Drummer's `Dunes' is set for release
Drummer/composer Tom Maor will release his debut recording, “Dunes,” in May.
“I'm beyond excited to introduce you to my debut album, `Dunes,' which showcases a blend of jazz, world music, post-rock and draws influence from other genres. This project is deeply personal to me, as it's a culmination of my experiences and inspirations from a life-changing journey I took through Asia, as well as a collection of stories and melodies inspired by significant moments in my life,” Maor said.
Maor, a drummer and composer originally from Shefayim, Israel, is now based in Boston, Massachusetts.
“Music has always been my way of expressing myself, and `Dunes' is a reflection
of that journey,” he said. “Starting out playing extreme metal at a young age, I later delved into the world of jazz, a transition that significantly influenced my approach to both composition and drumming.
“During my year-long backpacking trip across Asia, I soaked up the local cultures, tried my hand at playing various instruments and let the melodies of each country seep into my soul. Most of the compositions on this album are deeply inspired by those experiences and the people I met along the way,” Maor said.
The first single, “Dunes,” which dropped on March 1, was inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert, he said.
“Picture endless stretches of sand dunes, and you'll get a glimpse of what inspired this track,” Maor said.
Another track on the new album is “For Joy,” a composition dedicated to Maor's beloved dog, Joy, who passed away two years ago.
“I believe any dog owner can relate to that. He was family, and his memory lives on through this song,” he said.
Maor added, “I poured my heart and soul into `Dunes,' and I hope it resonates with you on a personal level.”
Maor is a drummer, composer and producer known for his unique style and experience with a wide spectrum of music genres- from jazz, fusion and pop to extreme metal. He initially started his music career at the age of 17 with Xenolith,
a progressive metal band, and has since become a sought-after performer in Israel.
He received a scholarship to Rimon School of Music in Israel, where he studied at the Rimon's Jazz Institute and shared the stage with notable artists such as Frank McComb (2022) and Hadrien Feraud (2023). His passion and musical aptitude have led him
to many creative work opportunities producing music with different artists and as a session drummer in recording studios.
In 2023, Maor received a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he currently majors in contemporary writing and production. Alongside his solo work, he performs with the Black Metal band Mortuus Umbra.