Lucian Kano Balmer is a violinist, vocalist, and composer, who performs original compositions often described as "raga-infused."
Rather than going the conservatory route, Lucian studied with Indian guru Sri Chinmoy, who was once the guru for Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin as well as many other musical luminaries. During his 13 years with Chinmoy, he memorized and performed over 4000 songs in Bengali and Sanskrit and arranged music for ensembles and choirs for both amateur and professional musicians. He has no association with the Sri Chinmoy Centre nor does he support Chinmoy’s philosophy; however, it did have an undeniable influence on him personally and musically.
He is widely praised for the deep, soulful, and at times meditative quality of his music, using both his violin and exquisite voice to demonstrate the spiritual power of music for healing and reviving the soul. READ MORE…
Experiencing Lucian Balmer’s ensemble Spruce Ritual is to feel a greater depth of humanness, heart, and soul.
Through sublime melodies and intricate compositions, thetake the listener on a heartfelt musical journey.
They take the wisdom, knowledge, and spirit of two great traditions ancient cultures: eastern Hindustani music and western classical music and infuse it with their own sacred spirit to create music that is achingly beautiful, human and transformational.
During their live shows, they present original compositions, traditional raga, dance, and poetry.
Current members of Spruce Ritual
Lucian Kano Balmer (violin, vocals)
Charith Premawardhana (viola)
Robin Reynold (cello)
Will Marsh (sitar)
Souryadeep Bhattacharyya (sarod)
Srishti Biyani Oswal (bansuri/vocals)
Josh Mellinger (tabla)
“SPRUCE RITUAL: THE WAY THE EVENING SPEAKS is a wonderfully original, musically masterful and evocative album. Lucian Kano Balmer has united skillful playing with soulful longing, and the results speak volumes.”
- Rebecca Cullen, Stereostickman.com
Their album is available now.