Chasm

A musical excursion that began in 1987 continues with the release of Chasm’s fourth CD, The Lovejoy Sessions. It was back when Mark Esakoff and Michael Allen Whipple met while working aboard the ship Queen Mary in Long Beach, California that they formed a multi-instrumental duo known as Chasm [kaz’m]. Since then they have continued to evolve with their World Fusion music; blending contemporary jazz within a world music setting.

Chasm’s sound originally centered on instruments that resonate from one of three sources: “wood” (marimba, bamboo chimes, etc.), “skin” (congas, gut/nylon strings, etc.), or “wind” (flute, recorder, etc.). Later, some metallic and electric sounds were added for sparkle. Chasm’s sound concept is to connect primitive acoustic textures with modern musical structures. The result is instrumental music with a uniquely earthy sound. It is their contribution to the diverse genre of World Fusion.

Discography:

The Lovejoy Sessions (2009)

Bamboo Blue (2008)

Panorhythmica (2000) – New Age Voice finalist for Best Acoustic Instrumental Album of 2000

CHASM (1995)

Based in Ventura, California ~ Chasm performs as: Mark Esakoff on classical guitar, marimba & ukulele; Michael Whipple on flute, keyboards & percussion; Brad Strickland on classical guitar & electric sitar; Arne Anselm on upright acoustic bass; and Aaron Winters on drums.

Mark Esakoff was born in Montebello, CA. Playing guitar and marimba; he comes from a musical background in rock and folk, later being inspired by jazz and flamenco. As co-founder of Chasm, he considers himself a songwriter with a sound concept more than a guitarist. The acoustic nylon string guitar is just the prominent voice within the concept along with the marimba which he plays like a “log drum piano”.

Michael Allen Whipple was born in Oxnard, CA. Playing flutes, keyboards, congas & percussion; he comes from a musical background in prog-rock, jazz and later experimented with numerous fringe genres. Being a “chameleon” of sorts he uses musical instruments as tools to realize color, line, shape and texture as he reacts visually to what he hears. Whipple also performs, composes and records jazz under his given name.

Brad Strickland was born in Hempstead, NY. Playing guitar and electric sitar; he comes from a musical background rooted in rock and has since evolved into a very proficient jazz and classical guitarist. His most noteworthy contributions to Chasm’s music are his endless array of “heady” guitar solos. And in the tradition of jazz, he rarely repeats himself. Strickland is also the founder of the jazz fusion band, The Art Farmers.

Arne Anselm was born in Santa Barbara, CA. Playing the upright acoustic bass; he comes from a musical background rooted in punk, but has now morphed into a world music bassist. He is able to create rich tones that provide the perfect “acoustic couch” for Chasm’s sound with his 1930’s Juzek double-bass from Czechoslovakia. Anselm also plays in the Gypsy jazz band, Swing Cheese.

Aaron Winters was born in Los Angeles, CA. Playing drums & percussion; he comes from a musical background in rock, jazz, funk and reggae, then later explored world music rhythms. With this he has developed his own style and plays a hi-bred drum set using the djembe instead of the traditional drums. He often plays a different rhythm to the same song from gig to gig. Winters helps reinvent Chasm’s music by causing “happy accidents”.