Artist description New Polyrhythmic Folk-Jazz featuring an original double electric harp developed from the African Kora. Original upbeat music and some new treatmwnts of traditional American compositions."We're trying to create a new polyrhythmic harp tradition in America today. How's that for a job description? Anyone who has ever touched a harp knows that it's a magical instrument, but so much of it's music is just too sweet for my ear. The Gravikord's sound has an edge to it - with it's polyrhythmic African heritage it's really a harp for a bongo player! The music comes from an early love of dixieland and world folk. Pip's tropical bird-like flute and Dave's slapbass bassoon fillout and enrich the mix. We often play with guest world percussionists.

Music Style instrumental

Musical Influences Kora Music, Dixieland, Gamelan, Jazz, Folk

Similar Artists Leo Kottke, Paul Winter Consort, Paul Simon

Artist History Bob Grawi, his lyrical music, and his new instrument the Gravikord are creating a new harp tradition in America today. His love of polyrhythmic music led him to create and patent in 1986 a new instrument, the Gravikord. Traveling worldwide, his music has been captivating audiences everywhere. Recently Bob and the Ensemble have performed at the Guggenheim Museum Worldbeat Jazz concert series; the Metropolitan Museum of Art (where the instrument was also on display for 10 months in an exciting exhibit called "Enduring Rhythms." The Gravikord is also a featured instrument in a Book-CD compilation by Bart Hopkin (Ellipsis Arts) "Gravikords, Whirlies and Pyrophones" Also they have appeared two years in a row 1992 and 1993 at the Venice Italy Carnevale and at dozens of other festivals and private events. "Off Beat Rondo" was used as a theme for two years on WNEW-FM (NYC) "Mixed Bag," and Grawi has been interviewed on "All Things Considered,' (NPR), New Sounds (NPR) and many other media outlets.

Group Members Bob Grawi, Gravikord, Pip Klein, Flute, Annette Aguilar, Percussion and guests.

Instruments Gravikord, Flute, Bassoon, Percussion

Albums Rising Tide, Cherries & Stars

Press Reviews Some independent reviews - "Listen to Bob and Pip run through "Running with the Wildebeest" or hoe down with the master and his blue-tailed fly in "Folk Medicine" a two pronged pun on "Folk Medley." Dig my favorite Grawi composition, much to his surprise, "Accidental Etude" ("Yes! It can be played chromatically!"), and you'll feel both his depth as a musician and his range as a composer. Pip Klein's flute work is stunning as well, and the lush bottom end is provided by David Dachinger's agile elegant bassoon, with percussion by Annette Aguilar." (CURIO - Russ Hogan, Spring, 1997) "Whenever Bob Grawi begins playing, people are immediately transfixed by the clear modal melodies and counterpoint that he weaves." (GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE, Feb. 1988) "Grawi used the Gravikord, plucking shimmering, syncopated arpeggios, while Pip Klein shook maracas or played sunny symmetrical melodies on the flute."(NEW YORK TIMES - Jon Pareles, Jan. 9, 1998) "The Gravikord is an electric double harp, somewhat like the African kora that is the invention of NY musician Bob Grawi. The sound of this unique instrument is featured on this pair of releases, both of which blend standards with originals. The Gravikord is a versatile instrument that alternates between sounding like a harpsichord, a marimba, a hammered dulcimer, or a harp, depending on how it is played and processed...Grawi's flowing, syncopated picking style is reminiscent of Kottke/Hedges fingerstyle guitar. The sounds of the woodwinds and Gravikord layer nicely, forming a unique form of soothing chamber music." (DIRTY LINEN MAGAZINE, Feb./March 1993) "We cannot get enough of these experimental instrument inventors, so we will be at this show, hearing Grawi play folk-based compositions with his Gravikords, a string-based invention of his very own." (TIME OUT - NEW YORK, March 12-19, 1998)

Location Florida, New York - USA

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