2009 Issues: February • March • April • June • July • August • November • December
December 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Welcome the New Year with Music
Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.)
•30th Anniversary Subscription Recording Series
Welcome the New Year with a World Music Workshop
•Featured Video: Matthew Montfort Demonstrates Hendrix Raga for GuitarPlayer.Com (Just Published!)
Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.)
30th Anniversary Subscription Recording Series
In December, 1978, Ancient Future went into Tres Virgos Studio in Mill Valley to begin work on the first Ancient Future record, Visions of a Peaceful Planet, which was first released in May of 1979. During Ancient Future's 30th anniversary year, work began on a new Ancient Future band project: the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.). The A.F.A.R. concept is to involve fans of world fusion music in supporting the creation of an archive of live and studio recordings that will be available to subscribers as they are created. The best of these recordings will be selected to be released commercially at a future date, at which point they will be on their way to becoming "ancient" recordings!
The A.F.A.R. goal is to kick start fan support for the world fusion music movement by giving fans a role in the process. That role will be similar to the financing and artistic feedback roles of the traditional record label, except that the fan community will have a lot more fun by being a part of a movement for an important cause rather than a for profit business. Fans of world fusion music place value on artistic quality and want to be part of a movement that can help build understanding between cultures. By involving more people in the process, we hope that this will help build support for virtuoso level cross-cultural music collaborations.
To finance A.F.A.R., a subscription system model is being employed. Ancient-Future.Com Records will provide access to subscribers to select files from Ancient Future's archives of studio out takes, live concerts and radio performances along with new recordings as they are created. The full archive of recordings will be available during the project exclusively to subscribers, and when the archive is sufficiently stocked, a portion of the recordings will be selected for commercial release. There are already four recordings by Ancient Future and Ancient-Future.Com Records artists in the archives available for subscribers, with more to come as money is raised for further production!
As the recording progresses, a few digital singles will be released at major download sites to raise awareness of the project. The final selection of recordings from the archive will be released on Ancient-Future.Com Records, with national distribution through ADA/Ryko/WEA. Subscription sales for the recording will close when all the limited edition packages are sold out. Order now because the quicker supporter packages are sold, the faster the fun begins. More information can be found at www.ancient-future.com/afar.html.
There are four supporter packages available:
Recording Newsletter Package: $15. Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. This package entitles the recording project supporter to receive the recording newsletter via email, which provides a window on the creative process including progress reports and occasional links to streaming audio or video of work in progress. Subscribers to this package also receive downloads of four digital singles chosen from the archives, and a 30% discount on advance copies of the final commercial release. Be a virtual fly-on-the-wall during the recording process.
Download Supporter Package: $25. Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. This package entitles the recording project supporter to receive everything included in the Recording Newsletter Package plus downloads of all to be recorded music forming an exclusive preview audio recording with digital liner notes that will not otherwise be available in shops (selections from which will form a final public edition), and the chance to submit feedback to questions posed in the recording newsletter. Limited to 300 packages.
Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package: $50. Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. This package entitles the recording project supporter to everything included in the Download Supporter Package plus an exclusive limited edition CD-R of the same recording with with printed liner notes signed by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort. Limited to 200 packages.
Honorary A & R Representative Package: $75. Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. This package entitles the recording project supporter to everything included in the Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package plus a DVD-R including video and 24 bit audio files for hi-rez playback on computers. This is the perfect package for audiophiles and home studio enthusiasts. Limited to 100 packages.
Kickstarter
In addition, A.F.A.R. has been selected for eligibility to be funded through the crowd funding web site, kickstarter.com, which seeks to give worthy projects like this a 90 day financial kick start. All of the above packages are available as rewards at kickstarter.com for the next 90 days, and you can also contribute any amount from $1 to $10,000 to help get the project off the ground. There are even special rewards available for large contributions, such as music lessons or a private concert.
Thanks go out to the following people who have already subscribed on our web site: Anonymous, Vincent Martel, Cliff Sears, Alan Moore of Musicians for Peace, and Leslie Lawton.
This is just a small start. Ancient Future needs YOUR help to continue into its 31st season. The current recession has forced many arts support organizations to greatly cut back or suspend operations altogether. As old forms of support for the arts have fallen away, both the necessity and the opportunity arises for new creative ways of supporting the arts.
For all of us to thrive in the future, we need to make the arts a priority now. Since world fusion music is not only an art form but also a cause and an important mission that helps to bring cultures together, we must create new ways to support it. The A.F.A.R. program is the embodiment of a creative way forward. If you have enjoyed Ancient Future's work or support this cause, please do what you can now to insure that this music can continue in the future.
Holiday Support Sale
In addition to the A.F.A.R. program, we are also having a CD sale for the holidays at Ancient-Future.Com, with free shipping in the USA and very special deals on our new releases!
Holiday Checkout Option Sale! 3Releases Celebrating 30Years of World Music for $30!
Purchase 'Seven Serenades' and you will have the option of adding the other releases below for a total of $30 for all three!
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008. 6-panel Digipak CD: $17.98. Buy 1 Now. (>YTmusic).
Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. (>YTmusic).
Planet Passion by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com AF-2001. (>YTmusic.)
Welcome the New Year with a World Music Workshop
Weekend of January 1-3, 2010
8:30 p.m. 1/1/2010 through 11:30 am 1/3/2010
Esalen Institute
Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Cost: Workshop alone: Regular Rate- $385. Friends of Esalen Rate- $335.
With Bunk Bed Room: Regular Rate- $530. Friends of Esalen Rate- $480.
With standard accommodations: Regular Rate-$670. Friends of Esalen Rate- $620.
Email: info@esalen.org. Press Release. Poster.pdf (628 k)
This workshop beginning on the first day of 2010 is a great way to start the new year with improved timing skills. Matthew Montfort is the author of Ancient Traditions - Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. The book, which is the basis for this world music workshop, received rave reviews in publications such as GUITAR PLAYER, ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN, DRUMS AND DRUMMING, and the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. Material from the book has been used by many teachers and musicians around the world, including Reinhard Flatischler, founder of the TaKeTiNa rhythm training process, and Steve Smith, famed jazz and rock drummer.
The workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining yet educational format for all music lovers. African polyrhythms, Balinese kotèkan and Indian classical music were chosen as the source material for the training because these three traditions in combination cover the major types of rhythmic organization used in most of the world's music. Not just for musicians and percussionists, this training can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills. Melodic aspects of the traditions will also be explored through vocal chanting and ensemble performance in a supportive setting. The workshop is open to all levels, and no musical background is required. Very simple to play percussion instruments will be provided, and participants are free to bring any percussive or melodic instruments they enjoy playing.
About Matthew Montfort
Matthew Montfort holds a B.A. in World Music and Composition and an M.A. in Arts and Media Technology from Antioch University. He is the leader of the world fusion music ensemble Ancient Future. 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. His debut solo CD, ‘Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar’ was released in 2009 to rave reviews on Ancient-Future.Com Records with national distribution through ADA/Ryko/WEA. He has performed concerts worldwide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona.
Rhythm Training Material
Ancient Traditions–Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India. Book/Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Soundfiles: $52.95 (SALE! Normally $69.95): Buy 1 Now.
Quotes
"You've heard Afro-Pop, sitar, gamelan and world music for years. But do you know what they are and how they work? Better yet, would you like to play those twisted cross-rhythms and melodies? In Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilities, Matthew Montfort, a founding member of the world music band Ancient Future, has put together the book for people who want to dig into world music with both hands. The first section of the book covers traditional music of West Africa, Bali and India with theories and exercises. Wherever possible, Montfort has provided beat counts alongside the standard musical notation so even if you can't read music, you can still learn the rhythms.The last section of the book mixes patterns from different cultures, demonstrating the powerful music these simple exercises can generate." – Richard Kadrey, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE.
"A hands-on exploration of Balinese, African, and Indian rhythms that should appeal to all musicians. One needn't play percussion instruments, or any instruments at all, for that matter, to use and benefit from the book." – DRUMS AND DRUMMING
"Very highly recommended for any instrumentalists hoping to expand their rhythmic horizons. If you've never investigated the beautiful clash of African polyrhythm, the incredible interlocking textures of Balinese music, or the complex metric structure of Indian classical music, check out Ancient Traditions--it will blow your mind and deepen your groove." – GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE
"If you're tired of programming your drum machine with the same old 4/4 back-beat, or you want to sharpen your rhythmic chops, this book is highly recommended." – ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN
Melodic Training Material
From GuitarPlayer.Com: "The Music of Jimi Hendrix Applied to Indian Raga" by Matthew Montfort
Play Guitar Player.Com Video
Live version of 'Purple Raga' from Matthew Montfort's debut recording, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.
Educational Liner Notes
Educational Digital Liner Notes- $2.98 (SALE $2.00): Buy 1 Now. This exclusive download is a 17 page .pdf of liner notes for "Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar" by Matthew Montfort that is not available at any other music download site. These educational liner notes explain the inspirations and musical concepts behind each of the serenades. Sheet music is included for those who want to delve deeper!
Quotes
Download the 65 page report of media placements for Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar. Complete reviews, photos, and links to online reviews. MediaMatthewMontfort.pdf (3.9 MB).
“A true guitar wizard.” – Jello Biafra, ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS
“This album reveals a thorough knowledge of Hindustani microtonal ornaments, transferred in ways that create one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in contemporary music. However, it also reveals a lifetime of exploration in world music, which can be immediately summoned in a flash of inspiration. When this level of mastery is reached, there is no need to rewrite. The first improvisation has the depth of a reworked composition.” – Teed Rockwell, INDIA CURRENTS, March 2009
"Matthew’s playing is always impeccable, filled with subtle emotion and even wanderlust. I don't know of anyone who plays quite like Matthew. His mastery of the scalloped fretboard guitar seems unequaled. For a richly rewarding journey into the magic of acoustic world fusion music, look no farther than 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.'" – Steve Ryals, FRESH TRACKS
"Leader of the world-music band Ancient Future since 1978, Matthew Montfort has adapted many string instrument styles – from sitar to zither – to his guitar. His special scalloped fretboard allows him to tweak the strings in unique ways, but his virtuosity is a lot more than technical." – David Rubien, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
"It isn't every day that acoustic guitarists make their instrument sound a lot like an Indian sitar, but that is exactly what Matthew Montfort accomplishes on the instrumental 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' Through it all, Montfort demonstrates that even though he has considerable chops and technical prowess, he is much more interested in feeling and expression than technique. This 56-minute CD is an adventurous, consistently engaging demonstration of what Montfort can accomplish on the scalloped fretboard guitar." – Alex Henderson, ALL MUSIC GUIDE
"Though he plays guitar, Montfort's music isn't merely guitar music; it's a sonic environment that features a guitar. Strong Indian and Balinese influences permeate these seven exotic soundscapes. Beautifully recorded, this sumptuous music creates a unique wall of sound that you won't soon forget." – Steven Stone, VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE
November 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Acoustic Concerts
Acoustic Guitar Showcase at the Sleeping Lady Cafe, Fairfax
•Featured Video: Matthew Montfort Performs 'Soul Serenade'
Cornucopia: An Evening of East West
Music at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek
•Featured Video: Khan/Montfort/Brooks Perform Indian Raga
Acoustic Guitar Showcase at the Sleeping Lady Cafe
Play YouTube Video
Live version of 'Soul Serenade' from Matthew Montfort's debut recording, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.
Featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard & fretless guitars), Teja Gerken, (fingerstyle guitar) and Az Samad (fingerstyle guitar)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 9:00 p.m.
Sleeping Lady Cafe
23 Broadway
Fairfax, CA 94930
Time for another guitar showcase at the new Sleeping Lady Cafe! Interesting aside: The first Ancient Future concert was February 11, 1979, at the original Sleeping Lady Cafe. This is a round-robin of (mostly) acoustic guitar with Matthew Montfort playing music from Seven Serenades on scalloped fretboard guitar and fretless guitars, Malaysian fingerstyle guitar virtuoso Az Samad, and fingerstylist Teja Gerken.
Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008. Buy 1 Now. (>YTmusic). Ancient-Future.Com Records new releases are now on sale at special 30th anniversary prices at Ancient-Future.Com! Save money and support the arts at the same time.
Cornucopia: An Evening of East West Music and Dance
Featuring Pandit Habib Khan (sitar), Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), George Brooks (saxophone), Salar Nader (tabla), Ramesh Srinivasan (mridangam), John Waller (drums), and Richa Shukla (Kathak dance)
Sunday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.
Hofmann Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Adm: reserved seating $35 and $25. Seniors and students $5 off.
