Compass Trio original compositional voice is birthed from the musical seeds of the Gitano diaspora that historically connected the music of the Punjab in Northern India to Andalusia, Spain. The profound presence of hindustani and flamenco artistry is nestled harmoniously within Compass’s stylistic flexibility and musical dexterity. Seeped in the rich cultural tapestries of NYC, Compass uses sitar, tabla, and guitar to render a new and dynamic sound, equal parts traditional music and original composition.

Officially created in the summer of 2023, Compass has played to great acclaim in venues such as Sisters, DROM, and has collaborated with the groundbreaking music collective, Brooklyn Raga Massive on multiple occasions. As their name references, Compass has created their own musical home and are persuasively beckoning all to follow them there.

Eric Fraser (bansuri flute)

Eric Fraser's training in Indian classical music on the bansuri flute occurred in the Guru-Sishya Parampara tradition, meaning that he received training in Indian classical music while living with his teacher (Guru - late Pandit Gopal Roy), in Kolkata, India. Eric has received extensive taleem (oral teachings) and his flute playing conveys a purity of tone, authenticity and tradition. The "sur" (tone and tune) of Eric's flute lineage has a unique sound in the landscape of Indian music, telling the story of an old world Kolkata vibe through a gayaki ang or "singing style" of bansuri flute.
Eric is also a multi-instrumentalist, composer and recording artist. Eric's original music expresses the contours of a true cross cultural blending of Indian classical music, psychedelic long form instrumental music, and indie songwriting. He is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT). Eric is a co-founder of the Brooklyn Raga Massive and a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar for Indian classical music. Eric is the founder and director of Sound and Nature, a licensed mental health practice in Hudson, NY.

KATHERINE POLENZ

KATHERINE POLENZ

KATHERINE POLENZ