Showing posts with label Tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tours. Show all posts

Thursday, August 17, 2023

USA: Venerable Jazz Rockers Squirrel Nut Zippers to Take Fans on a Musical Journey to the Birthplace of Jazz with Special Run of “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” Shows

Iconic Jazz Rockers Squirrel Nut Zippers (SNZ) have announced that they will be taking fans on a magical, musical voyage to the birthplace of Jazz as they present “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” – a four-show love letter to the prodigious New Orleans neighborhood known simply as the “Back O’ Town.”


Kicking off November 8 in Greenwich, RI at the Greenwich Odean and running through November 11 in Woodstock, NY at the legendary Levon Helm Studios, these intimate, yet devilishly-entertaining shows, will explore the late 19th Century through the Roaring 20s NOLA Jazz scene as the Zippers provide a delightful view into this mystical era with reverent, yet exciting, renditions of such seminal classics as Jelly Roll Morton’s “Animule Ball,” Louis Armstrong’s “Back O’ Town Blues,” and many others.

Tickets for the SNZ “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” shows go on sale Friday, August 18 at www.snzippers.com.

During the “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” shows, the Multi-Platinum band will also perform favorites from their own catalog, adapted and arranged to more closely echo the sounds of 1920s New Orleans. Additionally, SNZ founder Jimbo Mathus will lend his humorous, insightful musings on both the musical history of one of America’s most fascinating cities and the stories and inspirations behind many of the Zippers’ most beloved songs.

Official dates for SNZ “Jazz from the Back O’ Town” shows are as follows:

Nov. 8 Greenwich Odean East Greenwich, RI
Nov. 9 Higher Ground Burlington, VT
Nov. 10 Buffalo State Performing Arts Center Buffalo, NY
Nov. 11 Levon Helm Studios Woodstock, NY

“Jazz From The Back O’ Town” will provide a uniquely-historic look at the origins and evolutions of SNZ over the course of their career and the role the music of 1920s New Orleans has played in forming and shaping their sound. Not so much a period piece as a living “peek-behind-the-curtain” of inspiration and celebration. And it makes for a very entertaining evening!

For the most up-to-date information on the band visit:
www.snzippers.com
https://twitter.com/snzippers
https://www.facebook.com/SNZippers
https://www.instagram.com/snzippers/
# # #

About Squirrel Nut Zippers
The Platinum recording artists have sold over three million albums to-date with their watershed album, Hot (1996), making them a household name. Recorded in the heat of New Orleans, fueled by a smoldering mix of booze and a youthful hunger to unlock the secrets of old-world jazz, this pivotal release was just the beginning for the band.

Since then, SNZ has unveiled such hits as Beasts Of Burgundy (2018), which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Jazz Albums Chart, and Christmas Caravan (1998), which went on to sell a quarter of a million copies and reach #12 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart.

Their most recent record Lost Songs of Doc Souchon debuted in late 2020. It featured 10 tracks – a combination of newly-penned Zippers songs, along with a few tunes from past times – and has received acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Since reactivating in mid-2016, SNZ have been performing to packed houses across the country and around the world. As Mathus has said since the band’s re-launch, “it’s not a reunion, it’s a revival.”


Saturday, April 1, 2023

Yuval Ron Trio European Tour 2023/4

 

Yuval Ron Trio European Tour 2023/4

Guitarist Yuval Ron is going on a European tour with his trio in 2023/4. Yuval Ron Trio’s style can be described as Cinematic Fusion as it combines elements of live playing, extensive instrumental compositions and a big, film-like background production of orchestral lines, soundscapes and sound effects. The show will mainly feature tunes from his latest album, Somewhere In This Universe, Somebody Hits a Drum which featured Marco Minnemann on drums, in new live trio rearrangements.

Currently confirmed tour dates:

APR 09  Zoetermeer, NL / Progdreams Festival
APR 21  Berlin, DE / Peppi Guggenheim
APR 22  Haan, DE / RRC Prog Night

MAY 26  Berlin, DE / Karneval der Kulturen
JUN 01  Tel Aviv, IL / Tmuna Theater
JUL 06  London, UK / Sci-Fi Rock Night
JUL 07  Abingdon, UK / Prog For Peart
NOV 15  Göppingen, DE / Jazz in Göppingen

NOV 16  Jena, DE / (TBC)

NOV 17  Leipzig, DE / naTo

NOV 18  Fürstenfeldbruck, DE / Subkultur

JAN 28 2024 Berlin, DE / Berlin Prog Night
FEB 23 2024 Hamburg, DE / Hamburg Prog Night

More info & tickets: https://www.yuvalron.com/live

Band Lineup:

Yuval Ron – guitar, vocals

Victor Nissim – bass

Yatziv Caspi – drums

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Netherlands: R11 vs the A.I. Robot Tour 2023

 Netherlands: R11 vs the A.I. Robot Tour 2023

SCHEDULE
1-13-2023 Middleburg 20:00 De Spot
1-14-2023 Nijmegan 20:30 Lux Cultuur and Media
1-15-2023 Den Haag 20:15 The Grey Space
1-20-2023 Roermond 20:00 ECI Cultuurfabriek
1-22-2023 Castricum 20:00 Theatre Koningsduyn
1-27-2023 Bodegraven 20:30 Evertshuis
1-29-2023 Amsterdam 15:00 Bimhuis

Composer / arranger Bob Zimmerman (you know him from De Nieuwe Wildernis, Süskind, his arrangements for the Metropole Orkest and the popular TV program Maestro) and percussionist / composer Rob Verdurmen (drummer of the internationally renowned Willem Breuker Kollektief for 38 years) join their musical forces and ideas to realize the R11 performance about the use of digital technology in film music.