Available at the Hofmann Theatre Box Office 925-943-SHOW (7469)
August 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Sierra Serenades, Yoshi's & Youtube
Sierra Serenades
•Cozmic Cafe in Placerville August 15
Indo Latin Jazz
•Yoshi's in Oakland August 25
First Videos from the 30th Anniversary Concert
•Recorded Sunday, July 26, Freight & Salvage
Realtime Radio
•The Voice and KVMR
Sierra Serenades
Saturday, August 15, 8 p.m.
The Cozmic Cafe
594 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667
Tix: $10 adv, $12 door.
Download concert poster: 8/15/09 Cozmic Cafe.pdf
Ancient Future leader and guitarist Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar) will perform the Sierra area CD release party for his debut CD, 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' He will be joined by Joe Fajen on tabla and percussion, plus a special guest appearance by Sapphira, who will both dance and play the violin at the same time!
Indo Latin Jazz at Yoshi's
Tuesday, August 25, 8:00 p.m.
Yoshi's Jazz Club
510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA 94607
Tix: $15 Info: Call 510-238-9200 or visit www.yoshis.com
Download concert poster: 8/25/09 Yoshi's.pdf
CD Release Party for 'Sangria' featuring Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble
An evening of Indo Latin jazz featuring Mariah Parker (piano, santur), Paul McCandless (woodwinds, horns), Matthew Montfort (guitars), Kash Killion (bass, cello), Duru Demetrius (Latin percussion), Debopriyo Sarkar (tabla), Brian Rice (percussion).
"Parker and friends blend the rhythmic syncopations of Latin jazz music with the entrancing, asymmetrical meters of East Indian rhythms resulting in first-class world music." —LATIN BEAT MAGAZINE
"Dazzling debut.... Parker's subtle and sensuous sounds reflect exotic flavors of India, the Middle East and Latin America." - PALO ALTO DAILY NEWS
First Videos from the 30th Anniversary Concert
Recorded Sunday, July 26 at 8 pm
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
This 30th anniversary CD release party featured the pioneering world fusion music group Ancient Future, scalloped fretboard guitarist Matthew Montfort, and Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble performing music from three new releases celebrating 30 years of world fusion music. Below are the first two videos from the concert!
Ancient Future Performs 'Sangria' by Mariah Parker
This is a live quartet version of 'Sangria' by Mariah Parker featuring Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, Mariah Parker on santur, Kash Killion on cello, and Ian Dogole on udu and cymbals. The song also has been recorded in two other versions: as a trio on Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort and as a quartet on the title track of Mariah Parker's debut CD, Sangria. See this song played live in person on August 25 at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland!
Matthew Montfort Performs 'Soul Serenade' from 'Seven Serenades'
This is a live version of 'Soul Serenade' from Matthew Montfort's debut recording, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar. See this played live on August 15 at The Cozmic Cafe in Placerville.
Realtime Radio
- Monday, August 10, 5 p.m., Andrea Payton interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Beyond the Invisible' on The Voice 88.7 Cable FM, streaming live online at www.accesssacramento.org, Sacramento CA 95820.
- Tuesday, August 11, 5:25 p.m., Elisa Parker interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Music Magazine' on KVMR 89.5 FM, streaming live online at www.kvmr.org, Nevada City, CA 95959
July 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: 30th Anniversary Concert
30th Anniversary Concert
•Freight and Salvage in Berkeley 7/26/2009
Romantic Serenades
•Guerneville 7/25/2009
Contest
•Win Tickets to CD Release Parties
More Summer Soirees
•August 15 and 25
Realtime Radio
•July 17 to 23
30th Anniversary Concert
CD Release Party: 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music
Sunday, July 26 at 8 pm
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
Tix: $18.50 in advance, $19.50 at the door
Info: Call 510-548-1761 or visit freightandsalvage.org.
Download concert poster: 7/26/09 Freight.pdf.
This triple bill features the pioneering world fusion music group Ancient Future, scalloped fretboard guitarist Matthew Montfort, and Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble. This 30th anniversary CD release party features music from three new releases celebrating 30 years of world fusion music.
‘Planet Passion’ (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition) by Ancient Future features top world music masters performing music on the theme of mythical stories of love. BILLBOARD calls the group Ancient Future “trendsetters” for their early contributions to the world fusion music movement. The version of Ancient Future performing on this bill concentrates on Arabic, Indian, and Spanish musical themes, and has performed in Spain at festivals in Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Botarell, Torredembarra, and Salou.
“If the members of the United Nations formed a world-fusion band, it might look and sound a little something like Ancient Future.” — LEO WEEKLY
‘Sangria’ by Mariah Parker with her Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble “blends the rhythmic syncopations of Latin jazz music with the entrancing, asymmetrical meters of East Indian rhythms resulting in first-class world music. Intriguing melodies that draw musical inspirations from the tempos of Brazil, Cuba, India, and Spain make for an uplifting serene yet passionate musical journey into an ideal world.” — LATIN BEAT MAGAZINE
“Dazzling debut... Parker’s subtle and sensuous sounds reflect exotic flavors of India, the Middle East and Latin America.”
— PALO ALTO DAILY NEWS
‘Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar’ by Matthew Montfort is the debut solo recording by Ancient Future’s bandleader. Montfort will peform works from this improvised recording which showcases his pioneering work on the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar.
“Montfort demonstrates that even though he has considerable chops and technical prowess, he is much more interested in feeling and expression than technique. An adventurous, consistently engaging demonstration of what Montfort can accomplish on the scalloped fretboard guitar.” — ALL MUSIC GUIDE
“This album reveals a thorough knowledge of Hindustani microtonal ornaments, transferred in ways that create one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in contemporary music.” — INDIA CURRENTS
Romantic Serenades for Guitar and Piano
Matthew Montfort: ‘Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar’ CD Release Concert
Seth Montfort: Latin Piano Serenades by Granados, Copland/Bernstein, Villa-Lobos & Montfort
Sandra Simich: Romantic Piano Music by Chopin
Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m.
Music Inside Out & Center
16375 4th Street @ Mill
(Across from the Russian River Resort)
Guerneville, CA 95446
Tix: $10.
Download concert poster: 7/25/09 Poster.pdf.
This concert features romantic music by three performers. Pioneering scalloped fretboard guitarist Matthew Montfort is well known as the leader of the pioneering world music group Ancient Future. He has performed at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain and on tour in India with sitarist Pandit Habib Khan and tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri.
