Gramophonic

Gramophonic's members came to DC for work, but music was their real passion, and playing in front of fellow wonks that became their great joy. Jessica had just returned from living in China, Abhinav came from Mumbai by way of London, and Johnny was freshly home from Afghanistan. Later they added Mike, a triple-threat drummer, producer, and attorney. The band shares a passion for the stories and cultures of China, India, and Central Asia which drives much of its songwriting, while both personalizing and universalizing these stories through the very American idioms of folk and roots music. The initial lineup was a guitar, ukulele, cello, and accordion, but diversified as the mandolin, dobro, bass, assorted percussion, and harmonicas all fought for space on the stage. As a band, Gramophonic resembles Washington DC itself: personnel drawn from all over, carrying wanderlust and an idealistic streak, but melding into something harmonious and distinctly American.