1st Encounter by The Supplicants

01 - 1st Encounter
02 - Becoming Osiris
03 - Anansi
04 - Special Laasi
05 - The Elephant's Eye
06 - Until We Meet Again
07 - Berimbau for Mr. Low
08 - Peace and Strength...
09 - Until We Meet Again *alt take

On May 16th, 1999, Isotope Records documented David Boyce, David Ewell, and Sameer Gupta playing music together for the first time. That day marks the birthdate of The Supplicants and their debut album.

The entire album was recorded in one afternoon, with almost all the material being spontaneously composed improvisations. David Boyce had never heard Sameer Gupta, David Ewell had never heard David Boyce, and none of them had ever musically exchanged a sound before that day.

The result of this bold risk was profoundly musical; the performances
were filled with the member's free spirits, communication, and collective
listening. It was well worthy of the title "The Supplicants - 1st Encounter."

Approximately one year later, much to his surprise, Sameer
discovered a fourth member of the project: Richard Howell. Richard
brought his voice of experience, patience, and spirituality to the band,
helping escalate the already potent sound to transcendental levels.

From their first day, they have preserved the approach of performing
purely spontaneous improvised compositions.

Sameer Gupta is known as one of the few percussionists simultaneously representing the traditions of American jazz on drum set and Indian classical music on tabla. By combining traditional and modern improvisational styles drawing from his Indian heritage and American roots, Gupta has already established himself as an original musical voice in jazz, world, and fusion music.

sameergupta.com
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