Blending the sounds of calypso, rock, reggae, funk, African and Latin, the Nikhil Korula Band combines the best of what the world has to offer for an unstoppable beat.

Veteran jazz musicians fronted by a former opera singer, the Nikhil Korula Band infuses extraordinary musicianship with irresistible dance jams -- a combination that has sold out venues across Los Angeles, including the House of Blues, Temple Bar, Knitting Factory and the Viper Room.

A University of Southern California dorm room was the incubator for this unique sound. Frontman Nikhil Korula was destined to be an opera singer until he was thrown into living quarters with classmates at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music who slowly coaxed him to the ?other side? with the lure of a guitar and the mind-blowing creativity that comes with it.

Born in St. John?s Newfoundland, Nikhil Korula has lived in Arcadia, California, since 1983. He was the youngest founding member of the Los Angeles Children?s chorus and has lent his glorious, dulcet tones to Luther Vandross, Pl?cido Domingo, Barry Manilow and even a performance at the Grammys by Mike and the Mechanics. His musical tastes are also heavily influenced by his extensive traveling across the world.

?I?ve done so much traveling in my life and I think there was a reason for it. I found something in every country. Wherever I traveled, I found something that made me groove,? said Nikhil Korula

But he says it was at the 1996 Horde Festival, featuring Dave Matthews Band, Blues Traveler, and Rusted Root, when the direction of his musical aspirations became clear. ?I remember being in high school thinking, I can do that.?

In 1997, Nikhil Korula met Ethan Phillips at USC and was soon introduced to the bass player?s band mates in a group called the Jazz Poets, which included guitarist Anthony King and drummer Lorca Hart. In a time of dreary, post-grunge singers, Nikhil Korula?s powerful, resonant voice immediately caught King?s attention and the first incarnation of the band was born, as an acoustic duo.

King, who cites Pink Floyd?s David Gilmore as one of his biggest influences, has lent his licks to blues singer Martha Davis and hip hop band the Nappy Roots, among others. There was immediate chemistry between King and Nikhil, which set the groundwork for the musical journey ahead. The pair did acoustic sets across Los Angeles but it became more and more apparent they needed to grow, and slowly started integrating the other musicians in 2001.

?As soon as we started rehearsing it was just immediate chemistry within the sound, the vibe and everything,? said Nikhil Korula.

The timing was perfect. While inspired by the challenge and freedom of jazz, Phillips, Hart and saxophonist Dan Boissy were ready to move away from their musical roots, yearning for an audience that would be on their feet dancing, not quietly admiring from afar with a martini in hand.

?I like the energy of the crowd, when the crowd is into it and people are dancing or just feeling it and singing along. When you touch somebody or somebody?s bootie is moving to your bass line, that?s it. That?s what it?s about right there,? said Phillips.

Hart has played with jazz greats from Bennie Maupin to Alex Acu?a and in exotic locales such as the islands of Guam and Saipan, but says nothing beats playing with Nikhil Korula.

?We haven?t reached even a small amount of our potential yet,? said Hart.

Boissy, who previously toured with a swing band, watched the band longingly from a distance then slowly worked his way on stage. Jack Lees was added on percussion to propel the beat in 2003. Nearly 100 people attended their first show as a full band, a performance that blew everyone away, even the band members themselves.

?The energy was just off the hook from the beginning, just the looks on people?s faces was incredible,? says Nikhil.

?My favorite moments as a player are those times when you feel like everyone's ego is gone and it's all about making beautiful music,? said Boissy

The Nikhil Korula Band is comprised of Nikhil Korula (singer/rhythm guitar), Anthony King (lead guitar), Ethan Phillips (bass), Lorca Hart (drums), Dan Boissy (saxophone), and Jack Lees (percussion).

Official Web Site: www.nkband.com

Nikhil Korula EP

Nikhil Korula Live

The Way Things Work (2004)