RUG is consisting of internationally renowned jazz drummer Hari Ganglberger and composer for contemporary music and guitarist Mario Bergamasco. The duo operates at the interface between New York School Minimal and an updated expression of Krautrock. However, RUG expands this musical foundation with overtone-rich improvisations and contemporary playing techniques.
Rubik’s Cube-like rhythmic interweavings create a wide space, both in distance and upwards, and not least inwards. Thus the compositions and performances of RUG become a vehicle to define sonic surfaces, dots, strokes, colors and forms.
Drummer Hari Ganglberger grew up in Upper Austria, began his musical training at the music school in Perg, studied classical percussion at the Bruckner Conservatory in Linz and then completed his studies in jazz drums with Walter Grassmann at the Vienna Conservatory.
In 1999 he moved to New York City, where he worked as a musician for the next seventeen years and was able to gain exciting and formative experiences as a live and studio drummer. As a musician he is well versed and familiar with a variety of styles such as jazz, pop, soul, experimenatl, rock, funk and world music.
Amongst others he worked with Robben Ford, Bill Laswell, Admas feat. GIGI, Jeff McErlain, Alex Machacek, Sumitra, Albert Kreuzer Big Band, Geri Schuller Trio, Sunshine Records Vienna, Ed Vallance, Ellen Greene, dinMachine, Die Seer, Beat4Feet and Kap10Kurt.
Teaching at various music schools, at the "Robben Ford Traveling Guitar Dojo" at the Music Masters Camps New York, National Guitar Workshop, as well as his own drum and rhythm workshops.
Tours led to China, Japan, South Korea, USA, Iceland and Europe.
Mario Bergamasco, born in Imperia, studied classical guitar at the Prayner Conservatory in Vienna, as well as instrumental and vocal pedagogy at the Feldkirch State Conservatory and the Berlin University of the Arts. Whilst still a student, he gave regular concerts and played several international tours. His musical work is characterised by stylistic diversity, which is reflected in his activities in musically diverse music projects such as Sangre de Muerdago, Süpple, La Ligne Maginot, Las Casas Viejas, Kryal and others. In addition to his concert activities, Bergamasco works as a freelance composer. His works include compositions for theatre and film, as well as ensemble works and text settings.