Justin Gray and Synthesis’ debut album, New Horizons, features a collection of original compositions, which feature the bass veena performed alongside an inspiring lineup of artists from around the world. Bandleader Justin Gray designed and co-created the bass veena, a multi-stringed instrument, which combines the fretless bass with elements inspired by various Indian stringed instruments. The music draws inspiration from Justin’s wide range of musical influences, including Indian classical, jazz, western classical, electronic and R&B music. Gray’s compositions synthesize these musical traditions with a unique combination of captivating melodies, rich sonic textures, and exotic grooves.
Justin Gray & Synthesis is a contemporary world jazz ensemble that explores a captivating cross-cultural blend of Indian and western music. The ensemble features Justin Gray on Bass Veena & Electric Bass, Ted Quinlan on guitar, Drew Jurecka on Violin, Ed Hanley on tabla and Derek Gray on drums, percussion & Tibetan singing bowls. Bandleader Justin Gray is an award-winning bassist, composer & producer based out of Toronto, Canada.
In 2010, Gray designed and co-created the bass veena, a multi-stringed instrument, which combines the fretless bass with elements inspired by various Indian stringed instruments. Justin is the first artist to perform on this instrument worldwide. Justin Gray and Synthesis’ debut album, New Horizons, features a collection of original compositions, which feature the bass veena performed alongside an inspiring line up of global artists.
The music draws inspiration from Justin’s wide range of musical influences, including Indian classical, jazz, western classical, electronic and R&B music. Gray’s compositions synthesize these musical traditions with a unique combination of creative melodies, rich sonic textures, and exotic grooves.
New Horizons features a number of exciting guest artists, including: Dhruba Ghosh (Sarangi), Trichy Sankaran (Mrdangam), Alam Khan (Sarode), Steve Gorn (Bansuri), Joy Anandasivam (Guitar), The Venuti String Quartet, Naghmeh Farahmand (Persian Percussion), Demetrios Petsalakis (Oud), Gurpreet Chana (Hang Drum), Todd Pentney (Piano), Joel Schwartz (Resonator Guitar) and Jonathan Kay (Esraj).
Justin Gray and Synthesis have recently been presented in feature concerts across Ontario, including: Aga Khan Museum (2016), Dundas Square (Massey Hall 2016), Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts (JPEC 2016), The Aga Khan Museum (2016), Toronto Jazz Festival (TD Jazz 2016), Richard Bradshaw Theatre (Canadian Opera Company 2016) and Princess Margaret Hospital (Jazz for the Soul 2016/2017).
Bass Veena / Justin Gray
Guitar / Ted Quinlan
Violin / Drew Jurecka
Tabla / Ed Hanley
Drums / Derek Gray
