OHM LIVE AT G.I.T. - A Night Of Musicial Magic

Hollywood’s famous Music Institute played host to a spectacular performance by the fusion rock band, Ohm, last Thursday August 3rd. A tightly grouped mix of M.I. students and Ohm fans waited anxiously as the members took the stage. They quickly but casually tuned, then bassist Robert Pagliari greeted the crowd and introduced the first song “Alexandria”. An awesome mix of technical playing and mood, the crowd was left only to applaud and cheer in what was to become a night of phenomenal musicianship.

Ohm’s songs showcase brilliance in areas of technical ability, full of bizarre fusion riffs, sassy grooves, odd timings, and very often a catchy riff that you can’t get out of your head after the show! Full of mood, expression, feeling, they are an intensity of raw amazement, one after the other.

Guitarist Chris Poland is amazing to watch. Gliding from unusually flowing chordings to technical oddities and inspiring leads, his incredible use of legato and tremolo bar combined with his bizarre scaling create an exotic flow of notes which somehow create order from chaos. This is then piped through an elaborate rig, delivering a barrage of different guitar sounds from sweet and clean to grinding. His guitar sings out melodies which become stuck in your head like an Eric Johnson hit, then slaps you with some extraordinary oddity of scale and speed which leaves you with your mouth dropped open. If you are a fan of anything from Vai to Holdsworth, Chris Poland is a guitarist who will leave you amazed!

Bassist Robert Pagliari masters a fretless six string bass, creating a foundation of rich melodies full of feeling and vibrato. No part of that six string bass was unused over this show as he complemented Ohm with his technical speed and ability. Occasionally during a song he would lean back, his eyes would roll back in his head, and some unbelievable riff would explode outwards. Far from a “background” musician, Robert delivers a very intricate piece of the Ohm puzzle.
Percussionist David Eagle pulls everything together with a collection of drums and “objects” which he uses to present his own brand of off timings and precision beats. His unorthodox style and approach create a perfect match for the trio, adding mood and feel to the songs.

It is great to see real talent on the scene again. Anyone who enjoys music with a mastery of musicianship should see their show, and any labels that haven’t considered signing Ohm, well, damn it, I want to buy an album!!!

---Jon R. Paget