Artist description AKIBA records jazz, world, and new-age music.

Music Style Instrumental, New Age, Jazz Fusion, Smooth Jazz, World Fusion

Musical Influences (Not in order) Yanni, Enya, David Burmer, Suzanne Ciani, Mars Lasar, David Benoit, Patrick O'Hearn, Mort Garson, Carlos Santana, Procol Harum, King Crimson, Midge Ure, Neil Diamond, Men Without Hats, Stan Getz

Similar Artists (Not in order) Enya, Yanni, Mars Lasar, David Arkenstone, Patrick O'Hearn

Artist History Together since 1988, the AKIBA band began as an experiment by two multi-instrumentalists who were fed-up with being ordered around by frontmen, and who wanted to venture-out into the realm of electronica. Both Wise and Geller had previously worked before in a band called The Resentments, but the new haunting textures of new-age music brought them back into the rehearsal hall and later onto the concert stage - the AKIBA experiment had become a dedicated effort. Since their formulation, AKIBA has logged hundreds of touring miles and concert appearances throughout the Southern California and Southwestern states. At the behest of their growing audience, they recorded and released 'Symbiosis', an album of original music, and are preparing to record another album soon. AKIBA currently performs in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area - check out their website at www.akibamusic.com for more details

Group Members Viktor Wise - Flute, Alto/Tenor/Soprano Saxophones, Violin, Voice; Bruce Geller - Piano, Keyboards, Guitar, and everything else

Instruments Piano, Synthesizer, Sampler, Flute, Saxophone, Guitar, Violin, Electronic Drums, Orchestra

Albums Symbiosis © 1995 AKIBA Music

Press Reviews Does Orange County have it's own Yanni? The jury's out on this one, but AKIBA's Bruce Geller could be a contender for the spot. He's got an interesting sound going on here, calm and soothing tunes, fluid piano-work by Geller and jazzy improv Flute provided by Viktor Wise. Seven tracks total, all are worth listening to at loud volumes. For the most part Wise's flute is almost on par with the likes of James Galway and his improv on the Scorpio Woman track is thunderous. First Track "All That I Needed" has a blended taste of Spyro-Gyra and a Jethro Tullish-Santana, while the last track "Quiet Storm" is dark and moody, orchestrally rich and sensuous. Apparently AKIBA performs often in L.A. and should be an interesting show. Overall, the album rates high, definitely one to add to the CD carousel. Art Phillips - MusicReview May, 199

Additional Info AKIBA T-Shirts and stuff at http://www.cafepress.com/akiba

Location Orange County, CA - USA

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