Matthew's brother, Seth Montfort won his first contest at 11 performing ragtime piano by Scott Joplin. He made his concerto debut at 16 performing Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand with the Denver Symphony. He has also made solo appearances with the Jefferson Symphony, Redwood Symphony, North Bay Philharmonic, Kensington Symphony, Diablo Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra and the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra. He has won 12 prizes in local, National and International competitions and has performed over 1,000 solo recitals.
Sandra Simich was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In the former Yugoslavia, she received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance, and studied with Marian Mika, Slava Gabrielov, and Irina Tchukovskaya, winner of the Tchaikovsky Competition. An established pianist she appears regularly as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician in California and Europe. She performed as an artist in residence at the International Peace Conference in Croatia and with The Tamalpais Trio for the International Red Cross relief efforts in Kosovo.
Contest: Win Tickets to CD Release Parties
- Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m., Romantic Serenades for Guitar and Piano featuring Matthew Montfort: 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party, Seth Montfort: Latin Piano Serenades by Granados, Copland/Bernstein, Villa-Lobos & Montfort, and Sandra Simich: Romantic Piano Music by Chopin, Music Inside Out & Center, 16375 4th Street @ Mill (across from the Russian River Resort), Guerneville, CA 95446. Tix: $10. Download concert poster: 7/25/09 Poster.pdf.
- Sunday, July 26, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party for 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Fusion Music featuring the band Ancient Future, Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702. Tix: $18.50 in advance, $19.50 at the door. Info: Call 510-548-1761. Download concert poster: 7/26/09 Freight.pdf
Simply click on the following link to learn about 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' Then send a short email to info@ancient-future.com describing what you learned about music, along with which concert you can attend. Best short answer wins a pair of tickets.
More Summer Soirees
- Saturday, August 15, 8 p.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Joe Fajen (tabla, percussion), The Cozmic Cafe, 594 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667. Tix: $10 adv, $12 door. Download concert poster: 8/15/09 Cozmic Cafe.pdf.
- Tuesday, August 25, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party 'Sangria' featuring Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble, Yoshi's Jazz Club, 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA 94607. Tix: $15 Info: Call 510-238-9200 or visit yoshis.com. Download concert poster: 8/25/09 Yoshi's.pdf.
Concert Posters (pdf, click to download):
Realtime Radio
- Friday, July 17, 11 p.m., Rhyshenda Owens interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Esoterica,' KPFZ 88.1 FM, Lakeport, CA 95453.
- Sunday, July 19, 11 p.m., Dean Suzuki interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Discreet Music,' KPFA 94.1 FM, streaming live online at www.kpfa.org, Berkeley, CA 94704.
- Wednesday, July 22, 12:30 p.m., Sunshine interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Sunshine ... In the Afternoon,' KZSU 90.1 FM, streaming live online at kzsulive.stanford.edu, Stanford, CA 94309.
- Thursday, July 23, 11 a.m. Rebroadcast of Rhyshenda Owens' interview with Matthew Montfort on 'Esoterica,' KPFZ 88.1 FM, Lakeport, CA 95453.
June 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Summer Soirees and Premo Press
Premo Press
•For 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar'
Contest: Win Concert Tix
•For Open Secret, San Rafael, 6/19/09, & Don Quixote's, Felton, 6/25/09
Summer Soirees
•June 19 to August 25
Realtime Radio
• KPIG and KPOO
Premo Press
For 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar'
Ancient-Future.Com 2008. Digipak CD- $17.98: Buy 1 Now. >YTmusic
Datebook: This Week – Friday: CD Release Concert, Friday, June 19, 7:30 pm
“Leader of the world-music band Ancient Future since 1978, Matthew Montfort has adapted many string instrument styles – from sitar to zither – to his guitar. His special scalloped fretboard allows him to tweak the strings in unique ways, but his virtuosity is a lot more than technical. Friday's show lets Montfort show off his skills away from Ancient Future, while celebrating the release of his debut solo CD, 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' Samples on YouTube and MySpace. $12. 7:30 p.m. Open Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. 415-457-4191, www.ancient-future.com.” – David Rubien, Datebook (Pink Section), SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
Monthly Music Feature in Audiophile Magazine
“Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar, Montfort’s first solo outing, is a relaxing series of pieces in which the guitarist sustains his ideas with arrangements that include wind instruments, violin, and voice. The best tunes, such as "Guari the Golden" and "Lilalit," are meditative, and allow Montfort to develop improvisations around a central theme. He doesn't dazzle with quick notes or flashy virtuosity, but lets the music play out in a more considered, deliberative manner. Seven Serenades has a cumulative effect that pulled me in. "Purple Raga," Montfort’s tribute to Jimi Hendrix, is an enjoyable reminder that Hendrix, too, was influenced by Indian and Middle Eastern music. The recording is exceptionally clear and intimate.”– Joseph Taylor, GOOD SOUND! - The Experts on Affordable High-Performance Audio
Matthew Montfort- Future Fingers Between the Frets
“Like the harp guitar, the scalloped-fretboard guitar is another variation on the world's most well-known instrument. Matthew Montfort, the founder and leader of the world-fusion group Ancient Future, has been playing the instrument since 1978, when luthier Ervin Somogyi carved out the wood between the frets so that, according to the notes on the back cover, "the pads of Montfort's fingers touch only the strings, reducing friction while he bends them to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar." The appearance of the guitar isn't all that different, but the sound does indeed lie between a guitar and a sitar. On his first solo album, Montfort plays six of his own compositions, three of them in a solo format. "Celtic Raga" draws parallels between ancient Celtic and Vedic traditions. Didjeridu player Alan Tower provides droning accompaniment on a couple of tracks, including "Purple Raga," which was inspired by Jimi Hendrix.” – by Paul -Emile Comeau, DIRTY LINEN
Play List: Music Reviews by Bill Binkelman
“As founder of the pioneering world fusion band Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort was instrumental in shaping that genre. For his first solo album, he casts the spotlight on the unique musical characteristics of the scalloped fret board guitar, an instrument with a highly different "personality," which is revealed through Montfort’s considerable talent. This type of guitar sounds quite different—notes can be "bent" and the music acquires an exotic, sensual characteristic. Some tracks feature Montfort going solo, while on others he’s joined by artists on santur, didgeridoo, or violin. Many of the CD’s seven tracks carry an East Indian flavor, but "Michelle’s Star" has a breezy folk-like feeling and "Celtic Raga" pulses with the lively spirit of Irish-pub music. The closing "Lilalit" is a 14-minute solo tour de force!” – Bill Binkelman, NEW AGE RETAILER