Based on Bob’s arrangements of well-known and lesser-known film music for science fiction films from the period 1968 to the present, supplemented with soundtracks specially composed by Rob for the performance, R11 will musically translate technological developments in image and sound into a dazzling musical spectacle. Video artist Martijn Grootendorst supports the whole in his characteristic style with unexpected and unknown film material.

Bob Zimmerman – arrangements | Rob Verdurmen – compositions & percussion|
Tatiana Koleva – marimba, vibraphone & percussion |
Susanne Rosmolen – cello |
David Kweksilber – reeds Rutger van Otterloo – reeds | Alex Coke – flute & piccolo | Quirijn van Regteren Altena – bass |
Martijn Grootendorst – VJ | Wout Bremer – Aimée|
Guido Nieuwdorp – sound | Saskia Bonarius – directing advice

Promo video:




Tuesday, November 23, 2021

NETHERLANDS: Reeds and Deeds Tour 2021


Reeds and Deeds Tour 2021

 A sextet of stellar musicians from Holland and the USA,

with roots in postbop, avant garde´and orchestral jazz,

joined forces to play the compositions of the great Rahsaan Roland Kirk.


Reeds and Deeds features:

Frans Vermeerssen-saxophones
Alex Coke-saxophone and flute
Bo van de Graaf– saxophone
Michiel Braam-piano
Arjen Gorter-bass
Makki van Engelen-drums

Reeds & Deeds, the music of Roland Kirk

Upcoming Tour Dates


November 24, 2021

20:30

Podium JIN

Waalbandijk 14,

6541 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands

€ 13 en €10 voor jongeren tot 26 jaar (excl. 0,79 servicekosten)

Tickets & Info

https://jinjazz.nl/agenda/event/?id=556

______________________________________________________________

20:30

HotHouse

Middelstegracht 123,

2312 TV Leiden, Netherlands


info and tickets:

http://www.hothousejazz.nl/

€ 16, studentan € 10

______________________________________________________________

Sunday, November 28, 2021

15:00 uur

Theater De Stoep

Theaterplein 1,

3201 DH Spijkenisse

€ 19.50

Tickets: https://theaterdestoep.nl/voorstelling/reeds-deeds-2122

______________________________________________________________

December 12, 2021

15:00 - 17:00

Jazz in Feerwerd

Oosterweg 9, 9892 PH Feerwerd

phone: 06 – 13320296

info@jazzinfeerwerd.nl

€15

Tickets: https://www.jazzinfeerwerd.nl/informatie/contactformulier/

more info:

https://www.jazzinfeerwerd.nl/reeds-deeds-music-of-rahsaan-roland-kirk/


Friday, October 1, 2021

SOUTH AFRICA: New Live Video | Upcoming Tour | G7th Guitar Capo Giveaway

 

New Live Video | Upcoming Tour | G7th Guitar Capo Giveaway

Release of new live concert footage from India, an upcoming South African tour with Nibs van der Spuy and a giveaway of a custom Performance 3 ART Guitar Capo made by G7th

First off, high 5’s to all for their support of my new trio record “One Morning in Gurgaon”. The album has been travelling far and wide and getting a bunch of love with many cool reviews and kind words coming in from across the globe. In celebration of this, we have released a new live video of the trio which you can sample below.

Guy Buttery, Mohd. Amjad Khan & Mudassir Khan — "Kya Baat" (Live in India)

In other good news, I will be hitting the road for a series of concerts around South Africa with my old friend Nibs van der Spuy. This will be my first run of shows since January 2020. Yeh! We are both super keen as we have yet to officially tour our new SAMA nominated album “Live in Lisbon”. We will also be doing a small run of physical merch for this tour which will only be available at these concerts. The tour dates (and pre-sale ticket links which are underlined) are listed below:

• 14th October / The Olympia, Kalk Bay
• 15th October / Slave Church, Cape Town
• 16th October / RATA Theatre, Riebeek Kasteel
• 17th October / at the courtyard, McGregor
• 22nd October / Caversham Mill, KZN Midlands
• 28th October / KZNSA Gallery, Durban
• 29th October / Yacht Club, Richards Bay
• 30th October / Monzi Estate, Mtubatuba
• 31st October / Dlinza Forest, Eshowe

Finally, it’s competition time 🍀 And Bandcamp Friday! I’ve teamed up with G7th The Capo Company to offer up a capodastro (those cool guitar string clampy things) for a giveaway of one of their custom Performance 3 ART Capo’s. All physical purchases of any kind through my Bandcamp page (kicking off today - Friday, 1st Oct from 8am SAST) will be considered as an entry for the prize. We will then pull a name out of the old 🎩 For bonus points with your Bandcamp order, send a note and let us know what you’d do with the capo other than getting further up the instrument neck. The more creative the better. The lucky winner will also receive a full karmic cleansing. Fact!



Wednesday, February 26, 2020

USA: Wolfgang Muthspiel Trio Feat. Scott Colley, Brian Blade - ECM Release and US Tour Upcoming!


