"Bassel" is the brainchild of artist Bassel Al-Madani from Ohio. The 2008 release of his self-titled EP "Bassel" in Columbus, OH (out of Relay Records) marked his first official studio release. He is writing his second (and first full-length) album starting this December 2009, and will be releasing these tracks in Spring of 2010.
"Bassel & Jacob Vanags" is an active side project Bassel is involved with. The first 5-Song EP will ALSO be released in 2010.
Bassel grew up southeast of Cleveland, OH. With extensive family in the Middle East and a home base in Ohio, his artistic influences varied drastically throughout his childhood. As his passions for music unfolded in early years, he found a love for rhythm and began as a percussionist.
Bassel's passion for music creation and growing knowledge of musical theory over the next few years led him to pick up guitar at an early age. By experimenting with (and manipulating) his instrumentations, he adapted to a very unique style of playing. Though slightly odd in nature, his use of a 5-string guitar and intricate tunings allowed him to discover the melodic pulses which he strived to create. Combined with the folk & jazz influences in his vocal progressions during this time, a new system had paved the way for a very creative and distinguishing sound.
In the summer of 2008, Bassel teamed up with Mark Himmel and Ahmed Gallab to produce his first self-titled EP in Columbus, OH. The EP was then recorded, mixed, and mastered at Relay Records.
After the release of the self-titled EP, Bassel teamed up with Columbus musicians John Newman, Andrew Noruk, and John Farren to form The Partisan Press. The Partisan Press ran from October of 2008 - August 2009. The band recorded two demos in this time frame, one being featured as the Columbus "Outer Sounds" Session in June of 2009.
In the summer of 2009, Bassel teamed up with Jacob Vanags and Samer Al-Madani to form the "Bassel & Jacob Vanags" collaboration in Chicago:
" Bassel & Jacob Vanags is the collaboration of two long-time Ohio musicians influenced by many different forms of music. While Jacob's style is characterized by his use of swelling melodies and upbeat rhythms (similar to the likes Ben Folds or Sufjan Stevens), Bassel's style is defined by his use of intricate tunings and vocal progressions that combine elements of folk, jazz, and more. Their collaboration has allowed them to mesh this large range of influences into a distinct sound that balances complex melodies with dynamically scattered rhythms. "
Bassel & Jacob performed all around Chicago in the summer of 2009 and will continue writing and performing together in future years. Their first 5-Song EP will begin unfolding in February of 2010 and will be released in the Spring.
Senseless Dreams (f. Jacob Vanags) by Bassel / 8.30.2009 @ Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL
Hey whats going on? Thanks for accepting the request so quick. I don't believe we've actually met but that's why I requested you. Just networking Definitely get back to me when you have some time to talk..
hey man thx for the add.u got good songs for someone who sings soft rock. im someone that can appreciate soft rock other than the ppl that dont like it.
Online Now!