Syndicated Review
“It isn't every day that acoustic guitarists make their instrument sound a lot like an Indian sitar, but that is exactly what Matthew Montfort accomplishes on the instrumental Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar. Traditional Indian music is a strong influence on instrumentals like "Purple Raga," "Gauri the Golden," and "Lilalit," which is not to say that this is a traditional Indian album in the Ravi Shankar vein. Instead, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar is best described as world fusion; Indian music is an influence, but it isn't the disc's only influence -- and Montfort also draws on everything from Spanish flamenco to blues to folk-rock. Celtic music is an influence on "Celtic Raga," which successfully combines Irish-Celtic and Indian elements. Through it all, Montfort demonstrates that even though he has considerable chops and technical prowess, he is much more interested in feeling and expression than technique. This 56-minute CD is an adventurous, consistently engaging demonstration of what Montfort can accomplish on the scalloped fretboard guitar.” – Alex Henderson, ALL MUSIC GUIDE
Seven Soul Serenades
“When I first heard this album in a quiet room late at night I thought of my mother. That was the week of Mother's Day. Mom passed two years ago. I'd been thinking about her off and on through the day, but it was a busy day. "Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar" has a technical name so I didn't expect it change my mood and slow down my thoughts. This CD slowed me down with a drone sound like throat singing played on a didjeridu with a deep roar swelling up as thought it were coming from the earth. I was not thinking of a didjeridu when the guitar and violin began to play. The drone continued quietly swelling and subsiding as the guit-box started to meander into sound. The music was emerging from that calm and undulating force beneath the surface. This album had given me a still moment, slowed my racing thoughts, and let me feel what my spirit was doing.
Matthew Montfort has the faith to believe in the beauty of disparate and rich cultures singing in harmony. He believes there is a place common to mankind for the combined voices of disparate cultures. Worlds do not collide as we are taught to expect. They coalesce when these musicians play. As the sound of this music rises, it comes together. Everything that rises must converge.
When I first heard this album, it got to me. I thought I would write a review in a couple of hours. It was beautiful, and the music moved me. Then the process of World Fusion, and the subtleties of the scalloped fretboard guitar began to fascinate me. Mr. Montfort was very generous with his time, and those afforded me an opportunity to explore with a recognized authority the intricacies of how music is created.My initial reaction to the music hasn't changed. This is an album of beautiful guitar music. I don't need to understand it to feel it. Whatever process went into the making of this music, it works just great. This music takes me to a private place. I can get there listening to a Raga, but "Seven Serenades" feels more familiar to me. These songs change the quality of my thought when I listen intently.
I think master improvisor and composer Yousef Lateef's statement about the music of Lester Young applies to this album. "[S]ome sounds make us hear someone’s character." When I hear an improvisor, I hear what that musician has to offer. John Coltrane said it best: "When I've heard a man's music, I've heard that man."”– Billy Sheppard,BILLYSBUNKER.COM
Condensed for this newsletter. Read the whole reviews: www.ancient-future.com/pdf/MediaMatthewMontfort.pdf
Contest: Win Tickets to CD Release Parties
- Friday, June 19, 7:30 p.m., 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party featuring Matthew Montfort, Open Secret, 923 C St., San Rafael, CA 94901. Tix: $12. Info: 415-457-4191. Download concert poster: 6/19/09 Open Secret.pdf.
- Thursday, June 25, 8:00 p.m., Acoustic Guitar Double bill featuring Matthew Montfort ('Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party) and the William Coulter Trio with Barry and Shelley Phillips, Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018. Tix: $15. Info: 831-603-2294. Download concert poster: 6/25/09 Don Quixotes.pdf.
Simply click on the link below and get free digital liner notes to 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' This extensive 18 page document includes lessons in Indian raga and sheet music from the recording! Then send a short email to info@ancient-future.com describing what you learned about music from reading the notes, along with which concert you can attend. Best short answer wins a pair of tickets and will be quoted on the Ancient Future web site next to the digital liner note download link.
Digital Liner Notes (1.7 MB)
Summer Soirees
- Friday, June 19, 7:30 p.m., 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party featuring Matthew Montfort, Open Secret, 923 C St., San Rafael, CA 94901. Tix: $12. Info: 415-457-4191. Download concert poster: 6/19/09 Open Secret.pdf.
- Thursday, June 25, 8:00 p.m., Acoustic Guitar Double bill featuring Matthew Montfort ('Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party) and the William Coulter Trio with Barry and Shelley Phillips, Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018. Tix: $15. Download concert poster: 6/25/09 Don Quixotes.pdf.
- Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m., Romantic Serenades for Guitar and Piano featuring Matthew Montfort: 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party, Seth Montfort: Latin Piano Serenades by Granados, Copland/Bernstein, Villa-Lobos & Montfort, and Sandra Simich: Romantic Piano Music by Chopin, Music Inside Out & Center, 16375 4th Street @ Mill (across from the Russian River Resort), Guerneville, CA 95446. Tix: $10. Download concert poster: 7/25/09 Poster.pdf.
- Sunday, July 26, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party for 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Fusion Music featuring the band Ancient Future, Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702. Tix: $18.50 in advance, $19.50 at the door. Info: Call 510-548-1761. Download concert poster: 7/26/09 Freight.pdf.
- Saturday, August 15, 8 p.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Joe Fajen (tabla, percussion), The Cozmic Cafe, 594 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667. Tix: $10 adv, $12 door. Download concert poster: 8/15/09 Cozmic Cafe.pdf.
- Tuesday, August 25, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party 'Sangria' featuring Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble with featuring Mariah Parker (piano, santur), Paul McCandless (woodwinds, horns), Matthew Montfort (guitars), Kash Killion (bass, cello), Duru Demetrius (Latin percussion), Debopriyo Sarkar (tabla), Yoshi's Jazz Club , 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA 94607. Tix: $15 Info: Call 510-238-9200 or visit yoshis.com. Download concert poster: 8/25/09 Yoshi's.pdf.
