House of Waters

Lauded as the “Jimi Hendrix of Hammered Dulcimer” by NPR, Max ZT is an innovator of the instrument. Taking his roots from classical Irish folk music, Max has transplanted his compositional techniques to both Senegal, where he studied the Mandinko technique with the Cissoko griot family, and to Mumbai, India, where he received a grant to study under the great santoor master Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. His fresh perspective and bold experimentalism have been the backbone to beautiful, complex, and genuine compositions, while his unorthodox playing style has been a pioneering force in revolutionizing dulcimer techniques. Max has enlivened the conceptual framework of traditional folk music by fusing multi-cultural roots and traditions to create a truly compelling sound. MaxZT has put out five CDs, and in 2005, won the National Hammered Dulcimer Championship. Luke Notary began to play the drums at a very early age with his father. He later studied with such masters as Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Hamza El Din, and Jamey Haddad. His experience has brought him around the world to teach and perform. Most recently, Luke toured the world with Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai." His unique approach to sound, texture, and groove has made him stand out as one of New York's finest percussionists. Moto Fukushima has been playing music for as long as he can remember. Accompanying such greats as Joe Lovano, Mike Stern, and Dave Weckl, he has redefined the role of the bass. With a strong background in jazz improvisation, Western classical music and the African inspired musical sensibilities of South America, Moto's playing is an amazing combination of finesse, subtlety, and power. House of Waters has shared the stage with some of the most influential international and national musical leaders of the century including Pt. Ravi Shankar, Jimmy Cliff, KODO, and more. With their second CD out, they are, as Timeout NY states “A sight to behold.”