Wolfgang Muthspiel, whom The New Yorker has called "a shining light" among today's jazz guitarists, returns to the trio format with Angular Blues, his fourth ECM album as a leader, following two acclaimed quintet releases and his trio debut. Like Driftwood - the 2014 trio disc that JazzTimes dubbed "cinematic" and "haunting" - Angular Blues finds the Austrian guitarist paired with long-time collaborator Brian Blade on drums; but instead of Larry Grenadier on bass, this time it's Scott Colley, whose especially earthy sound helps imbue this trio with its own dynamic. Muthspiel plays acoustic guitar on three of the album's tracks and electric on six more. Along with his characteristically melodic originals - including such highlights as the bucolic "Hüttengriffe" and pensive "Camino" - he essays the first standards of his ECM tenure ("Everything I Love" and "I'll Remember April"), as well as his first-ever bebop rhythm-changes tune on record ("Ride"). Angular Blues also features a single guitar-only track, "Solo Kanon in 5/4," with Muthspiel's electronic delay imbuing the baroque-like rounds with a hypnotic glow.

Muthspiel, Colley and Blade recorded Angular Blues in Tokyo's Studio Dede after a three-night run at the city's Cotton Club. The album was mixed with Manfred Eicher in the South of France at Studios La Buissonne, where Muthspiel had recorded his two previous ECM albums, Rising Grace and Where the River Goes (both of which featured pianist Brad Mehldau and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire). Each of the groups that Muthspiel has put together for his ECM recordings has had a special rapport. About his new trio, the guitarist says: "Scott and Brian share my love of song, while at the same time there is constant musical conversation about these songs."

The Louisiana-born Blade has been a member of the Wayne Shorter Quartet since 2000, along with recording with artists from Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Daniel Lanois and Norah Jones to Charlie Haden, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Joshua Redman. Since the mid-'90s, Blade has also co-led the gospel-infused Fellowship Band. Regarding the subtly virtuoso drummer, Muthspiel says: "Brian is famous for his sound and touch, that floating way of playing, how he creates intensity with relatively low volume. It's also a great pleasure for me to witness how sensitively Brian reacts in his playing to whether I play acoustic or electric guitar. I've done a lot of concerts and productions with him over the years, including in our guitar-drums duo, Friendly Travelers, as well as on Driftwood and Rising Grace. He always offers complete interaction and initiative, as well as his individual sound. To play uptempo swing on something like ‘Ride' with Brian was really luxurious, a gift."

After being mentored by Charlie Haden, Colley was the bassist of choice for such jazz legends as Jim Hall, Andrew Hill, Michael Brecker, Carmen McRae and Bobby Hutcherson, along with appearing on albums by Herbie Hancock, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Chris Potter and Julian Lage. Colley, a native of Los Angeles, has released eight albums as a leader. "Scott and Brian have also played a lot together over the past few years, so they know each other well," Muthspiel notes. "I performed with Scott in New York in the '90s, and I've always felt that he was an extremely giving musician, who - with his warm tone and his flexible, dancing rhythm - simultaneously animated and supported the music. I wrote the bass melody of the new album's first tune, ‘Wondering,' especially for him. His sound develops a flow and harmonic movement that is inviting to play on."

After "Wondering" - which includes extended soloing by Colley that embroiders on Muthspiel's melody beautifully - comes the album's title song, the highly trio-interactive "Angular Blues," so titled for its "rhythmic modulations and strange breaks," the guitarist explains. "Somehow Chick Corea's album Three Quartets was an association, but so was Thelonious Monk." Those first two tracks, as well as the album's third, "Hüttengriffe," feature Muthspiel on acoustic guitar, his sound on the instrument both warm and extraordinarily fluent. After that - on "Camino," "Ride," "Everything I Love," "Kanon in 6/8," "Solo Kanon in 5/4" and "I'll Remember April" - he plays electric. Muthspiel's ever-liquid electric phrasing buoys both an emotionally rich original such as "Camino" and the two different turns on his kaleidoscopic "Kanon," the trio version in 6/8 and the solo, mostly improvised rendition in 5/4.

About his first-time inclusion of jazz standards on one of his ECM albums, Muthspiel says: "I was inspired to record standards with this trio because everything about the way the group plays feels so free, open and far from preconceived ideas, but at the crucial moment a jazz language is spoken, what we do does justice to these tunes. I learned ‘Everything I Love,' the Cole Porter song, from an early Keith Jarrett album, and I first came to know ‘I'll Remember April' from a Frank Sinatra recording. In that latter song, I hardly play solo. It's more about the head and the vamp-like atmosphere that prevails from the start and is savored again in the end. As in many moments with this trio, it's about playing with space: leaving it, creating it, filling it."

TRACKS
1. Wondering 7:20
2. Angular Blues 5:55
3. Hüttengriffe 5:15
4. Camino 7:42
5. Ride 3:50
6. Everything I Love 6:52
7. Kanon in 6/8 7:41
8. Solo Kanon in 5/4 3:34
9. I'll Remember April 5:40

PERSONNEL
Wolfgang Muthspiel - guitar
Scott Colley - double bass
Brian Blade - drums


Wolfgang Muthspiel, Scott Colley and Brian Blade on tour:
April 14-15 New York, NY Jazz Standard
April 16 Cambridge, MA Regattabar 
April 17-18 Los Angeles, CA Blue Whale
April 19 Berkeley, CA Freight and Salvage
April 20 Santa Cruz, CA Kuumbwa Jazz


