Benjy Wertheimer

by Bradley TorreanoMostly known for his work as a founding member of the Ancient Future ensemble, Indian world music enthusiast Benjy Wertheimer also carries on a solo career on the side. From his town of Portland, Oregon, Wertheimer took years of studying classical Indian composition and has applied it to a pop sound that is surprisingly catchy and danceable while maintaining the integrity of the genre. Wertheimer started as a touring multi-instrumentalist, but his work with Ancient Future and the Zakir Hussain Rhythm Experience brought him much attention and helped him promote his two solo discs, 2000's Soul of the Esraj and 2002's Circle of Fire.