Pezhham Akhavass, is a percussionist of Persian instruments Tombak and Daf. Born in 1980 to the artistic Akhavass family, Pezhham began learning music theory at the age of 5 and later graduated with a degree in music from the University in Tehran. He began working professionally with the renowned vocalist Shahram Nazeri from 2000-2007 where he traveled the world extensively performing in notable festivals and in prestigious venues. Pezhham has worked and recorded with master musicians including Hossein Alizadeh, Kayhan Kalhour, Aliakbar Moradi, Saeid Farajpouri, Majid Derakhshani, and has also performed with YoYo Ma. He now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to the Tobmak, Pezhham has studied other percussion instruments: Daf, Indian Tabla, kanjira and Gatam and he plays Persian stringed instruments Setar, Tanbour and Oud. His unique approach to rhythm and style of playing have made him one of the most distinguished and capable Tombak players of his generation. www.akhavass.com
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