Artist description Four piece rock group that blends jazz, reggae, blues, funk and acoustic rock in a cohesive and addictive groove.Eclectic mix of players. Band members are some of New York's top session players,working with such greats as Paul Simon,Tito Puente, Jerry Garcia, Harry Belafonte, Steve Khan,and Michael Brecker, just to name a few.

Music Style Alternative Pop Rock

Musical Influences Miles Davis, Neil Young, Mark Cohn, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Monk

Similar Artists Dave Matthews, Nil Lara,

Artist History A long, long, time ago.........the two founders of the band, Danny Lapidus and Bernie Minoso, found a deep appreciation for the contrasting musical and cultural backgrounds of each other while in a previous group. They went on to form Daruma Shakes and invited Oz Noy (Israeli guitar wizard), and Rich Mercurio (one of the funkiest new york druumers), who helped complete the vision of Daruma Shakes.In a generic progression, the band began to stress each individuals area of expertise (Bernie's on his way to becoming one of the most appreciated latin bass players in the scene!) Oz....we, Oz is Oz. No guitarist can touch him. Rich plays with a sensitive, modern sound thats all his own, and Danny contributes the songs in their infant stage in a sort of folky origin, while adding layers of sound with his saxophones. There have been many previous guitar players and drummers, all who contributed a great deal to the overall sound of the band, but this final configuration is the essence of the Daruma Shakes' vibe.

Group Members Danny Lapidus- Founder, Lead Vocals, Sax, Acoustic GuitarBernie Minoso- Co-Founder, Background Vocals, bass, arrangingOz Noy- Lead Guitar, arranging, Rich Mercurio- Drums, background vocals, arranging

Instruments Sax, bass, electric and acoustic guitars, drums

Albums Western Skies

Location NY, NY - USA

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