Biography
Emerging toward the close of the 1990s, Pachora fused Middle Eastern and Eastern European elements into instrumental music marked by strong melodies and interlocking rhythms. The lineup comprises a refined ensemble of inventive musicians: percussionist Jim Black, clarinetist Chris Speed, guitarist Brad Shepik, who also performs on saz, and bassist Skuli Sverrisson. Their sets interweave original pieces that merge these traditions with updated versions of regional folk material.
Outside Pachora the same players lead or contribute to numerous ensembles, most often in jazz settings, among them Black’s AlasNoAxis, John Hollenbeck’s Claudia Quintet, Dave Douglas’ Tiny Bell Trio, Tim Berne’s Bloodcount, and additional projects. After issuing their debut, the self-titled Pachora, on New York’s Knitting Factory label in 1997, the band undertook touring. The next two recordings, Unn in 1999 and Ast in 2000, likewise appeared on that imprint. Following the turn of the century and Knitting Factory’s closure, Pachora relocated to Stefan Winter’s Winter & Winter label, releasing Astereotypical in 2003 while maintaining a strong creative trajectory.
As the 2000s advanced, members pursued numerous other live and studio commitments, leaving Pachora largely dormant yet occasionally active for concerts, including a brief Midwest U.S. tour in fall 2011.
Outside Pachora the same players lead or contribute to numerous ensembles, most often in jazz settings, among them Black’s AlasNoAxis, John Hollenbeck’s Claudia Quintet, Dave Douglas’ Tiny Bell Trio, Tim Berne’s Bloodcount, and additional projects. After issuing their debut, the self-titled Pachora, on New York’s Knitting Factory label in 1997, the band undertook touring. The next two recordings, Unn in 1999 and Ast in 2000, likewise appeared on that imprint. Following the turn of the century and Knitting Factory’s closure, Pachora relocated to Stefan Winter’s Winter & Winter label, releasing Astereotypical in 2003 while maintaining a strong creative trajectory.
As the 2000s advanced, members pursued numerous other live and studio commitments, leaving Pachora largely dormant yet occasionally active for concerts, including a brief Midwest U.S. tour in fall 2011.
Albums