Beings for RIO/Avan-Prog

Hello!

We are Beings, a New York-based four-piece band founded in 2022. The band has already gained attention in the progressive and experimental music scene due to our debut album and live performances. Our band consists of four musicians who bring their own styles and influences together to create a distinctive sound. 

Beings members are:

Steve Gunn is a guitarist known for his intricate melodies and unconventional chord progressions. He has a background in classical music (Gunn studied art and music at Temple University before moving to New York City), which he incorporates into his jazzy solos.

Zoh Amba is a 23-year-old tenor saxophonist who is originally from Tennessee but currently resides in New York. She plays with a strong emotional presence and a profound sense of spirituality. This strong and evocative music approaches the emotional tones of a religious ceremony with its hypnotic phrases, lovely folk-like melodies, and heartfelt tone. 

Jim White is a New York drummer of Australian origin. Over the past three decades, White has become one of indie rock's most recognisable players on other people's records. White is a dynamic drummer who combines elements of jazz, rock, funk, and beyond. His grooves provide the foundation for the band’s complex compositions. In 2024, White released the solo album All Hits: Memories. 

Shahzad Ismaily is a bassist who blends jazz basslines with modern electronic techniques. In Beings, he also plays synthesizers. His innovative approach to both instruments adds progressive complexity to the band’s sound.

The debut album:

There Is A Garden was released on June 7, 2024, on No Quarter in both LP and CD versions. The album features nine original tracks that showcase the band’s diverse range of influences and their ability to seamlessly blend various genres, from progressive and jazz-rock to avant-garde. The album was recorded by Ben Greenberg at Figure 8 and mixed by Ben Greenberg at Circular Ruin Studio. Mastered by Josh Bonati.

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to jazz-rock and its sophisticated compositions. There Is A Garden established the Beings as a force to be reckoned with in the progressive music scene as a band with a focus on pushing the boundaries of jazz-rock music.

Live Performances:

Beings is also known for their energetic live performances, which often feature extended improvisational jams and audience interaction. The band has performed at various festivals and venues across the country.