Smith & Dragoman Guelph, Ontario Biography The singer-songwriter duo, Brett Smith & Michael Dragoman began performing music together in 1996 in Guelph, Ontario. Their music, largely folk-based at the time, has gradually evolved into the genre of world music incorporating sounds and rhythms from Africa, the Middle East and traditional sounds from the West. Instruments used on Open the Gates include duduks, Turkish drums, dulcimers, djembes, ouds, wooden flutes, guitars and pianos, among other instruments. Their haunting melodies and lyrics, supported by world-class musicians such as Stephen Fearing, Ron Allen, Rob Piltch and Shaheed Ali Khan take the listener on an emotional spiritual journey, exploring themes of love, courage, honour, tragedy and victory. They currently reside in Guelph, Canada with their families and have begun working on their next CD. "The music we offer to you serves only as a humble backdrop for the magnificent stories of individuals in recent history who mirrored in their lives a degree of human virtue that will inspire others for centuries to come. It is our hope that these songs will encourage others to read about the profound character of these precious souls who exemplified the pinnacle of human nobility, helping to shape the future destiny of this planet." Smith & Dragoman ___ "The CD is AMAZING! I have been pushing the repeat bottom ever since yesterday. I have so many people that I think would love it too. It is a real work of art and so soothing to the heart. It is wonderful!" - Toronto "I'm sitting here in the middle of nowhere, remote yet lose because of your wonderful CD set "Open the Gates". Wonderfully recorded, performed and especially composed and authored. The texts are clearly direct from the hearts of pure souls. The music does not distract from the message and at the same time provides a solid basis and atmosphere for relaying the message. Very nice indeed." - Greenland "The music, lyrics, instrumentals, everything is haunting and beautiful." - Vancouver