Global Gypsy Jazz
Global Gypsy Jazz Hi-Res Photo (3" x 4.5" 600 dpi jpeg, 4.4 MB) by Julie Marten.
Shown: Arshad Syed (tabla), Patti Weiss (violin),
and Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar)
Ancient Future: Global Gypsy Jazz
Raga Rock to Gypsy Jazz
This program focuses on jazz influenced by musical migrations. Jazz is a music born of musical migration, and so it has historically been open to many cultural influences. Of course Django Reinhardt changed the course of jazz forever, and this program appropriate tips its hat in his direction. But here the concept of musical migration is taken a step further, including cultural influences from all over the world. The program features Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar) with Patti Weiss (violin), who is known for her dynamic jazz violin style as well as her work with the Gipsy Kings. Arshad Syed completes the trio on tabla. This program is a great choice for intimate concerts or outdoor events because of its wide range from raga rock to gypsy jazz.
Venues: Outdoor Festivals, Concert Series, Concert Halls, Clubs, Universities, Events
Traditions: World Music, World Fusion, Gypsy Jazz, Indian Fusion, Indian Jazz
Moods: Ecstatic, Energetic, Euphoric, Ethereal, Exciting, Exotic, Festive, Mystical, Passionate, Powerful, Thrilling, Uplifting, Yearning
Hashtags: #WorldMusic, #WorldFusion, #GypsyJazz, #IndianFusion, #DeepListening
Biographies
Matthew Montfort is the leader of Ancient Future, and coined the term world fusion music in 1978. He is a pioneer of the scalloped fretboard guitar (an instrument combining qualities of the South Indian vina and the steel string guitar). He has recorded with legendary world music figures ranging from Bolivian panpipe master Gonzalo Vargas to tabla maestros Swapan Chaudhuri and Zakir Hussain. "Matthew Montfort conjures lovely Asian zither-like inflections with a scalloped fretboard guitar."
– Guitar Player
Patti Weiss began studying classical violin at the age of six. After high school she studied for a year at Berklee College of Jazz in Boston, and spent the next year traveling from Greece to India overland through Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. Upon arriving in India she met Joi Shriwastava – a well-known Indian classical violinist and spent six months living with his family and studying with him. Patti also holds a BA in South Asian languages from U.C. Berkeley and a Ph.D. in neuropsychology from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. Patti has guested with the Gipsy Kings on their last three North American tours, as well as performing and composing music for five feature films, including The Truth About Cats and Dogs.
Arshad Syed is an original member of the Diga Rhythm Band, which included tabla master Zakir Hussain and Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart. Arshad also performs in the Zakir Hussain Rhythm Experience. He is sought after as a tabla accompanist, working with many visiting vocalists and instrumentalists such as sarangi master Ustad Sultan Khan.
Featured Tracks
>YTmusic (repertoire). Studio recordings of the repertoire played by this band variation of Ancient Future.
Alap (Matthew Montfort.1:48) iTunes. >YTmusic. This piece is an introduction to the song El Zaffa played alap style and features Matthew Montfort accompanied by Patti Weiss. From Planet Passion (Ancient-Future.Com AF-2001). CD- $17.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Lakshmi Rocks Me (Jim Hurley. 2:52). iTunes. >YTmusic. Energetic tribute to South Indian violinist L. Shankar featuring Zakir Hussain and Jim Hurley. From World Without Walls (Sona Gaia/MCA 163). CD- $24.98 (out of print: collectable signed reconditioned copy): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Music about elephants!
Contact Info
Tel: 415-459-1892. info@ancient-future.com
Booking: Additional booking information, or use the contact information above.
Catalog: Listen to the CDs and use the secure online shopping cart system to purchase music.
Concerts: Current list of shows online.
Guest Book: Subscribe to the Ancient Future e-mail newsletter. Contests for prizes such as concert tickets each issue.