Akoustic Odyssey

An accident with a firecracker led to the forming of Akoustic Odyssey. Josh Tsounis (composer and guitarist) wanted to indulge his passion for technical guitar playing, but in an environment where high volume levels were not going to hurt his damaged ear.

Teaming up with fellow music teacher Stephan Richter (cellist, bassist and composer), they embarked on an odyssey of music that would eventually see their group grow to seven members and play at WOMADelaide in 2009.

The decision to go acoustic and include influences from a wide range of cultures and musical genres, led them to seek an alternative arrangement of instruments.

Oboe and Violin were chosen as the main melodic instruments, complementing the guitars and the cello.

While the violin is quite at home in most genres, the Oboe and Cor Anglais are choices that have helped lead the band down a path less traveled, with these instruments rarely being played outside of orchestras.

Also moving the band away from the mainstream arrangements was the choice of hand percussion rather than a full kit. The two percussionists play an interesting array of instruments, with the foundation being the Cajon.

Tablas, frame drums, bongos, Djembes, woodblocks, shakers and various other instruments are used in conjunction with a hihat, cymbals and the cajons. A variety of percussion techniques are employed including hands (various styles), sticks and brushes.

The seven musicians who make up Akoustic Odyssey are all masters of their instruments. All but one have degrees in music from leading Universities in Australia, US and Austria, giving the band a musical credibility that is impressive.

Akoustic Odyssey's music defies description and they refuse to be placed into a category. As Stephan was heard to say in a recent radio interview "You can try to put us in a box, but our box has no lid".

Currently recording their second album, the band are set to take their music to another level, and an international audience.