Concert Posters (pdf, click to download):
Realtime Radio
- Friday, June 19, 1 p.m., Avotcja Interviews Matthew Montfort on La Verdad Musical, KPOO-FM 89.5, streaming live online at www.kpoo.com, San Francisco, CA 94115.
- Sunday, June 21, 11:30 a.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Please Stand By on KPIG (1510 AM), streaming live online at www.kpig.com, Watsonville, CA 95076.
April 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Seven Serenades & Spring Soirees
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
•CD Spotlight
Contest
•Everyone Wins Liner Notes with Sheet Music!
Spring Soirees
•April 25 through June 25 Concerts
by Matthew Montfort
Ancient-Future.Com 2008. Digipak CD- $17.98: Buy 1 Now.
Free Digital 1 Sheet (552 k, streaming audio)
This debut recording by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort showcases his pioneering work on the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar. While previously known more for his compositions for the trendsetting world music group Ancient Future, this first solo effort features his improvisational music.
Biography
“Matthew Montfort conjures lovely Asian zither-like inflections with a scalloped fretboard guitar.”
– GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE
As leader of the world music group Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort has devoted himself to the scalloped fretboard guitar since 1978. He spent years of study with some of the world’s best musicians, such as gamelan director K.R.T. Wasitodipuro, North Indian sarod master Ali Akbar Khan, and vina master K.S. Subramanian, with whom he did an intensive study of South Indian note-bending techniques. He has performed concerts worldwide, from the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai. He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui. 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.
“I first realized Matthew Montfort was a true guitar wizard when he called me on the phone and played me one flawless Hendrix riff after another. We were in the seventh grade. By the time we escaped high school, Matt had gone acoustic, turning coffee house basements into his own planet with fierce improvisations touching on an occasional Spanish or Celtic launching pad. Now a pioneering master of world fusion, Matt continues to travel, study, absorb and immerse himself in musics and traditions all over the globe. His knowledge and depth are staggering, yet he doesn't let it get in the way of the joy and spirit and soul that we like about music in the first place.” – Jello Biafra, (seminal punk rock singer, Dead Kennedy front man turned spoken word activist, politician) ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS, Sept. 06, 2008
“Though he plays guitar, Montfort's music isn't merely guitar music; it's a sonic environment that features a guitar. Strong Indian and Balinese influences permeate these seven exotic soundscapes. Beautifully recorded, this sumptuous music creates a unique wall of sound that you won't soon forget.” – Steven Stone, VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE
The Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Scalloped fretboards are not new to string instruments. Many lutes have scalloped fretboards, some of purely ornamental nature. However, scalloping a fretboard on a guitar in order to facilitate note bending is a relatively new phenomenon.
Montfort is a pioneer among guitarists who have had their fretboards scalloped in order to play various forms of world music that require intricate note-bending ornaments while still being able to play chords. Montfort immersed himself in an intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar. The method is based on pulling the strings across the frets in order to raise the pitch.
"The mind-bending playing abilities of guitar virtuoso, Matthew Montfort, stem from the note-bending capabilities of the scalloped fretboard guitar. This produces a different sound than the more familiar guitar, because the fretboard is carved out, so the fingers only touch the strings." – Matthew Forss, InsideWorldMusic.com
Seven Serenades Concept
Born of an emergency drive-by serenade rendezvous. Seven serenades following the muse on the path of improvisation, inspired and informed by the great musical traditions, but not bound by them. Improvisations becoming compositions of longing captured at the moment of conception.
“This album reveals a thorough knowledge of Hindustani microtonal ornaments, transferred in ways that create one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in contemporary music. However, it also reveals a lifetime of exploration in world music, which can be immediately summoned in a flash of inspiration. When this level of mastery is reached, there is no need to rewrite. The first improvisation has the depth of a reworked composition.” – Teed Rockwell, INDIA CURRENTS, March 2009
“Montfort's willingness to let the music just "flow", without forcing it to move in a particular direction, shows more skill at improvisation than many self-proclaimed improv "masters" have. A wonderful musical excursion that is all based on the moment as the motive... this gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as our "PICK" of this issue for "best guitar improvisation".”– Rotcod Zzaj, IMPROVIJAZZATION
“Matthew Montfort is a true guitar master. His instrument conveys the smallest nuances of the artist’s emotions. He masterfully combines a perfect performance with Eastern meditative approach. The artist is not afraid to improvise and to blend various genres in his guitar music. His “Purple Raga” is adorned with the captivating drones of an Australian didgeridoo. I could name this composition as world raga rock. In general Matthew Montfort’s music goes beyond any boundaries. He is truly one of the world’s best guitarists. The first solo effort of Matthew Montfort is a real handbook for guitarists and a great pleasure for the ears of all guitar music lovers!” – SergeKozlovsky.com
“The most beautiful, soulful guitar I have ever heard!!”– Chandi Devi, KarmaCaffe.com (Listen to her 3/25/09 interview with Montfort on BlogTalk.com)
Contest: Everyone Wins Liner Notes with Sheet Music!
Our Oprah-inspired contest is the easiest we've ever had! No, we aren't giving everyone a free car simply for reading the newsletter, but this is a contest everyone can win. Simply click on the link below and get free digital liner notes to 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' This extensive 18 page document includes lessons in Indian raga and sheet music from the recording! Previously available ONLY to the media, this is the first release to the public, available exclusively to subscribers to this newsletter!
Digital Liner Notes (1.7 MB, Subcribers Only)
Spring Soirees
- Saturday, April 25, 6:00 p.m., Pandit Habib Khan (sitar, composition), Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), George Brooks (sax), M. Nejad (violin), many others, Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose CA 95116. Tix: $20 and $15.
- Saturday, May 16, 3:30 p.m., Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave., North Berkeley, CA 94709.
- Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 7:00-9:30 p.m., Acoustic Guitar Showcase with Teja Gerken and Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Bazaar Café, 5927 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94121.
- Friday, June 5, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Emam and Friends featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Gari Hegedus (oud, mandocello, violin), Josh Massad (percussion), and Emam (tabla, percussion), The Frick Art & Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Tix: Suggested donation is $5.00 per adult.
- Saturday, June 6, 2009, 7:30 p.m., Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Emam (tabla, percussion), Yoga Matrika, 6520 Wilkins Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Tix: $15/$10 Students.
- Thursday, June 11, 11:00 p.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Live In Studio A on KDVS 90.3 FM, streaming live online at www.kdvs.org, Davis , CA 95616.
