CD Details: In PASSAGES, the inaugural album for Tom Heasley’s new Full Bleed Music label, Heasley’s lush ambient tuba sound is re-contextualized with the aid of special guest drummer Toss Panos. In turn, Heasley’s playing brings forth a marvellous range of tonal colors in Panos’ nuanced performance. This music has been mistaken for an ECM release by some. Another dubbed it the new drum ‘n bass. Find your own way through Passages - 5 tracks of tuba(s), loops, and effects with drums and percussion, recorded – and created live at Tossimos in North Hollywood, mixed and mastered by Scott Fraser (Kronos Quartet) at Architecture in Los Angeles, produced by Tom Heasley, and written and performed by Tom Heasley & Toss Panos. Artist Profiles: Tom Heasley, distinguished composer, performer and recording artist, whose work evokes “a rich and sonorous aural experience that flies in the face of all the dumb cliches [of] what tuba music is,” has transformed his personal albatross (“…and what else do ya play besides tuba, kid?”) into a force majeur. Heasley’s cauldron of ingredients - the tuba, throat singing, electronics, loops and didjeridu – and harmonic wizardry conjure up musical magic of great originality and power. Tom’s multiphonic language speaks to a wide range of listeners, from students of Oberlin Conservatory to inmates of San Quentin prison. Heasley was invited to London to record for BBC Radio in 2004 and his work receives regular worldwide airplay on numerous radio stations, incl. National Public Radio, Public Radio International (PRI), XM Satellite Radio and the world-wide internet. Tom’s collaborations with Daniel Lentz, Pauline Oliveros, Stuart Dempster, Glenn Spearman, Eugene Chadbourne, Alvin Curran, Malcolm Mooney, Oxbow and Charlie Haden can be heard on the Tzadik, Leo, Music and Arts, New Albion and Old Gold record labels, and his luscious solo ambient works for tuba and didjeridu can be savored on three highly praised releases from Hypnos, Innova, and Farfield Records. Heasley’s music is increasingly in demand for various independent, documentary and art films and videos. His work has been supported by the NEA, Meet The Composer, American Composers Forum, the McKnight Foundation, ASCAP, etc, and his accomplishments have recently earned him a place in Who’s Who in America. As of this writing, Tom Heasley continues to propel the tuba into the 21st century. On his planned Spring 2008 tour, Tom Heasley will make a stop at the Cornelia Street Café in New York City and will perform in tandem with composer Daniel Lentz at a Boston venue soon to be announced. [For bookings, contact tom@tomheasley.com or 310-876-2994.] Anastasios "Toss" Panos (www.tosspanos.com)was born in Athens, Greece and came to San Diego, California with his family at an early age. At seven, Toss started playing the drums. In family jam sessions with his guitar-playing uncle, the two rocked to the songs of Eric Burdon and the Animals. Since Greek music was always heard in the house, naturally Toss’ first gig – at age 10 - was playing Greek folk music at a Greek nightclub. Both types of music would remain influences for the rest of his life. For the next nine years, Toss played in funk, rock, country, and progressive rock groups around San Diego County. At age 19 he began formal studies at the Musicians’ Institute in Los Angeles. After graduation, Mr. Panos began a teaching position with MI that continues to the present, while, at the same time he performed on jingles, movies, session work, and as the house drummer for TV shows such as The Dennis Miller Show and The Roseanne Show. Mr. Panos has played or recorded with Dweezil Zappa, Sting, Steven Stills, Paul Rodgers, Mike Landau, Robben Ford, Toy Matinee with Fields, Jude Cole, Mike Keneally, John Goodsall, Steve Vai, Mark Hart, Peter Himmelman, Andy Summers, Robben Ford Band, Cliff Richard, Vonda Sheppard, Boozo Chavis, Hazy Jane, Mel Torme - and Eric Burdon. Toss Panos is also the owner of Tossimos Recording Studio.