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| World Fusion Music!
Scorching Hot Global Dance Parties featuring Flamenco & Belly Dancers! |
In the midst of a lot of gimmicky fusion, Tambura Rasa stands out as a group that has formed a worthwhile synthesis of music from many cultures.
In 2004, guitarist Ivan Tucakov formed the collective Tambura Rasa. Since then, Tambura Rasa has made a name for itself by playing its signature blend of Gypsy Violin, Flamenco Guitar, Balkan Rhythms and Afro-Cuban Percussion.
With their three CDs 'Sunrise on a New World' (2004), 'Viaje' (2006), Kamanala (2008), as well as over a dozen styles to pull from, Tambura Rasa offer a multicultural fusion of contemporary grooves and traditional rhythms. In their regularly sold out lives acts and a solid fan base, Tambura Rasa weaves a tapestry of lively danceable melodies, complete with Flamenco and Belly Dancers.
Tambura Rasa offers high energy; up-beat, afro-latin groove shows for dance loving audiences. They incorporate flamenco and belly dancers into their act, for both soft seat intimate theatres and club shows. |
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They additionally offer:
- A fully choreographed Flamenco Dance Troupe led by Karen Pitkethly.
- A Brazilian samba dancer Andrea Monteiro
- A second Gypsy Swing Violonist Michael Fraser
- Workshops, options include :
Flamenco dancing with Karen Pitkethly,
Belly dancing with Leah,
Spanish/Flamenco guitar technique workshop with Ivan Tucadov,
African drumming and rhythm workshop with Pepe danza,
Drum kit technique workshop with Trevor Grant.
Tambura Rasa Discography:
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Kamanala
2008 |
Viaje
2006 |
Sunrise on a New World 2004 |
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'Tambura Rasa peppered our stages with a dynamic blend of world
fusion, continually adding hits of the exotic, mysterious, and
exciting - leaving audiences hungry for the next course! A true feast
for the senses. Through instrument, song and dance, they defined this
year's theme Global Fusion and were without question, a festival
highlight!'
Lynn Feasey, Director
Folk On the Rocks Folk Festival, Yellowknife, NT
'What a class act! They were received exuberantly not only by our fans but also the community that hosted them. These incredibly
talented musicians were the hit of our festival. TR is world beat
unleashed and unlimited.'
Keith Alexander Artistic Director
Edge of the World Music Festival 2008, Queen Charlottes BC
'Tambura Rasa's CD is very good, but to really experience the band's energy you must see their live performance - they blew the audience
away. Ivan and the band threw absolutely everything they had into the
show and had everyone on their feet from beginning to end. My only
regret was that I hadn't booked them for more than one night.'
Clay Brander, Artistic Director
Sunshine Music Festival 2008, Powell River, BC
Tambura Rasa were one of the big surprises of the 2008 KMF.....their 'sound was big, luscious and melodic and they got the audience moving and grooving. Their ability to combine traditional flamenco style
guitar with contemporary dance beats in a simple and gettable way make them irresistible on the festival dance floor!'
Devaki Thomas Festival Director
Komasket Folk Fest 2008, Vernon BC
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Tambura Rasa is: |
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Ivan Tucakov (Nylon-String Guitar, Vocals),
of Serbo-Croation descent, was born in Belgrade, Serbia. He spent the first eight years of his childhood in the plains of central Turkey after which he moved back to Serbia, both the crossroads of Eastern and Western Cultures. Throughout the years, Ivan has travelled extensively in pursuit of artistic inspiration. Since moving to Vancouver, he formed Tambura Rasa with the aim of expanding the boundaries of world-fusion music. |
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Joseph ‘Pepe’ Danza (Percussion)
is an electrifying percussionist and multi-instrumentalist. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, he began classical guitar studies at the age of eight, and started his professional career at thirteen. He continued his studies in guitar as well as in piano, composition, music history and the physics of sound at the National Conservatory. All along he was naturally immersed in his native Candombe rhythms, the national groove of Uruguay and a fundamental element in the identity of all Uruguayans. |
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Natasha Ratz (Violin)
developed an ear for music at a very
young age. She was classically trained and was with the Trinity
Western University Orchestra for 3 years as a 1st violinist. Over
the years she played with Quartered (2004), Doug Johnson from
Loverboy while making the DVD for Spinnaker Sound recording
studio in White Rock (2005). Natasha was asked to open the
show for 54/40 and many others including members of the Cirque du Soleil,
models from John Casablanca’s and some of Vancouver’s top
dancers. In 2007 she joined the David Anthony Project.
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Trevor Grant (Drums)
received his Bachelor of Music in classical percussion from Mount Allison Universtiy (New Brunswick) in
1992 and studied Jazz at St. Francis Xavier University (Nova
Scotia) in 1993. During this time he was selected to play in the
Band of the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa in the Summer. Since
relocating to Vancouver in fall 1993, eh has explored many
musical styles from rock to jazz, funk, world and electronica and
has played, toured and recorded with many artists He teaches
at the Pacific Drum Centre.
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John Bews (Bass)
plays a variety of styles for several local acts. Playing both upright and electric bass has helped him get opportunities to work with projects like Radiogram (recording two albums and touring), Mary Ancheta (local shows and recording upcoming album), Sweatshop Union (recording for their third album), Transientworld (recording various tracks) and others, as well as some time playing with the Fraser Valley Symphony while he was studying classically with Ann Stafford. |
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Karen Pitkethly (Flamenco Dancer)
has trained intensively in ballet, contemporary, and flamenco dance. She has been performing professionally for over ten years. Some performance include: Vancouver Opera’s production of “Carmen”, Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, featured soloist in Flamenco Festivals throughout Vancouver. She is also co-director and owner of “Aurora Dance” performing “brio” – a fresh approach to flamenco dance. |
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Leah (Belly Dancer)
has been dancing since she was a child. Starting out with Ballet and later discovering Belly Dance in her teens. Inspired by the earthy rhythms and haunting melodies of Middle Eastern music, Leah will transport you to the intoxicating world of the Middle East. |
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