I would consider this recording to be from the height of Sikhara as a tribal band.   Yann Geoffriaud is the Sikhara drummer, without a doubt, and the core member, to the extent, after his departure I had to consider abandoning the Sikhara name.   Sam Lohman is the reason Sikhara exists, he is the inspiration for the musical concept, the co founder of the project and the supporter who kept the project alive in the early days.  Despite years of playing with each, it was for the “Bardos State” tour alone, that I was able to assemble them in the same line-up.  The combined power of their drumming was the first time I felt as if I was hearing the songs the way that I heard them in my mind.

  This same set was captured in superior conditions at WFMU, but that was the eve of the tour’s start, this however was mid way through a 40 concert trek along with Z’EV, and finds the band much more in form.  During the Northwest stint of the tour we were joined by Moe Stiano and Noah Mikens for a series of shows.  This made for a stellar line-up of percussion themed events, unlike few opportunities Sikhara had the opportunity to take part in.

  For this branch of sound, the region and the time period were a distinct moment in the evolution of tribal music.  “DIVA 2006” is document of this history.

-Scott Nydegger @ MECCA-Xi’an, China, December 2013