Artist description The heart and soul of singer/songwriter pop strained through a blues filter and washed down with subtle world music flavorings.

Music Style Bluesy, atmospheric alternative pop

Musical Influences Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Buckley, World Music, local artists

Similar Artists Ben Harper, Dada, Jeff Buckley, Chris Whitley, Radiohead, Our Lady Peace

Artist History In the aftermath of several great New Brunswick, NJ bands spontaneously  combusting in the Fall of 1997, Akasa came to the rescue as an acoustic  coffeehouse duo featuring Gerry Perlinski on guitar/vocals and Tony Kroposky on bongos. As their popularity grew, so did the need to expand their sound.  Tony quickly switched to bass and they were joined by drummer/percussionist, Raj Sharma. Raj is the son of world renowned tabla player, Bihari Sharma,  best known for spicing up Miles Davis' landmark album,  "Bitches Brew".       Akasa has since gone on to conquer the local NJ scene as well as NYC and  Philly with high energy live shows featuring guest artists such as Raj's brother, sitarist David Sharma, and Dave Devine, guitarist for the legendary Brunswick  bands "Splinter" and "Number Theory."  They are now in the process of  recording a full length album, to be released early 2001 on OkaziaRecords.

Group Members Gerry Perlinski:guitars, vocalsTony Kroposky:bassRaj Sharma:drums,tablas,background vocals*Guest Musicians:Michael Nagy:bass, background vocals

Instruments Guitars, bass, drums, tablas, violin, sitar, keyboards

Albums Open the Sound -2001

Press Reviews Akasa "Common/Cold" [passionate acoustic/electric rock] FEATURED ARTIST"The energetic "Common/Cold" throws off a passionate acoustic/electric rock vibe. Akasa’s pop sense recalls Dada (the pop band not the art movement) with witty, sarcastic lyrics tailored to the broken-hearted. The song’s rock angst isn’t self-defeating like 90's Seattle, more like Jeff Buckley cranking chords alongside Pete Townsend." -March 2000, ChangeMusic Network"Funky barndance hoedown thrown by Ravi Shankar and Jeff Buckley for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Minty! Refreshing! Curiously strong taste!"-October,1999 Tourdates.com

Location New Brunswick, NJ - USA

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