RELEASE DATE ANGULAR BLUES: MARCH 20, 2020

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

UK/AUSTRALIA/ARGENTINA: GWILYM SIMCOCK UPCOMING CONCERTS

GWILYM SIMCOCK UPCOMING CONCERTS

03 FEB 2020
United Kingdom Manchester
The Whiskey Jar
GWILYM SIMCOCK SOLO PIANO
8:00pm 14 Tarriff Street


08 FEB 2020
United Kingdom Bradford on Avon
Wiltshire Music Centre
with Empirical
7:30pm Ashley Road 01225 860100

15 FEB 2020
United Kingdom London, London Pizza Express Jazz Club
with Joe Locke and Tim Garland
7:00pm 10 Dean Street


15 FEB 2020
United Kingdom London, London Pizza Express Jazz Club
with Joe Locke and Tim Garland
10:00pm 10 Dean Street

02 MAR 2020
Singapore
Esplanade
AN EVENING WITH PAT METHENY W/ ANTONIO SANCHEZ, GWILYM & LINDA OH
7:30pm

04 MAR 2020
Australia
Perth Riverside Theatre
AN EVENING WITH PAT METHENY W/ ANTONIO SANCHEZ, GWILYM & LINDA OH
8:00pm

06 MAR 2020
Australia
St Kilda
Palais Theatre
AN EVENING WITH PAT METHENY W/ ANTONIO SANCHEZ, GWILYM & LINDA OH
8:00pm

07 MAR 2020
Australia
Sydney State Theatre
AN EVENING WITH PAT METHENY W/ ANTONIO SANCHEZ, GWILYM & LINDA OH
8:00pm

10 MAR 2020
New Zealand
Auckland
Aukland Town Hall
AN EVENING WITH PAT METHENY W/ ANTONIO SANCHEZ, GWILYM & LINDA OH
8:00pm Box office: 0800 111 999.
301 – 317 Queen Street 09 309 2677

13 MAR 2020
Argentina
Buenos Aires
Teatro Gran Rex
AN EVENING WITH PAT METHENY W/ ANTONIO SANCHEZ, GWILYM & LINDA OH
8:30pm

WEBSITE

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

GERMANY/CUBA: BEETHOVEN MEETS CUBA on tour

Beethoven meets Cuba
BEETHOVEN MEETS CUBA
Ludwig van Beethovens creativity inspired countless generations (of music – ians) – across countries, borders and genres. Influenced of that, the “masters of classical crossover” committed themselves to explore and combine the intersections of classical European music, Jazz (in all his various styles) and the rhythmical, melodic Cuban music

Mixed with the typical Latin timbre Beethovens creations sound different: they get a light and easy-going tone. Some of the oeuvres become almost danceable, some appear grooving or balladesque. Timeless classics such as „Für Elise“, the piano sonata „Pathétique“ and the famous „Mondscheinsonate“ surprise the audience in the latest album with swing elements. 



TOUR 2020 All year round: we are looking forward to your request! Our international Highlights 2020 (Selection): 14.03. DE-BERLIN, Ernst-Reuter-Saal 29.03. RU-MOSKAU, House of Music 20.05. TR-IZMIR, Olten Philharmonic Orchestra 21.05. TR-IZMIR, Olten Philharmonic Orchestra 12.09. AT-KUFSTEIN, Kultur Quartier 10.10. KOR-SEOUL, Lotte Concert Hall 10.12. DE-STUTTGART, Liederhalle

GRANDMONTAGNE MUSIC

http://www.grandmontagne.de

Monday, December 30, 2019

USA/FRANCE: Robin McKelle- Alterations(2020)

Robin McKelle
Nouvel album Alterations
Disponible le 14/02/20 chez Loop Productions
En concert le 16 et 17 mars 2020 au New Morning
Toujours aussi inspirée, la chanteuse Robin McKelle est de retour le 14/02 avec l'albumAlterations sur lequel elle rend hommage aux grandes musiciennes de l'histoire et reprend des artistes comme Lana Del Rey, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, ou Dolly Parton.
Après plusieurs albums teintés de soul et de blues, Robin McKelle avait choisi, en 2018 avec Melodic Canvas, de revenir à une esthétique plus acoustique et plutôt minimaliste, accompagnée le plus souvent d'un trio piano, basse, batterie. Son nouvel opusAlterations est un recueil de "cover songs" toutes écrites par des femmes "songwriters" ayant marqué l'histoire de la musique populaire.
En choisissant ce contexte inhabituel, Robin McKelle se retrouve à donner une nouvelle vie à ces reprises en leur apportant une ambiance jazz, feutrée, intime et délicate.
Saluée pour sa voix de contralto puissante et expressive et ses qualités de performer, notamment dans le rhythm’n’blues où ressortaient ses influences soul (Nina Simone, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin...) Nous la (re) découvrons ici dans un registre plus personnel, sensible et nuancé, mais toujours aussi soulful.

Pour regarder et diffuser la vidéo d'Alterations :



Née à Rochester, New-York, Robin McKelle nous rappelle Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin ou Janis Joplin avec son timbre d’alto et par ses qualités innées de « performer. » Nous la connaissions experte de la Soul, du Blues, du Rhythm’n Blues, du Jazz, de toutes ces musiques de l’âme et de l’émotion. Il y avait fort à parier que la belle américaine d’origine irlandaise nous conduirait plus profondément sur ces mêmes courants ; c’est finalement avec une légèreté trompeuse qu’elle nous entraine vers une Pop Soul raffinée.
Douze années après la sortie de son premier album Introducing Robin McKelle, l’ouragan de la soul signe son tout dernier opus musical, Alterations, un 8ème album, somptueux. Accompagnée de musiciens hors pair, Robin McKelle s
’attache ici à parfaire tous ses talents : production, arrangements, chant, composition. Le projet Alterations est né peu de temps après une tournée de Robin McKelle en Europe  La chanteuse à la voix puissante et finement éraillée choisit pour l'album Alterations de rendre hommage à des femmes, des compositrices qui ont marqué l'histoire de la musique. On retrouve aussi des reprises aux subtils arrangements jazz de morceaux inoubliables écrits par Dolly Parton, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, ou Lana Del Rey.

