For every household name in music, there are countless creative musicians who remain largely unrecognized. The Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet is composed of just such exceptional artists, and 2026 marks a decade of their work together as one of the most intriguing yet under-appreciated world music groups on the scene today.
The quartet has appeared at festivals throughout Michigan such as Concert of Colors Detroit, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Bach Music Festival, Lansing Harmony Celebration Lansing, Rasa Indian Arts Festival Ann Arbor, and intimate venues such as Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor, Music Hall Jazz Cafe Detroit, UrbanBeat Events Center Lansing and Riverfolk Music and Arts Blacksmith Shop Concert Series in Manchester.
Their latest album, Catalyst, brings together the voices of the group in a world-meets-jazz interpretation of compositions by Gregg Hill, executive producer of Cold Plunge Records. The album is available to purchase from Cold Plunge Records: https://www.gregghilljazz.com/single-post/gregg-hill-releases-new-world-music-album-catalyst.
Each musician of the Worlds Quartet brings a distinct background and artistry to the band:
Born in Yerevan, Armenia, virtuoso violinist Henrik Karapetyan infuses the group with classical mastery and a deep understanding of various idioms, including Hungarian Romani music. His distinctive melodic voice recalls the styles of Roby Lakatos, Gilles Apap, and Taraf de Haidouks, seamlessly blending with classical influences.
Igor Houwat, a Brazilian-born oud player of Lebanese descent, originally trained as a classical saxophonist in Paris before dedicating himself to the oud in 2008 to reconnect with his Lebanese heritage. Mentored by Detroit’s legendary Lebanese oud player Karim Bader, Igor’s wide-ranging influences - including jazz and flamenco - have shaped a unique improvisational style that sets him apart in the world of oud performance.
Percussionist Mike List brings a global sensibility to the group, incorporating Middle Eastern frame drums, Indian tabla, and traditional drum kit into his playing. His instruments reflect the group’s diverse influences, and his textural range perfectly complements the Quartet’s varied repertoire. Inspired by Jamey Haddad’s cross-cultural approach, Mike has studied Middle Eastern percussion, tabla with masters in India, and classical percussion in his home state of Michigan. His deeply skilled playing consistently serves the music, elevating and enhancing each composition.
For decades, bassist, bandleader, and creative director Dave Sharp has led ensembles exploring jazz infused with world influences. While living in San Francisco in the 90s, Dave studied at the Ali Akbar College of Music, an experience that deepened his passion for global music traditions and set him on a path of exploration in jazz, improvisation, and world music. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he draws inspiration from the city’s rich musical heritage and has collaborated with many internationally-recognized world music artists like Cheikh Lo (Senegal), Pandit Samar Saha (India) and Jonita Gandhi (India).
