Pezhham Akhavass
tombak

Pezhham Akhavass is a percussionist/musician and modern day master of the Tombak. Pezhham was born in 1980 and graduated with bachelor’s degree in music from Sureh University of Tehran. With the support of his renowned artist father Mostafa, Pezhham began studying the tombak at the age of five with the guidance of Naser Farhanghfar. From 1989-1991, he continued studying tombak with Saeid Roudbary. While in college, Pezhham also studied the setar with Hamid Sokoti and Masoud Shaari. Pezhham also plays the oud and tanbour. In addition to the tombak, Pezhham has studied other percussion instruments: daf, Indian tabla, kanjira and gatam. His unique approach to rhythm and style have resulted in him being termed one of the most distinguished tombak players of his generation.

From 2001-2007 Pezhham began working professionally with the renowned vocalist, Shahram Nazeri and he toured and performed in concerts extensively through Iran and Europe in many notable music festivals including: Festival del Popolo in Italy, Théâtre de la Ville and Théâtre du Soleil in Paris, Fes Festival in Morocco, Sodran Theatre in Sweden, and also performed in Austria, Australia, and Finland. In 2009, Pezhham performed in Konya, Turkey as part of the Mystic Music Festival. In 2010, Pezhham was the featured percussionist of the Masters of Persian Music Tour where he performed all throughout the United States including; Disney Hall in Los Angeles, Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, Skirball Center in New York City, Sanders Theatre in Boston, Hanna Theatre in Cleveland; Symphony Center in Chicago, Ferst Center for the Arts in Atlanta, Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Symphony Center in Chicago. Pezhham has also performed with YoYo Ma as part of Yo Yo Ma’s Festival of the Silk Road at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

Pezhham became acquainted with some of the masters in Persian music and performed with them both locally and on tour in Iran and Europe. Include Shahram Nazeri, Kayhan Kalhor, Hossein Alizadeh, Aliakbar Moradi, Saeid Farajpouri, Majid Derakhshani, and Masoud Shoari. Today, he is living in San Francisco, California where he teaches private lessons in tombak, daf and setar. Pezhham is working on different productions and projects, gives lectures and demonstrations in Persian music and performances.