- Friday, June 19, 7:30 p.m., 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party featuring Matthew Montfort, Open Secret, 923 C St., San Rafael, CA 94901. Tix: $12.
- Sunday, June 21, 11:30 a.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Please Stand By on KPIG (1510 AM), streaming live online at www.kpig.com, Watsonville, CA 95076.
- Thursday, June 25, 8:00 p.m., Double bill featuring 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party featuring Matthew Montfort and William Coulter Trio with Barry and Shelley Phillips, Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018.
March 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Celebrating 30 Years
3 New Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music
•On Sale 3 for $30
Rite of Spring
•Play World Beats on the Vernal Equinox at Esalen
Future Ancient History
•30th Year Recording Series Update
Recess Shuns Recession
•Let's Play Tag
Return to the Sleeping Lady Returns!
•Youtube Video of Feb 11, 2009 Performance
3 New Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music
On Sale for $30
Purchase any of the three new releases at Ancient-Future.Com, and you will have the option at checkout to purchase the other two for a total of only $30!
Planet Passion (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition) by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com AF-2010. 64-Bit Tuned Harmonic Mastering. 4-panel Digipak CD with 6 page booklet: $17.98 list. Buy 1 Now. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. (>YTmusic.)
Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. 6-panel Digipak
CD: $17.98 list. Buy 1 Now. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. (>YTmusic).
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008. 6-panel Digipak CD: $17.98 list. Buy 1 Now. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. (>YTmusic).
Rite of Spring
Play World Beats on the Vernal Equinox at Esalen
Playing world music while improving your timing skills in order is a great way to usher in spring, and Esalen Institute is a magical place to do it. This rhythm and world music workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining yet educational format for all music lovers. African polyrhythms, Balinese kotèkan and Indian raga/tala were chosen as the source material for the training because these three traditions in combination cover the major types of rhythmic organization used in most of the world's music. Not just for musicians and percussionists, this training can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills. No musical background is required and simple to play percussion instruments will be provided. Participants are also encouraged to bring any musical instruments they play. Dancers are encouraged to bring their dance costumes.
Taught by Matthew Montfort of Ancient Future, from his book Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. (Book/Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Sound Files: $52.95: Buy 1 Now.)
The book received rave reviews in publications such as GUITAR PLAYER, ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN, DRUMS AND DRUMMING, and the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. Material from the book has been used by many teachers and musicians around the world, including Reinhard Flatischler, founder of the TaKeTiNa rhythm training process, and Steve Smith, famed jazz and rock drummer.
Weekend of March 20-22, 2009. Starts at 8:30 pm on March 20 and ends at 11:30 am on March 22. World Rhythms Workshop, Esalen Institute, 55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920. Cost: Workshop alone: Regular Rate- $370. Friends of Esalen Rate- $320. Email: info@esalen.org
Future Ancient History
Digital Article on Ancient Future History (1.5 MB, streaming audio)
30th Year Recording Series Update
In December, 1978, Ancient Future went into Tres Virgos Studio in Mill Valley to begin work on the first Ancient Future record, Visions of a Peaceful Planet, which was first released in May of 1979. To commemorate 30 years of world fusion music, a 30th Year Recording Subscription Series was planned with work starting in late 2008.
Well, some work DID happen in December 2008 on a recording featuring several Ancient Future members and a famous gipsy singer! Since last issue, more supporters have subscribed to the 30th Year Recording Subscription Series. We have already raised 1% of our project goal. We plan to raise 10% of the goal by the project start this spring. Thanks go out to the following people: Vincent Martel, Cliff Sears, Alan Moore of Musicians for Peace, and Leslie Lawton.
Because of all the current activities surrounding the new releases, spring is a great time to start work again on the next recording. In the meantime, the money does need to be raised to pay for it. To that end, there are four supporter packages available. You can be a virtual fly-on-the-wall during the recording process through the Recording Newsletter Package ($10, Buy 1 Now). This is the way to get the secret stories involving famous singers and studio antics that no one else gets, plus you get a 30% discount on the final release. The Download Supporter Package ($25, Buy 1 Now) includes the newsletter plus downloads of archival recordings and new music as it is recorded. The Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package ($50, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus an exclusive limited edition CD. Finally, the Honorary A & R Representative Package ($75, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus a DVD with video and hi-rez audio.
Recess Shuns Recession: Let's Play Tag
No one came out to play last issue, so no one won our game of tag. Here's something to provide some fun and games for those who have been feeling down. Here is how the game goes. Click on the covers below to hear the music and find out more about each release. Then simply go to the tag links for each release below, and review and tag the releases with appropriate keywords. You can use your real name when you sign on at amazon.com, or make up a cool pen name.
Send your real name/pen name and address to info@ancient-future.com. The entries with the best tags and reviews get a FREE copy of their choice of one of the releases below:
Return to the Sleeping Lady Returns!
Soul Serenade by Matthew Montfort
Youtube Video of Feb 11, 2009 Performance at Sleeping Lady Cafe
On February 11, 2009, exactly 30 years after the first Ancient Future concert, Matthew Montfort returned to where it all began. The Sleeping Lady was beckoning him, for after decades of slumber, she had re-awakened just down the street from her place of last repose in Fairfax, California. So on that day, Matthew Montfort returned to the venue where Ancient Future played its first concert exactly 30 years earlier to perform at a round robin with fellow guitarists. While there he asked her if she would like a date with a full band in the spring for old times sake. But the Sleeping Lady was a bit cranky after so many years of sleep and was not in the mood to listen to another player asking for a date, being constantly accosted by musicians.
However, this was before she saw him perform. On March 11, 2009, the one month anniversary of the previous round robin and 30 years and one month after the first Ancient Future concert, Teja Gerken (editor of Acoustic Guitar Magazine), Eric Schoenberg (of Schoenberg Guitars), and Matthew Montfort are performing an acoustic guitar showcase at the new Sleeping Lady Cafe.
Perhaps on their one month anniversary, the re-awakened Sleeping Lady will be more open to Montfort's advances. After all, it is hard to leave the Ancient Future behind...
March 11, 2009, 9:30 pm, Acoustic Guitar Showcase, Sleeping Lady Cafe, 23 Broadway, Fairfax, CA 94930. No cover charge!
February 2009 Issue
Ancient Future Times: 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music
3 New Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music
•Ancient-Future.Com Records Presents
Return to the Sleeping Lady
•Exactly 30 Years After First Ancient Future Concert There
World Beat Workshop at Esalen
•Got Rhythm? Get Rhythm This Spring!
