SOLO // DUO
JOSS TURNBULL presents TURMOIL for percussion and electronics & DUO with ELSHAN GHASIMI
JOSS TURNBULL SOLO
JOSS TURNBULL is a percussionist in the widest sense of the word, using rhythmic dynamics to invoke a sense of vertigo and vibrating vastness. The traditional Persian drum zarb is electrified and becomes the leading voice of his percussive symphony, shaping a constantly growing and decaying tension.
Through unorthodox instrumental extensions such as rubber balls, tremolo sticks, chains, and live sampling, he creates sonic spaces that are both minimalist and overwhelming. Turnbull performs on international stages and has been described as “one of the most exciting percussionists of his generation” (Deutschlandradio Kultur).
He will present his solo TURMOIL (Boomslang Records, 2025), which has been highlighted as “…a sort of electroacoustic braindance explosion in eight bursts” (Field Notes – Contemporary Music in Berlin) and as “…an introduction to a highly individual sound and an intensely urgent playing style” (WDR 3).
Joss Turnbull: Tombak, voice, live-electronics
DUO ELSHAN GHASIMI & JOSS TURNBULL
ELSHAN GHASIMI’s expertise and exceptional musical work is deeply rooted in the tradition and practice of Radif, the classical Persian music repertoire, which is transmitted through years of intensive study and internalization. She is the first musician in several decades—and the first female artist ever—to reinterpret this repertoire within a large-scale project.
“In her playing […] every phrase is invested with deep thought and grave authority” (Michael Church, Musics Lost and Found, 2021).
In their newly formed collaboration, Elshan Ghasimi and Joss Turnbull open up to improvisation and experimenation while upholding classical references and bringing them into dialogue with one another. Their respective points of departure reflect distinct musical realities and formative influences.
These meet and collide in an artistic conversation through Ghasimi’s recitation of ancient Persian texts, vocals, the Iranian long-necked lute tar, and Turnbull’s finger drumming and extensions. The moments of overlap are idiosyncratic, rich in contrast, and dynamic.
Elshan Ghasimi: tar, voice, recitation
Joss Turnbull: tombak, zarb-e-zurkhane
