A note by the creators of PROBE: Said Amin-Tinat & Roya Bahrami Composing is probably the ultimate form of self expression in that it employs all the various elements of one’s musical background as well as the other influences of one’s life. For us two, these varied influences go as far back into childhood as mother’s singing of a lullaby and father’s playing of the violin or painting on a canvas to the more recent events such as our first jam session back in January, 1998. In order for our diverse backgrounds and different musical styles to merge into one homogeneous entity we had to “probe” into many other styles of music which include Spanish gypsy, American jazz, Gamelan music of south east Asia, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and Raga and rhythmic cycles of India. We are both very grateful to Debu Nayak for his rhythmic innovations on tabla, Humayun Ferzad for his wondrous vocal improvisations and Barry Dove for his masterful accompaniments on all the percussion instruments. Without their help the music on this album might not have been realized in it’s present form. We like to thank our families and friends for their support and dedicate this album to all of our loved ones. Members of PROBE: Said Amin-Tinat: Guitars Roya Bahrami: Santur Barry Dove: Percussion Humayun Ferzad: Vocals, Harmonium Debu Nayak: Tabla REVIEWS: “Probe is Sunday morning music. Newspaper and brunch. Intricate instrumental compositions that draws from various ethnic cultures. The principles, composer Said Amintinat and santur arranger Roya Bahrami are both classically trained musicians originally from Iran. Collaborators Barry Dove, (U.S. born percussionist), Afghanistan native Humayun Ferzad (vocals) and tabla player Debu Nayak, originally from India, round out the ensemble. By exploring the music of their homelands alone, this album spans the globe. But Probe goes further. The ensemble delves into Spanish gypsy traditional, American jazz, Gamelan music from Southeast Asia, Afro Cuban rhythms and Raga cycles from India. ‘Probe’ is like listening to a four act play, where the music is the star. The compositions move you through each act.” AUDIO GLIPHIX music review magazine, 1999 "Weeping Clown is very beautiful, as, indeed, was your whole CD. I'm very impressed & touched by your work.” OASIS CD Manufacturing, 1999 “Probe - This release marks the debut of Iranian due Said Amintinat (guitar) and Roya Bahrami (santur). They present a sparkling and rhythmically sophisticated mix of new age, Persian, Indian, Gypsy, and jazz musics. The two play well off of each other, and get very capable help from Barry Dove (percussion), Humayun Ferzad (vocals and harmonium), and Debu Nayak (tabla). Fans of Oregon will find much to like here.” PJL, Dirty Linen, The magazine of folk and world music, June/July 2000