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Sankara are an emerging band from the South Wales area of the UK, with some familiar faces from the local
music scene.
Sankara came together in late 2010, when singer Gareth Jones (ex-The Reasoning) and guitarist Jay MacDonald (ex-Bluehorses) got together with the intention of writing music that they love playing. After a few demo songs were tracked, they realised they were on to a great opportunity, and asked drummer Vinden Wylde (ex-The Reasoning) and bassist Rhayn Jooste (ex-Bluehorses) to join them in search of Fortune and Glory. The four founder members worked really well together and found that as they all had different influences, they could bring something unique to the band.
Gareth has a 4+ octave vocal range, with a unique tone, and the ability to track close harmonies spontaneously. He plays the keyboards for some tracks, and can be seen playing both keyboards and guitar in the live set.
Jay’s playing is very flexible, from a young age he was listening to the Jazz greats from his fathers record collection, and at
17 he was in a heavy metal band. He enjoys writing music with great rhythmic complexity, bringing in musical influences from all
across the spectrum to suit the song. Jay, Jason McDonnald played guitar for the Reasoning when they did the first Dutch tour in 2008.
He was member of the Blue Horses.
Vinden started playing drums at a young age, and was in the studio recording with professionals the year he started school. His early exposure to prog-rock and alternative rock founded his ability to play in various time signatures, and his musical tastes have kept expanding ever since.
Rhayn learnt the drums, bass and cello in school, and went on to study aspects of music at university level. Raised by wolves Rhayn learned to run with the pack and hunt at night; skills that are invaluable in a Welsh rock band.
Rhayn Jooste on bass was member of the Blue Horses aswell.
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Maria Owen-Midlane of Noterminus, ex-The Reasoning, will be singing a duet called 'The Doll's House' on the new album.
Sadly, due to personal circumstances Rhayn left Sankara in August 2012. Sankara took this opportunity to add a new bassist Arnie Edwards and second guitarist Paul Wilson to the mix. The search for Fortune and Glory continues…
In October 2011 they released the Enigma EP. This four track offering allows a gentle introduction and a promise of what is to
come.
A review you can find at Tim Halls blog.
In December 2011 they released the Tori Amos song Precious Things. This cover version is a favourite of all the band and features in the live set.
In November 2012 they released their first album, Guided by Degrees (Available from iTunes and http://bit.ly/SankaraAlbum ), which features a duet with Maria Owen-Midlane (Noterminus, ex-Reasoning) and created a free download https://soundcloud.com/sankaramusic/christmas-day as a Christmas bonus for their fans.
In 2013, they are due to appear headlining a stage at the Y-Prog festival, and are working on their second album due for release near the end of the year.
Shadow Of The Sun was formed at the start of 2011 by Dylan Thompson and Matt Powell. They are currently finalising material for the production of the first Shadow Of The Sun studio album and rehearsing hard in preparation for forthcoming gigs/tours...
Debut album in production...
Personel:
Dylan Thomson
Instrument: Vox, Guitars
History: The Reasoning
Gear: Gordon Smith, PRS, Fender and Hudson guitars,
Marshall Amplification, TC Electronics, Boss & Dunlop Pedals, Planet Waves Cables, Ernie Ball Strings, Sure Microphones
Influences: Pink Floyd, A Perfect Circle, Deftones, Snot.
Lee Woodmass
Instrument: Bass
History: Too many bands to count…played at Prince Charles’ 50th Birthday Party!!!
Gear: Peavey Bass Guitars, Trace Elliot Amplification, Boss Pedals, Ernie Ball Strings, Planet Waves Cables
Influences: Muse, Devin Townsend, Primus, Steve Vai.
Rhys Jones
Instrument: Drums
History: Psycho Squad, Interstate, Magenta,
The Reasoning, Kyshera
Gear: Mapex & Pearl Drums, Zildjian, Planet Z, Scimitar, Sabian & Wuhan cymbals, Vater Sticks
Influences: Marillion, Stone Sour, Motorhead, Alice Cooper.
Symfo-Index.