Spanda

Early in 2006, after years of chanting in ashrams and yoga centers, two very diverse musicians began to compose and arrange original melodies for their favorite mantras and bring that music to all types of music loving audiences. They were given the name “Spanda” which means ‘universal vibration of divine consciousness’.

Spanda is a world-beat chant ensemble; a blend of melody, harmony and grooves with lyrics derived from ancient mantras and bhajans with scintillating arrangements, exotic instrumentation and joyful voices. Their original arrangements enhance the meaning of the lyrics, sending and receiving positive vibrations between the performers and the audience. The Sanskrit mantra ‘lyrics’ are from ancient spiritual roots and create an atmosphere of mystery, joy and celebration.

Rieah Masubuchi is an inspiring vocalist and musician/composer who has been enchanting audiences with a combination of her unique voice and blissful performances for years. Since arriving in the US from Tokyo in 1995, she has lived and performed in NYC, Detroit, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In Spanda, Rieah plays Harmonium, Tampura and percussion while leading the group as the main vocalist. She continues to express her lifelong passion for music and singing with Spanda.

Rick Borgia is a guitarist, composer and fine artist. His professional experience includes recording and touring with the Mink DeVille band as well as film scoring, record production, song writing and music therapy with his CD titled “Reflections”, released in 2005 by Hemi-Sync. Rick plays acoustic guitar, bass and synth for Spanda while sharing vocal leads. Throughout his career he has continued to expand his musical experience, blending instruments and grooves to create something totally new. He believes that all creativity is a direct path to enlightenment.

Together as Spanda, Rieah and Rick continue to explore the “Universal Vibrations of the Absolute” on this musical journey.

“Spanda is a lovely recording of traditional Sanskrit mantras, set to original melodies in a seamless blend of East and West, ancient and modern. Tasteful instrumental offerings by sitar, tabla, harmonium, violin and bamboo flutes complement the spirit-infused voices of Rieah Masubuchi and Rick Borgia in this new recording that will bring joy and peace into your home and heart.”
- Robert Gass

Spanda is a sanskrit word meaning 'universal vibration'. It is also the name of Rick and Rieah's joyfully auspicious music endeavor.

Recent festival appearances:

~ 2007 SEPT CultureFestWV, Music and Arts Festival, Pipestem, WV

~ 2007 AUG WCBE 90.5FM PBS “The Strip III and Beyond” Music Festival, Ruby’s on Summit, Columbus, OH

~ 2007 AUG The Garlic Festival, North Market, Columbus, OH

~ 2007 JUNE COMFEST Community Arts Festival, Columbus, OH

~ 2007 MAY CultureFest Columbus (city sponsored outdoor multi- cultural event) Columbus, OH

~ 2007 MAY “The Silk Road Project”, with the ARTS IMPACT SCHOOL, Martin Janis Center, Columbus, OH

~ 2007 APRIL The Gift of Light Expo, Columbus Vets Memorial Convention Center, Columbus, OH

~ 2006 AUG The Garlic Festival, Prairie Creek Metro Park, Franklin County, OH

~ 2006 JUNE COMFEST Community Arts Festival, Columbus, OH

~ 2006 MAY Mamapalooza, Little Brother’s, Columbus, Ohio