Telesma Channels The Spirit

We were captured by the spiritual tone and tribal rhythms of the Baltimore band known as 'Telesma' last fall as they performed at Faerie Con. I have not heard a band that moves the people like this for quite some time. So exciting and so unexpected! I had a blast taking these photos of the band. And even more fun playing with these images in Photoshop to capture the feel of their energy! The visual presence of the band certainly grabs your attention.

There is so much love and connection to something greater in the air, when Telesma creates their music. You can feel the vibrations building from a very primal place. The rhythms, vibrations, and waves expand to become part of your body and spirit. The audience starts moving, radiating and pulsing the vibe back toward the band. And so it grows....

 
The band is known as psychedelic, tribal, spiritual, and plays festivals across the country including Faerieworlds and Karmafest. An amazing connection they have is with Alex Grey one of the most incredible visionary artists on this planet...or any other...ha! I have wanted to take an art class with Alex Grey at Omega for years. Together they have done combined events of art and music.

 Telesma is beyond words and description because there are so many influences at hand from their musical and vocal talent. A command of unique ancient and new world instruments, along with channeling a Spiritual essence connects all the people in their space. It's real...we lived it!

You feel part of the whole, as the audience and the band merge into musical rhythms. That's a very cool thing.

You can't miss Ian Hesford on stage. He is the man in tribal paint performing on the most unusual of instruments. It is evident Ian loses himself into the moment and the music of the band. I was not able from my position on the side of the stage to get shots of everyone up close. Maybe another time I will be able to photograph them again, as I hope to attend other Telesma gatherings in the future. Telesma is:

Ian Hesford (didgeridoo, kubing, dumbek, djun-djun, throat singing)

Jason Sage (keyboards, percussion, programmer, lyrics)

Joanne Juskus (vocals, percussion, karatalas)

Chris Mandra (guitar, analog guitar synth, his unique manDrum, and vocals)

Bryan Jones “Jonesy” (6 string MIDI & upright basses, theremin, percussion)

Rob Houck (drum kit, percussion, electronic drums) 

I just loved the intense commitment all the members of this band have to their musical creations! Together they create a dreamscape of unity. I thank them for sharing their gifts!

 

If you ever get a chance to be in spirit with Telesma just go and have this experience! You will love yourself for it and every one else! I feel their mission to be lifting the Spirit with music and art. They succeed!

While we enjoyed being in close proximity to Telesma's performance  my husband Ben Sherman, who is an amazing guitarist himself, was so impressed with Chris Mandra's guitar skill and Telesma's passion for playing that Ben wrote his own blog post. I really think Ben writes much better than I do anyway!  So you can view more of my photos and a Telesma video at Ben's Guitar Wisdom. 

 
We talked with a few members of the band briefly the next day and found them to be nice and quite humble. I told them I hoped they got to play Faerieworlds after their moving performance. Looks like they did! Congratulations on the gig! You are a perfect fit! Keep sending out the love!

All Photos Copyright 2010 Crystal Visions Art