brad Shepik, Andy Statman, Ivo Popazov, Ran Blake, and the Klezmatics..