BIOS
MICHAEL BASHAW
Sculptor/multi-instrumentalist Michael Bashaw plays multiple instruments with Puzzle of Light and is well known for his Sound Sculpture concerts (Theatre of Sound), installations and collaborations, appearing in a variety of venues and events. Michael has collaborated musically with former Blue Man Group performer, Steve White and acclaimed percussionists Gordon Gottlieb (instructor, Julliard), Jamey Haddad (instructor, Berklee School of Music; Paul Simon). He has shared the stage with such diverse artists as; Paul Winter, Solas, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and many others. His innovative approach to musical creation and intense stage presence is captivating. Michael composes and records for film scores; he received a regional Emmy in the category of Music Composition/Arrangement for his work on a public television program The Big Adventures of Little Ioda. Michael is also a nationally recognized sculptor: his work is represented in numerous public and private collections, as well as the Smithsonian Art Museum Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture online.
See Michael's sculpture here:
SANDY BASHAW
Multi-instrumentalist/composer Sandy Bashaw started her professional musical career at the age of 18, recording an album for the Vanguard Recording Society in New York City. With acoustic guitar as her main instrument, she has developed a driving, percussive guitar technique as well as a distinctive finger style. She has had the privilege of sharing the concert stage with artists such as: Odetta, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Eric Anderson, Maria Muldaur, John Renbourn, Tom Paxton, Dougie MacLean, Riders in the Sky, Solas, Junior Brown, and Peggy Seeger & Ewan McColl. Sandy is a published writer and BMI member: she composes songs, instrumental music, and film scores: she received a regional Emmy in the category of Music Composition/Arrangement for her work on a public television program The Big Adventures of Little Ioda. Her early Vanguard album Third & Main has recently been re-released on CD by Ace Records in London, England.
JOHN TAYLOR
John Taylor is a Professional Drummer, Composer, Arranger, and Educator based in Dayton, Ohio. John also plays Piano/Keyboard, Electric Bass, Guitar, and Marimba. John studied jazz composition at the Berklee College of Music and received a B.M. Education from Wright State University. John is an instructor at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and he arranges music for competitive high school marching bands and indoor percussion ensembles throughout the Midwestern US. Besides playing with Puzzle of Light, John is currently performing with Theater of Sound – an eclectic percussion group from Dayton, Ohio that utilizes massive Sound Sculptures in an improvisational environment.
RICHARD ROLL
Richard Roll has an extensive background in American music forms – blues, R&B and jazz. He has performed professionally for over 25 years with many popular regional bands such as The Slugs Premium Band, Cincinnati Slim & the Headhunters, and The Bridge (with Michael Bashaw, Terry Taylor and Tim Taylor). Richard provides a solid structural underpinning, while maintaining a calm and laid-back stage presence.
ERICH REITH
Erich Reith is a versatile, creative and energetic percussionist. With a special talent for dumbek and knowledge of middle eastern drum styles, Erich has accompanied dancers and other performers at Renaissance Festivals and other venues for many years. Erich is also a fine wood sculptor: his work is found in numerous private collections. Erich brings playful, and positive energy to the stage in Puzzle of Light performances.