Search - Rhythma :: Between the Lines

Sean Michael Imler musician, lyricist, songwriter, producer has just released his second Rhythma CD, Between the Lines, which weaves acoustic guitar, rhythms inspired by African roots, and a variety of instruments to create alternative folk rock that is often soothing, sometimes danceable, and always thought-provoking. Imler has been heavily influenced by many forms of rock, electronica, folk, as well as African musicians like Dumisani Mareire from Zimbabwe and Ali Farka Toura from Mali. He studied with Forward Kwenda, the John Coltrane of the mbira and spent five years playing marimba with the Santa Cruz ensemble Kuzanga. While his sound draws on the religious ceremonial power around which the African musical tradition is based, the lyrics inform, challenge, and attract audience members who are interested in social change and alternative media. Imler s desire is for people to think without labeling, to examine given assumptions, to be open to the possibility of having many different identities, none of which need to be defended or judged. Imler released his first CD, Rhythma, in 2005, which is comprised entirely of music he wrote, played, sung, and recorded. For the just-released Between the Lines, he collaborated with cellist Harry Gilbert, a member of the eco-folk-rock quartet, Sagewing, and the Composers Ensemble in Los Angeles. Imler has also teamed up with Gary Kehoe, drummer, and percussionist Marcel Menard in the Santa Cruz based band, Sambada; Boris Burtin, keyboardist for the Bay Area Jazz band, Code Name Jonah; and Charles K. Brown, a singer/songwriter from Nashville.