A partir du mois de mars, Robin McKelle sera en tournée dans toute l'Europe pour faire découvrir l'album Alterations, et s'arrêtera le 16 et 17 mars à Paris au New Morning. 

Concerts en 2020 :
5 mars         Cambrai (F)
7 mars      Dreux (F) Jazz Fest
13 mars      Wissous (F)
14  mars     Montbrison (F)
16  mars     Paris (F) New Morning
17 mars      Paris (F) New Morning
26 mars      Megève (F) Jazz Fest
29 mars       Cully (F) Jazz Fest
15 avril     Colmar (F)
30  avril     Tournai (B)






Monday, November 18, 2019

NETHERLANDS/BELGIUM/USA: Reeds & Deeds The music of Roland Kirk



December 3, 2019 – 20:30
Theater Het Hof, Arnhem
Reserve Tickets: http://www.jazzinarnhem.nl
Theater Het Hof
Boekhorstenstraat 58 6828 DV Arnhem
Tel: 026-3514436
http://www.theaterhethof.nl/event/jazz-in-arnhem-2-5/
December 5, 2019 – 21:00
Museumnacht, S.M.A.K. – Museum of Contemporary Art
Jan Hoetplein 1 , Gent, Belgium
FREE, ALL AGES
On the 5th of December the Ghent museums open their doors to the general public. Experience a wonderful night out amidst the finest collections, beautiful expositions and special activities of our museums. Reeds and Deeds appears at 21:00 paying tribute to the great American jazz composer/multi instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Reeds and Deeds Features:
Frans Vermeerssen – Tenor & Soprano Saxophone
Bo van de Graaf – Alto, Tenor & Soprano Saxophone
Alex Coke – Tenor saxophone, Flute & Piccolo
Michiel Braam – Piano
Arjen Gorter – Double Bass
Makki van Engelen – Drums

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

USA, GA: The Ambassadors Live @ City Winery October 27, 2019,

Don't miss The Ambassadors (The Freshest New Jazz group in the Southeast) in concert at City Winery for the most spectacular Jazz Brunch in the Southeast! 

October 27, 2019, 11:30 am - 3:30 pm at City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA

  Alex Lattimore, Sweet Lu Olutosin and Tyrone Jackson (The Ambassadors) bring their uniquely crafted brand of Jazz to Atlanta's City Winery stage for the first time in their newly formed ensemble. These talented Billboard charting, Grammy balloted musicians have appeared in all 50 states, Mexico, Japan, and Europe as ambassadors for Jazz music thus the moniker.

Recent notable performances include the Kennedy Center, Aspen Colorado, New York City, and Los Angeles, CA.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

USA: Maria Schafer Western US Tour coming! Aug 25-31


WEST COAST TOUR DATES
Sunday, August 25, 7-9PM - Redding, CA: Bohemian Art Loft 
         (Tickets $15 here)

Monday, August 26, 10AM-Noon - Yreka, CA: Zephyr Books & Coffee

Monday, August 26, 5-8PM - Medford, OR: The Rogue Grape

Wednesday, August 28, 7-10PM - Ashland, OR: Wild Goose Cafe & Bar

Thursday, August 29, 9PM-Midnight - Seattle, WA: Vito's

Friday, August 30, 8-10M - Wenatchee, WA: Radar Station
         (Tickets $10 here)

Saturday, August 31, 7-9PM - Leavenworth, WA: Bushel & Bee Taproom 

Thursday, July 18, 2019

USA: Celebrating 40 Years of World Fusion Ancient Future Summer Festival Dates Return Performances in the Central California Coast and Sierra Nevada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                             7/11/2019
Contact: Ancient-Future.Com Records
1-415-459-1892
info@ancient-future.com

View Press Release Online with Photos and Video: http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_7_28_19-9_1_19.html

Celebrating 40 Years of World Fusion
Ancient Future Summer Festival Dates 
Return Performances in the Central California Coast and Sierra Nevada


As part of the celebration of their 40th season of world fusion music, Ancient Future will return to perform at Festival Mozaic and Music at the Mine, two beloved outdoor music festivals, for the first time in over a decade.

Facebook Tour Page: https://www.facebook.com/tours/902045540155297

Sunday, July 28, 2019, 5 PM, Ancient Future Quartet with Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), Jim Hurley (violin), and Vishal Nagar (tabla), Festival Mozaic, See Canyon Fruit Ranch, 2345 See Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. Tix: $45 grass, $60 table (sold out). Buy Tix: http://www.festivalmozaic.com/event/afb979d7b66aa34682c617ae0df601be

Sunday, September 1, 3 PM, Ancient Future Trio with Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Abbos Kosimov (doyra, percussion), Music at the Mine, Kentucky Mine Amphitheater, 100 Kentucky Mine Rd., Sierra City, CA 96125. Tix: $22 adv., $25 door, $10 kids 7 to 17 years old. Kids 6 and under are FREE! Buy Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ancient-future-tickets-58943375222 

Festival Mozaic, San Luis Obispo, July 28

Sepia for print (14.7" x 9.7" sepia jpg, 7.2 MB): http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg
Sepia for web (864 x 570 sepia jpg, 176 k): http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture864x570sep.jpg
Ancient Future circa 1990. Photo by Irene Young. Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), Ian Dogole (percussion). Ancient Future Featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Vishal Nagar (tabla) 

Sunday, July 28, 2019, 5 PM
Festival Mozaic
UnCLASSICAL SERIES
See Canyon Fruit Ranch
2345 See Canyon Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tix: $45 grass, $60 table (sold out). Buy Tix.
Ticket URL: http://www.festivalmozaic.com/event/afb979d7b66aa34682c617ae0df601be
Venue Email: http://www.festivalmozaic.com
Facebook Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/523739858157688

Ancient Future returns to perform at Festival Mozaic for the first time since 2001. Their show features the historic 'World Without Walls' lineup of Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, Jim Hurley on violin, Doug McKeehan on keyboards, plus Indian tabla master Vishal Nagar filling in for tabla master Zakir Hussain, who played on their World Without Walls release. 

