Artist description Featured among the ARTISTS OF THE DECADE in Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Badi and Jeff are redefining and revitalizing classical and flamenco guitar for a new world. The duo's global influences morph Brazilian, flamenco, Afro, Arabic, and reggae with tinges of rock, classical, and jazz. Together, they discover a trancendent balance of virtuoso performance, timeless song-writing, and stellar production. The result is a sound that is at once modern yet steeped in tradition. What makes the journey all the more spellbinding is Badi's trademark voice and mouth percussion. If your senses crave exotic vocals and guitars that cascade and crash on waves of passion, grace, and fire... take the trip with Badi and Jeff into Nowhereland.

Music Style Acoustic world fusion

Musical Influences Brazilian, flamenco, rock, classical, jazz, reggae

Similar Artists Tori Amos, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Bjork, Pink Floyd, Uakti, Caetano Veloso, Paco de Lucia

Artist History Badi & Jeff's first collaboration, Chameleon (1998 - Verve/PolyGram) transported listeners with a mysterious journey of world fusion soundscapes. The album blurred the lines between genres - resonating with music enthusiasts of diverse cultures. Badi, Jeff, and Brazilian percussionist Simone Soul left audiences "gape mouthed" among the highlight performers of 1999's LILITH FAIR tour. In 2000, Badi & Jeff accepted Willie Nelson's invitation to perform at FARM AID... enlisting the support of renowned bassist Billy Sheehan, drummer Hilary Jones, and with only one day's rehearsal the group' garnered high praise including the revelation, "I haven't seen innovation of that level since the Jimi Hendrix Experience!" Chameleon climbs to #1 in Germany, the single "Waves" rises to #3 in Spain, and the song, "Naked" is voted #1 for countless weeks SoundClick.com. Chameleon tops "album of the year" lists including JAZZIZ magazine's 1998 Readers Poll.

Group Members Badi Assad - voices, classical guitar, misc. instruments / Jeff Young - flamenco, classical, 6 & 12 steel-string, and Django guitars / Guest Performers: Sergio & Odair Assad (Duo Assad, Yo Yo Ma, Nadia Solerno-Sonnenburg) / Matt Chamberlain (drummer with Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, David Bowie) / Tony Franklin (bassist with Jimmy Page, The Firm, Blue Murder) / Simone Soul (percussionist with Chico Cesar) / Marco Suzano (percussionist with Lenine and Sting) / Hilary Jones (drummer with Robben Ford) / Additional voices by Lenine and gilli moon

Instruments voices, flamenco guitar, classical guitar, drums, bass, ethnic percussion, mouth percussion, human beat box, kalimba, flutes, sax, harmonic copper pipe, mouth harp, ceramics, coconuts

Albums Nowhere (2002 - WaterSongs Music), Chameleon (1998 - Verve/PolyGram)

Press Reviews "Nowhere is one of the very few albums in this age that literally defies description or stereotyping. The breadth and depth of the artist's influences weave and intertwine to reveal a formless delivery that is utterly unique. In this writers humble estimation - if one can imagine Brazilian rhythms transcending typical Bossa and Samba, the passion and fire of gypsy flamenco, the experimental nature of an acoustic Jimi Hendrix Experience mating with Tori Amos... you'll then have some idea of the unfamiliar yet totally invigorating terrain of this peerless world-fusion masterpiece. Highly recommended." - NPR / CNN Show Biz Today proclaims, "The hottest thing to come out of Brazil since the Bossa Nova."

Additional Info Albums and T-shirts available at the artist's official web site

Location Sarasota, FL - USA

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