Rumba flamenco, gypsy swing and blues genres performed with passion
The Lotus Fire is a rhythm-driven ensemble with a sophisticated yet accessible sound that is the result of an eclectic group of talented musicians:
Nicolaas Kraster- guitar, Kevin Aland- violin, Christopher Austin- percussion, Jon-Robert Levi McLaughlin- guitar, Ari McManus- vocals
Individually, the band members have achieved an abundance of diverse experiences and accolades, including: Cordoba Guitar Company endorsements; a 4 star review in Modern Drummer magazine; performances with Willie Royal of Willie and Lobo, Greg Osby, and others; tours in Western Europe, Latin America, and North America; and numerous CD recordings.
Collectively, the members of The Lotus Fire weave these individual experiences and their stylistic approaches to music into a World Rhythm & Blues sound that has powerful vocals, blazing solos, and deep, rhythmic grooves. Each member offers a unique musical perspective rooted in distinctly different areas of study. These influences include the 20?s swing movement, electronic tango, blues, rumba flamenco, jazz, African drumming, funk, east Indian classical, Arabic and R&B. Inactive as of 7/18/16