| Band Members | 
C O P A L is a melding of string fusion with world beat and electronic influences. Boston/NYC-based electronic string fusion band inspires audiences with deep dance beats and original melodies rooted in traditions, Copal creates soundscapes with world beats and hip hop styles, interweaving string melodies inspired by Middle Eastern rhythms, dark Nordic melodies, Hungarian riffs, Spanish-flavored cadences and harmonies to paint pictures and landscapes. Accompanied by tribal-style belly
dancing, the fusion is taken to a new level, traveling from one end of the globe to another in an eclectic modern mix. Featuring violin, cello, vocals, synth pads, bass guitar, doumbek, frame drum, drum kit, and belly dancers. "Like lucid dreams, the sounds of Copal will carry your spirit away."
Eso-terra (2007) is available on CD Baby for purchase. Any and all support helps with the production of our upcoming EP, out later this year.
Copal is...
Hannah Thiem
(violin, vocals, Egyptian riq)
Isabel Castellvi
(cello)
Karl Grohmann
(drum kit, electronic drum samples)
Christopher Brown
(bass guitar, synth, laptop samples)
Engin Gunaydin
(not in photos)
(doumbek, riqq)
Robin Ryczek (not in photos) (cello)
on the visual side...
Shakti of Vadalna (tribal bellydancing)
Naraya of Vadalna (tribal bellydancing)
VJ Bonk (visuals)
with special guests Kara Trott (vocals), Eartha Harris (synthesizer), Emir Merzeci (bass guitar, synth), Christien Real (doumbek), Sarah (tribal bellydancing, cabaret), Denise (tribal bellydancing), Nathan Cohen (violin), Helen Sherrah-Davies (viola), Brian O'Neill (percussion), Garo Papazian (doumbek) and Paul Erlich (acoustic and electric guitar, keyboard).
~photos 1, 3, 4: Liz Linder (Boston, MA, 2008), photo 2: Hannah Thiem (NYC, 2009)
~~~~~~~
The concept of Copal began in 2005, with collaborations of Hannah Thiem and Jo Ball (cellist/bassist/composer). Ice Crystal and Amulet (featured on Eso-terra), emerged from these improvisation/composition sessions. Later in the year, Ammon EP (Soul Trance Productions, DJ, composer of live electronic beats), joined the group, and Copal began creating the fusion of strings with electronic beats and deep dance rhythms. Persian Woods and Red Dream were initially recorded from live jam sessions, along with Garo Papazian (doumbek), and then finely edited and arranged by Jo Ball. Their performances took them from the Middle East Downstairs to the Paradise Rock Club, to CoSM in NYC, private functions, non-profit events, wedding cocktail receptions, and a monthly Copal show at the Enormous Room in Cambridge, MA.
In 2006-07, Copal recorded their first EP, Eso-terra at Wellspring Sound Studios in Acton, MA, with guests Scott Halligan (cello) and Engin Gunaydin (doumbek). Digital editing was done by Jo Ball, Ammon EP, and Hannah Thiem. Copal then sent the tracks to Eric Peterson (Anechoic Productions, LA) for mixing and mastering. Album artwork includes two photographs by Hannah Thiem from Spain and Morocco, and graphically integrated and designed by Jonathan Salvo. CD face design by Marria Grace and Jonathan Salvo. First generation Copal band photography by Jonathan Salvo.
Copal's CD Release party was held at Axis Downstairs, Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA. The show featured Copal musicians: Hannah Thiem (violin), Jo Ball (bass), Karl Grohmann (drums, percussion), Eartha Harris (synth), Helen Sherrah-Davis (5-string violin), Christian Real (doumbek) DJs: Ammon EP, Shwilly B, VJs: Whorld EnVision, belly dancers: Shakti Rowan, Sarah Wood, Denise Santaro, silk aerialist: Acronymph. Hosted by Johnny Marquis. It was a night to remember!
Eso-terra is available on iTunes and CD Baby. Songs composed and arranged by Hannah Thiem (BMI), Jo Ball (ASCAP), Ammon EP.
In 2007, Copal moved to a live drum sound and added Karl Grohmann to the band. Ammon EP moved on to continue working on his label Soul Trance Records.
In the fall of 2007, the team that was Copal decided to split ways and pursue musical styles more well-suited to the individuals' interests. Jo Ball is now working on a solo project called Amulet Music.
2008 was a year of much expansion and growth with the addition of Halley Feaster (electric 6-string cello, vocals, string arrangements), and Chris Brown (bass guitar, synth pads, laptop samples). Performing at festivals and clubs in NYC, Boston, and Providence, Copal carved new spaces with their refined sounds, dynamic presence, and dance floor grooves.
Since September 2008, Copal has been working with Isabel Castellvi (cello, masterful string arranger) on new music for an upcoming full-length album. Studio sessions at Taylor Barefoot Studio in Brighton, MA. Watch for the full-length and a live release later this year. On the performance side, tribal dancer Naraya (Vadalna dance company) collaborates with Shakti on choreographed pieces to visually augment the sound of the music.
~photo credit: Liz Linder (Boston, MA, 2008) |
