Garaj Mahal

When you hear your first Garaj Mahal note leading into an innovative fusion of funky jazz with a tasty World Music flair, all other thoughts leave your mind as the music takes you on an unforgettable voyage. Fans return to experience the band again and again because they know they will always hear something new and progressive from four first-class musicians.

Featuring world-renowned bass master and educator Kai Eckhardt, keyboard wizard Oz Ezzeldin, guitar and sitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, and legendary Fishbone drummer Hassan Hurd, Garaj Mahal combines a century of musical experience to create a sound that's always new, freshly infused with a wide spectrum of musical expression, and always smoking hot. Touring extensively since their formation in 2000, Garaj Mahal won the Independent Music Award for Best Jam Album in 2007 for their album Blueberry Cave. Their collective musical experience allows them to constantly push the envelope of composition and improvisation. Garaj Mahal's sound – a convergence of jazz-style improvisation, mystical Middle-Eastern atmospheres, and danceable American funk - attracts music lovers from all parts of the spectrum, and creates a profoundly unique experience.

Each band member dedicates every drop of his education, history, and life-long passion for music to their audience every time they step on stage. The band members' virtuosity is no surprise when you look at even a few of the amazing artists they've performed and/or recorded with over the years including Dizzy Gillespie, John McLaughlin, Sting, Cassandra Wilson, Dave Holland, Bela Fleck, Chick Corea, Steve Smith, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, Les Claypool, Trey Anastasio, Umphrey's McGee, MMW, Steve Kimock, and Michael Manring.