Montfort, Hurley, and McKeehan played well over a hundred concerts together on tours from 1988 to 1995. In 2011, they reunited to perform at venues such as the famed Yoshi's Jazz Club. In honor of the reunion concerts, World Without Walls was released digitally by Capitol Records for the first time ever at major digital retailers such as iTunes. Twenty two years after its initial release in 1990, broadcasters worldwide voted the record as one of the top 5 world music releases of 2012. Their uptempo virtuoso world fusion music is an exhilarating mix of jazz improvisation with the exciting rhythms, exotic sounds, and enchanting melodies of world music. 

Kentucky Mine Amphitheater, Sierra City, September 1


Color for print (6" x 3" jpg, 1 MB):http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt_abbos_doug300dpi6x3.jpg
Color for web (432 x 216 color jpg, 24 k): http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt_abbos_doug432x216.jpg
Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), Abbos Kosimov (percussion). Ancient Future Featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Abbos Kosimov (doyra, percussion)

Sunday, September 1, 3 PM
Music at the Mine
Kentucky Mine Amphitheater
100 Kentucky Mine Rd.
Sierra City, CA 96125
Tix: $22 adv., $25 door, $10 kids 7 to 17 years old. Kids 6 and under are FREE! Buy Tix.
Ticket URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ancient-future-tickets-58943375222
Venue Email: cstockrock@gmail.com
Venue Phone: 530-862-1076 (Chris Stockdale)
Facebook Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/584815992045635

Ancient Future returns to perform at the Music at the Mine series at the Kentucky Mine Amphitheater for the first time since 2000. This uptempo program features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort, virtuoso keyboardist Doug McKeehan, and international percussion phenomenon Abbos Kosimov, an ambassador of Uzbek culture who is known for throwing his drums in the air during his awe inspiring solos. Abbos Kosimov is a master of the doyra (frame drum with metal rings), which he has taken to unprecedented new heights through his work with Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain. When asked about doyra, Abbos said: "Uzbek culture and national identity is deeply rooted in its music and dance traditions. Dorya is my life and I cannot live without it." This dance of the doyra is augmented melodically and harmonically by Matthew Montfort and Doug McKeehan, producing energetic music that is exotic, and familiar all at the same time.


Video

'World Without Walls' Reunion Video


'Bookenka' YouTube Video URL: http://youtu.be/IlYfQ50MGDw. Shown: Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keyboards, piano), Ian Dogole (percussion), Kash Killion (bass), and Mariah Parker (santur) at 'World Without Walls' Reunion.

Yearning for the Wind from A.F.A.R.

'Yearning for the Wind' YouTube Video URL: http://youtu.be/zurMLOP68K0. Shown: Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar) and Vishal Nagar (tabla).

This evocative piece featuring scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort and Indian tabla virtuoso Vishal Nagar was produced for The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Ancient Future's ambitious ongoing fan-funded recording project featuring the many master musicians from around the world who perform with the band. On Earth Day during Ancient Future's 35th year performing, Yearning for the Wind was released through iTunes and other digital retailers and immediately rose to the top of the Ethnocloud World Music Charts, earning #1 spots in both the video and audio track categories, and propelling Ancient Future to the #1 rated artist spot in June, 2014.

A.F.A.R. Behind the Scenes

Recording 'A.F.A.R.' YouTube Video URL: http://youtu.be/J5ZzrVzrXWI. Shown: Abbos Kosimov (percussion).

Upon his return from a concert tour of India with Zakir Hussain, Uzbek master percussionist Abbos Kosimov absolutely rocked this overdub session. The video above is a quick little snippet of the unprocessed camera audio recorded from the back of the overdub room during a sound test. Supporters of The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings get access to more exclusive behind the scenes content covering the making of A.F.A.R.!

Drums in the Air!

'Drums in the Air' YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/Yp3SUZgWhwQ. Shown: Abbos Kosimov (percussion).

Everyone was brought to their feet for a standing ovation following this solo performance by Abbos Kosimov climaxing with his drums flying in the air.

Band Bio 

"Ancient Future is a rare kind of band that might simultaneously aggravate purists, confound New Age dilettantes, seduce skeptics, and dazzle just about everybody else. Delicious compositions, intricate arrangements, crisp playing and impeccable production put these ambitious voyagers in a league of their own." - Derk Richardson, SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN

Formed in late 1978, Ancient Future is the first and longest running musical organization dedicated exclusively to the mission of creating world fusion music. The term was coined by bandleader Matthew Montfort to describe Ancient Future’s unusual blend of musical traditions from around the world. BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for their early contributions to the movement, which seeks to show how people from different cultures can grow by learning from each other.

