Akoustic Odyssey
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia | SELF
Music
Press
“The technical ability of each member of this group is breathtaking. The performance itself appeared to be low key and relaxed, it was almost like we were sitting around in someone’s lounge room (the comfy venue probably helped with that) and I recall getting nervous at what I may have been in for. Then the music started and I was immediately transported to another place and time. This performance is an introduction to the group’s new CD titled The Lotus. Their music is a superb mesh of unusual beats and textures coming together to create an earthy, folksy symphony. Check them out at .Final Word: Uplifting.” Bridie Toomer - Bridie Toomer
“The technical ability of each member of this group is breathtaking. The performance itself appeared to be low key and relaxed, it was almost like we were sitting around in someone’s lounge room (the comfy venue probably helped with that) and I recall getting nervous at what I may have been in for. Then the music started and I was immediately transported to another place and time. This performance is an introduction to the group’s new CD titled The Lotus. Their music is a superb mesh of unusual beats and textures coming together to create an earthy, folksy symphony. Check them out at .Final Word: Uplifting.” Bridie Toomer - Bridie Toomer
Akoustic Odyssey a septet from Australia who mixes worldwide styles into a nice mixture of acoustic roots music. They go from nice Latin music to Mediterranean melancholy, flamenco to some Australian roots. Classical sounds go hand in hand with jazz and funky grooves. It surprises me how this band on guitars, cello, bass, violin, oboe and percussion is able to create such a well balanced, rich and inspired sound. Ilios is an album that entertains, relaxes and gives joy. Played on a high level and with interesting musical arrangements. Well succeed crossover music. “Folk World “ - Folk World
“The complex string compositions of Michael Nyman and Bernard Hermann came to mind more than once during this excellent program. Although it was an informally relaxed concert and CD launch at the German Club the band were presenting material of the highest quality. Akoustic Odyssey was formally known as Highly Strung. They are crucial evidence of the treasure trove of musical genius we are blessed with in South Australia. Each of the vigorous compositions displayed fine balance and highly enjoyable melodies. If you missed out on all of this I suggest you purchase the CD of the same name, it’s a detonating experience for everyone into original neo-gypsy-fusion.” David Jobling
- Independant Weekly
“The complex string compositions of Michael Nyman and Bernard Hermann came to mind more than once during this excellent program. Although it was an informally relaxed concert and CD launch at the German Club the band were presenting material of the highest quality. Akoustic Odyssey was formally known as Highly Strung. They are crucial evidence of the treasure trove of musical genius we are blessed with in South Australia. Each of the vigorous compositions displayed fine balance and highly enjoyable melodies. If you missed out on all of this I suggest you purchase the CD of the same name, it’s a detonating experience for everyone into original neo-gypsy-fusion.” David Jobling
- Independant Weekly
Discography
2008: Ilios
2009: The Lotus
2013: Moshi Moshi
Radio airplay:
ABC Classic FM
Triple J
SBS Radio
As well as numerous community stations around Australia.
Photos
Bio
Akoustic Odyssey are an Adelaide based, original, instrumental group. Consisting of classical and steel string guitars (Joshua Tsounis), bass guitar and cello (Stephan Richter), violin (Emma Luker), percussion (Anne Harrington and Daniel Seymore), flute, clarinet, soprano sax (Tim Nott), this combination creates a rich and truly unique sound. The pieces are mainly composed by band members Joshua Tsounis and Stephan Richter however contributions and other pieces are made by the whole band. The blend of these original works and the newness of the sound make Akoustic Odyssey true innovators. It has been described that 'Akoustic Odyssey are uncatergorisable'. They are influenced by so many different musical styles including Rock, Classical, Jazz, Greek, Spanish, Latin, Middle Eastern, African and Celtic that this in turn makes them truly Australian.
Founded in 2005 by current band members Joshua Tsounis and Anne Harrington, Akoustic Odyssey quickly grew into it's current format of six members. Their first major performance was at the 2006 Adelaide Fringe Festival. It was here that they won the Bank SA people's choice award under the name 'Highly Strung'. In the same year they made their first recording, an EP of six tracks. In 2007 ,at the same festival was nominated for the same award. In 2008 the band's first full length album titled 'ILIOS' was released. The recording and marketing was assisted financially by Arts SA and the launch was sponsored by Ceceres Music.
Shortly after the CD launch, Akoustic Odyssey were invited to perform at the 2009 WOMADelaide festival. This performance was a great success for the band where they played to approximately 5000 people. This show was a definite turning point for the band which has continued to gain local and national recognition. The band receives regular support and airplay on local and national radio stations such as ABC Classic FM, SBS radio, Radio Adelaide and 3D. During the same year the band traveled to Canberra to perform at the National Folk Festival. This was another highlight for them having performed three concerts and one workshop, all of which were very well received.
2009 has also seen Akoustic Odyssey record it's second full length CD “The Lotus” which will be released in 2010.
2010 Akoustic Odyssey were selected by Musica Viva in Schools to perform concert tours beginning in 2011.
2012 Signed to JL Music Publishing
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