Sven Larson - string bass, electric bass, bass pedals, percussion

Originally from Wooster, Ohio, Larson came to Boston 10 years ago and promptly began studying under veteran bass virtuoso Steve Neil (Pharaoh Sanders, McCoy Tyner). With roots in rock & roll and jazz, his tastes have broadened deeply and have led to work with Franc Graham, Four Piece Suit, Jim's Big Ego, Nicole Nelson, and Sarah Brindell, to name a few. In addition to being a co-writing and co-arranging member of Bangalore, Sven is in demand on the national and international blues circuit and has backed such notables as Big Jack Johnson, Junior Watson, James Harmon, Sherman Robertson (Paul Simon's 'Graceland') and Tutu Jones. On top of his free-lance work and teaching, he currently plays full time with blues legend Toni Lynn Washington, and is a member of the rock band The Gulf. Sven has also studied North Indian classical music practice and concepts side by side with Phil under the tutelage of Master vocalists Dr. Pradeep Shukla of the Learnquest Academy in Waltham, MA, and Pt. Vinayak Torvi of Bangalore, India.

Michael Ahrens - traps, percussion

Michael also hails from Wooster, Ohio (is it something in the water there?). An even more recent addition to Greater Boston's unparalleled pool of top-shelf musicians, Michael has been lending musical support to singer/songwriter Liz DiBiase, Hugh McGowan, Mercury Consort and other ensembles. Extensive and relentless attention to his craft, private study with Rod Morganstein coupled with a degree in classical composition has made him a fine, sensitive, and supportive percussianista, and he brings it all in spades to the Bangalore blend.

Phil Kaplan - guitar, percussion, (occasional) vox

Phil was a founding member of Men & Volts and The Roys, certified (not to mention certifiable) local legends in their day. A prolific songwriter, he has composed for film (Your Own True Self) and theatre (The Maids, The Seagull) had tunes covered by The Incredible Casuals, Chandler Travis Philharmonic, and Ann Richmond Boston (of Atlanta's Swimming Pool Q's). He was for years a member of David Locke's Agbekor Drum and Dance Club, where he absorbed the fundamentals of the music of the Ewe people (West Africa), and has been a lifelong devotee of Hindustani classical music. Born in Paris and into a peripatetic childhood (with a stint in Hong Kong, among other far-flung locales), he is a graduate of the New England Conservatory, has been a happy resident of the Greater Boston area for many years, and has racked up an impressive resume of recordings and performances.

By the way, why the name "Bangalore?"

Drumming can be defined as "organized banging in time." It was a short leap of logic from this idea to the inevitability of the name for the group.

The name is also a tribute to the city of origin of Pt. Vinayak Torvi, a master of Khyal singing who we have had the joy and fortune to study under, and whose music has been an inspiration.
Bangalore is looking to play worldwidely, and is hoping to appear at a venue near you soon. Contact us!

Bangalore is looking to play worldwidely, and is hoping to appear at a venue near you soon.

Please contact Vivacious Music International to schedule an event.