Ancient Future has released seven full length studio CDs selling over 150,000 units: Visions of a Peaceful Planet, Natural Rhythms, Quiet Fire, Dreamchaser, World Without Walls, Asian Fusion, and Planet Passion. Over one million legal mp3 files from three of these releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records have been distributed commercially. Ancient Future is also featured on samplers selling millions of units on labels such as Putumayo and Narada. They are currently working on recordings for their fan funded Archive of Future Ancient Recordings. Over an hour of music in the archive is already available exclusively to supporters, with more to come as funds are raised.

Over the years, Ancient Future has expanded its musical vision through collaborations with master musicians from more than two dozen countries, cultures, and musical traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large multinational music ensemble with many smaller ensembles within it, enabling Ancient Future to realize its core mission of creating world fusion music. Through cross cultural exchange, Ancient Future has created a musical world without borders.

Matthew Montfort (band leader, scalloped fretboard guitar)
Hi-Res Photo (300 dpi, 5" x 3") of Matthew Montfort: http://www.ancient-future.com/images/yearningmatt300dpi5x3.jpg

Matthew Montfort is the leader of the world fusion music ensemble Ancient Future. He is a pioneer of the scalloped fretboard guitar (an instrument combining qualities of the South Indian vina and the steel string guitar). Montfort spent three months in intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar. In 2009, he released his first solo guitar recording, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar, which debuted at #8 on Zone Music Reporter's Top 100 February 2009 World Radio Chart, and held the #34 spot on the Top 100 of 2009. He has performed concerts worldwide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona and the Mumbai Festival at the Gateway of India in Bombay. He has performed live on national radio and TV shows such as the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Montfort wrote the book Ancient Traditions - Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India, which has been used by many musicians to improve their rhythm skills.

Vishal Nagar (Indian tabla)
Hi-Res Photo (300 dpi, 5" x 3") of Vishal Nagar: http://www.ancient-future.com/images/yearningvishal300dpi5x3.jpg

Considered one of the most gifted tabla players of his generation, Vishal Nagar wasn't yet born when Ancient Future performed their first concert in 1979. But he was being introduced to rhythm and melody while still in the womb, as his mother is the renowned Kathak dancer and vocalist, Urmila Nagar. He began to play tabla as a toddler as soon as he was tall enough to reach the drums. He had intense rhythmic training for a brief period with the late Ustad Latif Ahmed Khan of the Delhi Gharana, and after his Ustad's untimely demise, continued under the guidance of Ustad Shamim Ahmed Khan. Vishal has had the privilege of performing with many renowned Indian classical artists including Ustad Shujaat Khan, Vidhwan Trichur Ramachandran, Pandit Ramesh Misra, and Kala Ramnath, and has also collaborated with musicians from around the world such as the Ghanaian Guitarist Koo Nimo with whom he appeared in WOMAD USA (a world music festival started by Peter Gabriel). He began performing and recording with Ancient Future in 2013, and has since performed seven tours with the band. He is prominently featured on Ancient Future's Yearning for the Wind, which was the highest rated recording on Ethnocloud for April 2014, holding #1 spots in both the video and audio categories.

Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion)
Hi-Res Photo (300 dpi, 6.2" x 10") of Abbos Kosimov: http://www.ancient-future.com/images/abbos300dpi6.2x10.jpg

International phenomenon Abbos Kosimov is a master of the doyra (a frame drum with metal rings) and an ambassador of Uzbek culture. Abbos is known for taking the doyra to unprecedented new heights. He developed finger tapping techniques inspired by North Indian tabla masters, adding new dimensions to the instrument's sonic capabilities. Abbos also plays qayroqs, darbuka, dof, and riqq. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence, Abbos was awarded with a medal and given the illustrious title of Honored Artists of Uzbekistan by the president of Uzbekistan in 2001. In 2005, Abbos moved to the United States, leading to performances with artists such as Randy Gloss, Austin Wrinkle, Houman Pourmehdi, Andrew Grueschow, Adam Rudolph, Zakir Hussain, Giovanni Hidalgo, Terry Bozzio, Swapan Chaudhuri, Alim Qasimov, Kronos Quartet, Homayun Sakhi Trio, Voices of Afghanistan, and Omar Sosa. He recorded with R&B singer Steve Wonder for his 2006 CD Time to Love. In 2008, Abbos was a guest performer on one of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Masters of Percussion tours in the US, later becoming a full member of the project. Abbos released his solo album, Infinite Rhythm, in 2012. That same year, Abbos met Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort when they were both hired to perform with renowned Indian singer Pandit Binay Pathak. Abbos has since recorded tracks for Ancient Future's fan funded recording project, The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings.

Doug McKeehan (keys)

Doug McKeehan started his piano studies at age five, and began his first professional work at the age of twelve. He studied music at the Oberlin Conservatory, Kent State University, and the University of Otago (New Zealand). He has toured Europe twice and spent considerable time in India studying with notable Indian music teachers such as Pandit Ram Narayan, Ustad Kursheed Khan and Pandit A.G. Bhattacharya. He has composed original music for stage and T.V. productions in San Francisco and Los Angeles and has been musical director of two original musical comedy productions. He cofounded Air Craft with violinist Bruce Bowers, which released a highly acclaimed progressive jazz album, So Near, So Far (Crafted Air CA 30100). Since joining Ancient Future in 1985, he has performed hundreds of concerts with the band.

