Christopher & Natasha Barran - Singer/Songwriters
"Christopher and I are part of a very unique act. Being brother and sister, our voices blend beautifully, and our harmonies are heavenly. Our diverse background adds a unique flavor to our performances. We are half East Indian from Guyana, and one quarter Ukrainian and one quarter Polish, whilst being 100% Canadian. We are a very unique mix. Our music tends to reflect our mixed background. We have been inspired by different genres of music, while performing in India, Africa, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Nepal, Costa Rica and more. We have a very eclectic mix of music; one song in Swahili utilizing African world percussion, another in Spanish, one has Native American flute, another has Flamenco guitar, yet another tells the story of our great grandparents’ love in Poland. The fact that we have both been trained classically in voice assures an overall melodic mosaic that is incomparable. Our audiences are always uplifted and inspired by our music."
Christopher Barran - Singer / Songwriter / Producer
ACCLAIMED CANADIAN MUSICIAN LAUNCHES SONG OF THE ANGELS
UNITED STATES - Following international performances in Australia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Peru, Nepal, India, Philippines and Canada, Singer/Songwriter Christopher Barran launches CD entitled Song of the Angels.
Christopher co-produced his ethnically diverse, "World Inspired" album with Michael Vail Blum (multi platinum awarded producer/engineer for Michael Jackson, Madonna, Kenny Loggins, Peter Cetera, Julian Lennon, Meridith Brooks, Pink Floyd), at Titan Studios in Los Angeles, CA.
Nominated most outstanding vocalist, Christopher graduated with honors from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and studied with world renowned voice instructor Blaine Chapmen in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
In addition to his collection of "World Inspired" original compositions, Christopher has also performed Italian and English opera, classical, folk and negro spirituals as well as most genres of contemporary music.
Christopher has appeared on numerous international television and radio programs, has received extensive newspaper coverage and has performed at the Canadian Embassy in Manila, Philippines.
Christopher has taught music to special needs children for the Third Academy at the Calgary, Lethbridge and Red Deer campuses in Alberta, Canada.
Recently Christopher recorded all the lead and background vocals for Destiny Calling, a European esc metal band now getting rave reviews worldwide. (Click on "WORLD INSPIRED MUSIC" button and scroll down towards bottom to hear samples).
Christopher shares his music weekly at convalescent and children hospitals and prisons as co-director of the Agape Road Show Ministry. Agape is a trans-denominational spiritual center/community in Los Angeles. (See "Links").
Christopher recently performed the first international Road Shows in Costa Rica, Canada and the Philippines representing Agape.
Christopher's music has been likened to that of a modern day Cat Stevens and Disney soundtracks with Yanni esc world music arrangements; the great power, range and clarity in his voice is reminiscent of Jon Anderson of Yes and Steve Perry of Journey.
Christopher continues to tour internationally and is currently recording "Prince and the Gypsy", the follow up to his critically acclaimed release entitled Song of the Angels.
Natasha Barran - Vocals / Songwriter / Producer
Natasha has been singing with her brother Christopher as part of his “Gypsy Wind” band for over 15 years. She was classically trained by the same outstanding singing teacher as Christopher, where she learned to sing opera, folk songs, art songs, spirituals, and more. She then went on to study at the University of Calgary, earning a degree in Fine Arts, and winning the prestigious Madam Valda scholarship. Natasha has broadened her singing skills by performing in over 12 different musicals, as well as in recitals, senior’s homes and singing competitions. Her favorite roles have been Anita in “West Side Story”, Maria in “Sound of Music”, and Velma in “Chicago”. Natasha has also used her vocal skills to branch into the film industry, doing many voice-overs, short films and training videos.
Natasha enjoys nothing more than traveling with her brother to bring their Inspirational music to many different people. Whether it’s on a TV special, at a festival, in convalescent homes, or in concert, Natasha loves the healing effect that Christopher’s and her music brings to the audience. Natasha is now working with Christopher on their new, eagerly awaited album “The Prince and the Gypsy”.
Daveed - Latin Guitar
Daveed was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. At an early age he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he became interested in Classical and Jazz guitar.
One summer afternoon he was given a copy of an early Strunz and Farah album that changed the way he looked at the guitar. He found himself awakened to Latin American rhythms that had remained dormant until he moved to Los Angeles. In LA, California, he then had the good fortune of meeting Strunz and Farah and soon became Jorge Strunz’s protege student. Latin America had opened its doors to this young man who went from learning Cuban son, to Argentine zamba, Venezuelan joropo, Peru’s lando, Andean music from Bolivia, Brazil’s bossa nova, Mexico’s huapango etc.
Enchanted by the music and virtuosity of Paco de Lucia, he studied Flamenco guitar with Adam del Monte, and has performed with Flamenco dancers. This journey has led Daveed to compose songs that range from arpeggiated chords and intricate finger work to grooving rhythms using syncopated styles that can only be found in Latin music. But perhaps his most interesting and amazing quality is his ability to play at blazing speeds with flawless precision using a plectrum (pick) when improvising a solo. When asked to describe his style, Daveed simply replies, “Latin Guitar”.
Christo Pellani - World Percussionist / Drummer
Pellani was the first western drummer ever to play a concert in Hanoi, North Vietnam with Air Supply. Christo has released three critically acclaimed “SOUNDSCAPE PYRAMIDS” CD's.
Christo is a versatile and dynamic rhythm artist with seasoned skills on drum set and a wide variety of hand and stick percussion instruments. He has many years of worldwide performances with many artists across a variety of musical genres. Christo is in demand for his masterful accompaniment to expressive movement artists. He has been a regularly featured performer at the World Festival of Sacred Music. Christo was featured as one of ten “Unsung Drumming Heroes of Los Angeles” as chosen by BAM magazine. His extensive master studies include music of Africa, Brazil, India, and Bali.
Christo is also an accomplished recording artist, producer, event coordinator, and rhythm awareness facilitator. His many film and TV credits include The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Parent Trap Three, The Super, and Casper, a Spirited Beginning.
He has recorded several albums with many different artists, and has worked with several producers including Peter Bunnetta, Magic Moreno, Barry Goldberg, Tris Imboden, and David Knight.