Concert Night (Local Bands)

Let’s define the word first, before we define the band. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning “the knowledge (or wisdom, or science) of life.” It is an ancient system of philosophy and naturopathic health care rooted in the Hindu Vedas, applying in very individualized ways to the physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of all who practice it.

Ayurveda, the band, is a five-member group based in Ithaca, New York. Their sound, as it exists on their debut album Being, is heavy rock music — the album was produced by Alex Perialas, known for his work with Anthrax, Testament and Bad Religion — with all the thunderous guitar riffs and freight-train rhythms one might expect given the 13-track set’s pedigree. But Ayurveda’s music has a delicacy, and an intelligent tonality; and singer Tom Burchinal’s lyrics, while not afraid of the darkness, explore a more positive, spiritual reality consistent with their namesake.

The story goes like this: Diwas and Shikhar met at a dinner Shikhar’s mother hosted for Nepalese exchange students at Ithaca College. Shikhar learned that Diwas was a fellow guitarist, and asked if he’d ever played a Les Paul. “No,” Diwas replied, and Shikhar brandished his axe — and was floored by Diwas’s playing. Diwas was asked to join the nascent Ayurveda, which already included Shikhar and Tom.

One night, after they finished rehearsal in the Bajracharyas’ basement, Dr. Bajracharya asked Tom why his lyrics were so angry, and she introduced him to the meaning of his band’s name. It was a revelation, and the genesis of Ayurveda’s collective sense of purpose.

The trio soon found likeminded allies in drummer Mike Parker, a session player at the studio where Ayurveda recorded their first EP; and bass player Dan Halperin, an early fan who was enlisted after their then-bassist left town for an internship shortly before the EP release party. From there, it was as if everything clicked; five became one, and Ayurveda as you hear it today was complete.

Great music: check. Dedicated, diverse cult following: check. Next step: conquer the world. Ayurveda is coming to you, the science of life delivered via Les Paul. And if you let it in, if you believe, then it just might transform you.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e53-FEGtzlw

http://vimeo.com/6170668

http://vimeo.com/6205045

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SicfXz5SLwg



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