Karnataka

Following in the wake of Mostly Autumn, Karnataka aim to synthesise traditional Celtic music with melodic Progressive rock. Formed in the mid 90's, the original line-up of the Swansea based band included Rachel Jones (vocals), Ian Jones (bass), Jonathan Edwards (keyboards), Paul Davis (guitars) and Gavin Griffiths (drums), with Steve Simmons guesting on Saxophone.
Their eponymous debut demonstrated the bands capability in creating romantic, melodic, Camelesque and Floydian soundscapes, laced throughout with strong folk and Celtic influences (enhanced through the use of flute). These often atmospheric ambiences provide a backdrop for the beautiful, haunting voice of Rachel Jones; again reminiscent of Mostly Autumn's Heather Findlay, both in terms of her range, and in the harmonies she is able to create. The consequence is that Karnataka may be compared favourably with bands such as Enya, Clannad & Iona, and would be recommended for fans of those bands.
After two further studio albums; The Storm (2000) and Delicate Flame of Desire (2003), key members of the band broke away to form or work with other projects. By the time Rachel Jones (Cohen) had joined 'The Reasoning' in time to add her vocals to their 2007 debut Awakening, Jonathan Edwards, Paul Davis and Gavin Griffiths had already broken away to form 'Panic Room' with Anne-Marie Helder, who had performed backing vocals on Delicate Flame.
Sole survivor Ian Jones however has recently resurrected Karnataka with a new line-up consisting of Lisa Fury (vocals), Ian Harris (drums), Gonzalo Carerra (keyboards) & Enrico Pinna (lead & acoustic guitars). Having recently started touring together, the new band are also writing material for a new studio album, 'Chasing The Monsoon' which is set for a Spring 2009 release, and will include an appearance by Troy Donockley.
:::: Bio written by Jared, aka Fandango, Herefordshire, UK ::::
http://karnataka.org.uk