then & now...                                                                                            

Fact Sheet  (PDF)    Promo Photo  (JPEG)        

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 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.  

Bamboo Blue (2008) is the first CD with three new band members who were not present on the previous releases; self-titled CHASM (1995) and Panorhythmica (2000). Although the new CD has the same chasmic sound as their other albums, there are some fresh twists and turns due to the influences from the new guys who have joined the band. The intention is to transport the listener to an exotic audio getaway... each song a 5-minute vacation. 

NAV magazine voted Panorhythmica a finalist for the Best Acoustic Instrumental Album of 2000. The band has also enjoyed critical acclaim and international airplay.

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

Guest musicians also appear: Brad Ranola on drums, bongos & cajon; Bodhi Jones on bass & drums; and Mark Freddy on danmo, angklung & vocals. 

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Mark Esakoff was born in Montebello, California. Playing guitar and marimba, he comes from a musical background in rock and folk; later being inspired by jazz and flamenco. As a founding member 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 Whipple was born in Oxnard, California. Playing flutes, keyboards, congas & percussion, he comes from a musical background in prog-rock and jazz; later experimenting 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. He also performs, composes and records jazz under his given name and Bodhisattva Jones. Check out Michael's new CD Imaginary Weather here!  

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

Arne Anselm was born in Santa Barbara, California. Playing the upright acoustic bass, he comes from a musical background rooted in punk rock, 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 Czechoslovakian Juzek double-bass. Arne also plays in the Gypsy jazz band, Swing Cheese.

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