After a "false start" due to technical problems, we gain insight into various world music, musicians, and instrumentation via Joshua Thomson (alto Saxophone, Flute) and Josh Peters (Oud, Lavta), the core members of Austin's Atlas Maior. Since their inception more than a decade ago, this evolving ensemble of eclectic musicians have been steadily creating original compositions combining elements of progressive jazz with Middle Eastern, Latin American, traditional Indian, and other worldly musical styles. “Riptide combines the fire and excitement of eastern musical culture with probing, Coltrane-like solos from Joshua Thomson on sax.” - The Jazz Journal

To date the acclaimed group has released 5 albums and several singles, each pushing boundaries and exploring new harmonic and rhythmic territory. Incorporating an array of ethnic musical systems (such as the Middle Eastern maqamat modes) and instrumentation into something uniquely their own, Atlas Maior has received many accolades in their tenure, including the City of Austin's Proclamation of March 27th as "Atlas Maior Day". They have toured both on their native soil as well as through France, Spain, and Turkey and have opened internationally for such praised artists as Kaki King, Vieux Farka Toure and Tal National. Atlas Maior has also performed at prestigious music festivals such as SXSW, Pueblos Blancos, Wobeonfest, and the City of Austin's F1 Fanfest, and have collaborated with a plethora of talented musicians across the world including Lou Lou Ghelichkani of Thievery Corporation, Raquy Danziger, Ali Pervez Mehdi, Fared Shafinury, Indajit Banerjee, and Alan Chehab Quartet

We talk about projects past and present, the Austin of yore, the two Josh's early influences and musical backgrounds in both Michigan and Texas, and the importance of consistent practice, performance and professionalism. If you are a fan of world music, jazz, musical improvisation, and unique instrumentation, Atlas Maior is a band you want to check out!

Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | 

For more great guests SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, FOLLOW