BLENDI DHAMI

Acoustic Upright & Electric Bass

Bassist Blendi Dhami brings an international presence to the Julien Kasper Band. His beautiful sound and centered groove on both electric and upright bass spans jazz, rock, blues, funk, and classical, as well as the folk and popular music of Albania and Greece.

Blendi was born in Fieri, Albania in 1977 and began study of his first instrument, the cello, at age 6. Because Western popular music was banned under the oppressive communist regime, his childhood studies were kept strictly in the realm of classical and Albanian folk music. He switched to upright bass at age 12 and was sent to a special music high school.

The early ‘90s marked the gradual fall of communism in Albania and musicians gained freedom to travel and to explore other styles. After graduating from the College of Fine Arts of Albania with a degree in double bass performance, Blendi attended the Phillipos Nakas Conservatory in Greece. He graduated with a degree in Jazz Performance, doubling on upright and electric bass. In 2002 Blendi came to the United States to attend the Berklee College of Music and in 2005 graduated with a Bachelors degree in performance.

In Greece, Albania and the United States Blendi has been in demand, working in television, radio, and the studios in a variety of styles.

The Julien Kasper Band also features:

Zac Casher - Drums

Julien Kasper - Guitar