Moonlight Masala – was an offshoot of the Bloomsburg to Bangladesh duo, with the addition of humorist and multi-instrumentalist Tom Dennehy (from Danville). I first met Tom in the early 90s while attending BU part-time, playing with the orchestra and working the open mic scene. Over the years we’ve become good friends, and it is always a pleasure to perform with and learn from Tom.
Highlights of our set included humor, Hindustani instrumentals (drawing from Tom’s time in India learning khyal singing), off-the-wall covers and originals, raag and taal explorations, tarana and folk songs collected from Tom’s many travels abroad (India, Morocco, Japan, Spain). At times I played flute, bass, guitar and percussion while Tom played tamboura, guitar, harmonium, Saxophone & Uke.
Moonlight Masala performed in the Bloomsburg/Danville area through 2003-2004 whenever Tom was available, and also added flutist Maiko Ferro from Berwick for a couple shows. The trio recorded for Homegrown Music in 2004 to support the Bloomsburg to Bangladesh album project between Jeremy and Bulu.
Those who know him understand that Tom doesn’t stay in one place for very long, so this was lots of fun, but short-lived. A sudden flash of something special that will never be the same again. Great while it lasted!