Jim Hurley (violin)

Jim Hurley has been playing violin since 1969. He holds a B.A. in Music from Humboldt State University. Influenced profoundly by South Indian violinist L. Shankar, he incorporates styles from bebop to zydeco, European classical to Zairean soukous. He is well known for his performances with Ritchie Blackmore and Blackmore's Night (rock legend turned Celtic and Renaissance musician), American roots music leaders such as Grammy winners Queen Ida and Al Rapone, and swing legend Dan Hicks' Acoustic Warriors. He has toured Europe and Japan and performed at numerous major music festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Jim Hurley has released two solo recordings, Primary Colors, and Finger Painting. 

Relevant Recordings by Ancient Future

'World Without Walls'
World Without Walls by Ancient Future (Sona Gaia/MCA 163): CD - $24.98 (collectable signed copy): http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html

As its name suggests, World Without Walls depicts a musical world without borders. Released in 1990, it features performances by such world music luminaries as Zakir Hussain, the master of the North Indian tabla. The inviting melodies and ingenious use of ethnic textures make this recording one of Ancient Future's most accessible and broadly appealing releases ever. 

"World Without Walls speaks to a cultural enrichment, a melding of world culture with Ancient Future's own lush sense of melody and rhythmic drive." - John Diliberto, JAZZIZ

'Asian Fusion'
Asian Fusion by Ancient Future (Narada Equinox ND-63023): CD - $24.98 (collectable signed copy): http://www.ancient-future.com/asian.html

Asian Fusion is a musical travelogue spanning the vast geographic and cultural expanse of Asia showcasing some of the top performers in the Asian music field, including Zhao Hui, China's preeminent master of the gu zheng (Chinese zither) and Bui Huu Nhut, a leading performer of the Vietnamese dan bau (a one-string Vietnamese instrument with an indigenous version of a whammy bar). Asian Fusion received much critical acclaim. It made the Tower Pulse! Top 10 Best Contemporary Instrumental Releases of 1993 List (#4) and was Guitar Player magazine's "Pick" for April 1994. 

"This compilation of 12 songs influenced by the Far East has all the sweeping impact of epic movies such as 'The Last Emperor.'" - CHICAGO TRIBUNE 

'Planet Passion'
Planet Passion by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2010): CD - $17.98: http://www.ancient-future.com/planetpassion.html

The classic lineup of Ancient Future performing these special reunion concerts also was featured on one cut on the Planet Passion CD: the song Socha Socha on which they accompanied sitar master Pandit Habib Khan. Originally released in 2002, it was remastered and re-issued in 2009 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first Ancient Future concert. 

"If the members of the United Nations formed a world-fusion band, it might look and sound a little something like Ancient Future’s re-issue of their seventh recording. At its best, Planet Passion strives to preserve the world's vast musical heritage via international collaboration: the idea that one protects the old by creating something new. This is at the heart of fusion music and the heart of Ancient Future's global aesthetics, too: a diverse, unified world without borders, a multicultural community, a new, reconstituted sonic reality." - Ryan Allen, LEO WEEKLY, Louisville, Kentucky

'The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings'
The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings by Ancient Future. (Ancient-Future.Com AF-2030). Recording Newsletter Package (128 kbps MP3): $15. Download Supporter Package (320 kbps MP3): $25. Limited to 300 packages. Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package (CD quality .wav): $50. Limited to 200 packages. Honorary A & R Representative Package (Hi-res 24 bit .wav): $75. Limited to 100 packages. http://www.ancient-future.com/afar.html

During Ancient Future's 30th anniversary year, work started on the next project of the band: the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.). To finance the project, a subscription system model is being employed to fund the recording through fans of world fusion music. There are already eight tracks in the archive available right now to subscribers, with more coming as money is raised for production.

'Yearning for the Wind' 
Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. Signed Audio/Video E-CD-R. List $17.98: http://www.ancient-future.com/yearning.html

"Matthew Montfort has been sending us wonderful music for many years now… this newest EP is (without question) the best music I've ever heard him play! The 9:37 'Yearning For The Wind' is 'the' piece… Matthew is joined by Vishal Nagar on tabla, and they clearly show (sonically) the joy than can be achieved by well-placed and strictly focused music. The tabla percussion makes it far more than 'just another raga'… I'm very strongly impressed and moved by this single piece of music…. you'll find yourself spinning it over and over again." - Dick Metcalf, ZZAJ PRODUCTIONS 

Radio Announcements

104 Word Radio Announcement for Festival Mozaic, July 28

In celebration of their 40th season of world fusion music, Ancient Future returns to perform at Festival Mozaic on Sunday, July 28 at 5 PM at See Canyon Fruit Ranch, located at 2345 See Canyon Road in San Luis Obispo, California. The show features the historic 'World Without Walls' lineup of Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, Jim Hurley on violin, Doug McKeehan on keyboards, plus Indian tabla master Vishal Nagar filling in for tabla master Zakir Hussain, who played on their World Without Walls release. For more information, visit festivalmozaic.com. Tickets are $45 on the grass. The $60 table seats are sold out.

114 Word Radio Announcement for Kentucky Mine Concert, September 1

In celebration of their 40th season of world fusion music, Ancient Future returns to perform at Music at the Mine on Sunday, September 1 at 3 PM at the Kentucky Mine Amphitheater, located at 100 Kentucky Mine Rd. in Sierra City, California. This uptempo program features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort, virtuoso keyboardist Doug McKeehan, and international percussion phenomenon Abbos Kosimov, an ambassador of Uzbek culture who is known for throwing his drums in the air during his awe inspiring solos. For more information, call 530-862-1076 or visit sierracountyhistory.org/music-at-the-mine. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for ages 7 to 17 are $10, while those 6 and under are free.