Benjy Wertheimer

Benjy Wertheimer, an enthusiast of Indian world music, first earned notice as a founding member of the ensemble Ancient Future while also maintaining a separate solo path. Based in Portland, Oregon, he drew on years of training in classical Indian composition to shape a pop approach marked by its catchy melodies and danceable energy, all without compromising the source tradition. He began his career as a touring multi-instrumentalist, yet involvement with Ancient Future and the Zakir Hussain Rhythm Experience created wider exposure that supported the release of his two solo albums, Soul of the Esraj in 2000 and Circle of Fire in 2002.