Uncommon Ground ^ Akiva

Akiva
“…one of those CDs you don’t want to let your friend borrow…laid back groove and Muy Caliente.” – Raquel Daisy, University of Texas-Arlington Radio

“Equal parts G.Love (of the Special Sauce), Dave Matthews, and David Gray, Akiva keeps it light and funky in a way sure to make the ladies swoon” - STARPOLISH

Akiva got his start playing Counting Crows covers for classmates while studying neurobiology at UMASS. Akiva pushed any ideas of a serious career in music out of his head as he traveled overseas to follow his original dream of becoming a brain surgeon. But one can’t deny true passions, and soon Akiva found himself spending more time playing gigs and popping up on local radio than dissecting gray matter. Akiva developed a vocal style that was natural, smooth and sensual as he worked out slow jams on his guitar, stream of consciousness style. Think G. Love meets Dave Matthews meets Maroon 5 combined with influences as diverse as The Jungle Brothers and The Gypsy Kings, and you may have an idea of where this is going. As one in-awe reviewer put it, “Akiva seems like the perfect mix of what is hot in music right now and yet has a uniqueness when put together.”

The buzz on Akiva continued to, well...buzz, when he came back once and for all to New York to focus on his music full-time. Hitting the local music scene with more enthusiasm than ever before, Akiva brought his mellow soul to such sought-after venues as The Bitter End and The Downtown. One such gig caught the attention of producer Phil Jimenez, known for his work with Wheatus. The chance meeting led to the production of Akiva’s new album, Bueno Y Sano, which is consistently receiving praise for its hearty servings of sensitive lyrics, breezy grooves and an overall vibe as relaxed as a Sunday afternoon with good friends.

No longer just a well-known local fixture, the word continues to spread as radio stations from Santa Monica to Boston add gems from Bueno Y Sano, such as the smile inducing “Babylon” to their playlists. Akiva has become a much sought after opener for acts like RUSTED ROOT, JOSH KELLEY, TOBY LIGHTMAN, RON SEXSMITH and more. Prestigious online record stores such as Awarestore.com, the primary storefront for Aware Records, as well as hot download services like iTunes, Rhapsody and BuyMusic are currently selling Bueno Y Sano. You’re going to want to keep your eye on this one!

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