Future Ancient History
•30th Year Recording Series
Recess Shuns Recesssion
•Playing Tag
Presents 3 New Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music!
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008. 6-panel Digipak CD: $17.98 list. Buy 1 Now. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. (>YTmusic).
The debut recording by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort showcases his pioneering work on the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments characteristic of the sitar. ‘Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar’ follows the muse on the path of improvisation, inspired and informed by the ancient musical traditions of the world, but not bound by them.
“This album reveals a thorough knowledge of Hindustani microtonal ornaments, transferred in ways that create one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in contemporary music. However, it also reveals a lifetime of exploration in world music, which can be immediately summoned in a flash of inspiration. When this level of mastery is reached, there is no need to rewrite. The first improvisation has the depth of a reworked composition.” – Teed Rockwell, INDIA CURRENTS
“A true guitar wizard.” — Jello Biafra, (seminal punk rock singer, Dead Kennedy front man turned spoken word activist, politician) ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS
“The most beautiful, soulful guitar I have ever heard!!” — Chandi Devi, Editor, KARMACAFFE.COM
Matthew Montfort
As leader of the world music group Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort devoted himself to the scalloped fretboard guitar since 1978. He spent years of study with of the world’s best musicians, such as gamelan director K.R.T. Wasitodipuro, North Indian master Ali Akbar Khan, and vina master K.S. Subramanian, with whom he did an intensive of South Indian note-bending techniques. He has performed concerts worldwide, from the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai. He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui.
“Matthew Montfort conjures lovely Asian zither-like inflections with a scalloped fretboard guitar.”
— GUITAR PLAYER
“Matthew Montfort plays a special, scalloped fretboard acoustic instrument that lets him get the bends of an Indian sitar. He uses it to weave seductive melodies.” — John Diliberto, ECHOES RADIO
“Matthew Montfort is an American Ravi Shankar on guitar.” — Pandit Habib Khan, sitarist
“Master of the scalloped fretboard guitar.” — J. Poet, EAST BAY EXPRESS
Sangria
Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. 6-panel Digipak
CD: $17.98 list. Buy 1 Now. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. (>YTmusic).
“This is an excellent album from pianist Mariah Parker, whose work is best described as world jazz. Parker brings a wide variety of influences to ‘Sangria,’ ranging from Indian and Middle Eastern music to Afro-Cuban salsa and Brazilian samba. Parker, of course, didn't invent the idea of world jazz.... but she keeps it moving forward; she takes chances, demonstrating that the fusion of jazz and world music still has plenty of possibilities after all these years — and a global perspective serves Parker well throughout the rewarding ‘Sangria.’”— ALL MUSIC GUIDE
“This collection of eight original instrumentals by Mariah Parker is just one of many examples of the infusion of East Indian music into Western music, but to my ears one of the most successful.”— AUDIOPHILE AUDITION
"Parker kicks off her solo career with a well textured world beat date that finds her multi-instrumentalist abilities and her wide open ears leading the way. There’s nothing but pros on board here who know what to do and they do it in a lively, spontaneous fashion that really grabs you. First class world beat that really covers the bases." — Chris Spector, MIDWEST RECORD
Mariah Parker
While completing her degree in music at UC Santa Cruz, composer and multi-instrumentalist Mariah Parker worked with ethnomusicologist Fred Lieberman and Mickey Hart on the “Planet Drum” project. She has performed in the US and Europe, and worked with many musicians of note including composer Pauline Oliveros, the late Dumisani Maraire (renowned composer from Zimbabwe) and others. She has studied with jazz great Art Lande and Latin jazz pianist extraordinaire Rebeca Mauléon, and performs regularly on piano and santur with several different ensemble variations of the group Ancient Future.
Planet Passion (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition)
Planet Passion (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition) by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com AF-2010. 64-Bit Tuned Harmonic Mastering. 4-panel Digipak CD with 6 page booklet: $17.98 list. Buy 1 Now. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. (>YTmusic.)
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Ancient Future concert (Feb. 11, 1979), the seventh Ancient Future recording is being re-issued with 64-Bit Tuned Harmonic mastering. ‘Planet Passion’ “features music that irresistibly moves both body and soul. But then, one expects nothing less from the visionary players for whom the description ‘world fusion’ was coined. Laying the groundwork for some of today’s most successful world beat acts like Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra, Vas, Dead Can Dance and even the jazz-world beat band, Shadowfax, Ancient Future has grown into a global village of 19 musicians whose rich heritage includes erotic rhythms, sensuous voices and inspired instrumentation from Africa, India, Asia (especially Bali), South America and the Middle East. The tunes included are diverse, yet equally captivating, evoking all that is most appealing about music from a global village.”— CDNOW.COM
“The crew celebrates its 30th anniversary by reissuing its 7th album in a spiffy remaster that brings its world fusion into a sharper focus for any self-respecting earbud wearer that really wants to hear the music within the music. Almost like Shadowfax without having to answer to a record label, this crew pioneers their own course through the world beat/fusion maze. A dense and delightful revamping of a 2001 journey through love across the world that still has its initial oomph.” — Chris Spector, MIDWEST RECORD
“Shamelessly beautiful, ‘Planet Passion’ is easily the pinnacle of this group’s long career.” — Bob Tarte, THE BEAT
SALE: There are still a few copies of the original edition of Planet Passion in stock. Soon to be a collector's item. $10 while supplies last! Planet Passion by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com AF 2001. Ordinary 16-Bit Mastering. 4-panel Digipak CD with 6 page booklet: $10.00. Buy 1 Now.
Ancient Future
Ancient Future is the first and longest running musical ensemble dedicated exclusively to the mission of creating world fusion music. The term was coined by bandleader Matthew Montfort in 1978 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. Ancient Future has released seven full length studio CDs selling over 150,000 units, and is also featured on samplers selling millions of units on labels such as Putumayo and Narada.
“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
Return to the Sleeping Lady
After a long absence, the Sleeping Lady is beckoning. She was silent for many years, but in late 2008, exactly 30 years from the first jam sessions of the original version of the band Ancient Future, she re-awakened just down the street from her place of last repose in Fairfax, California.
As luck would have it, Teja Gerken, the editor of Acoustic Guitar Magazine, is holding an acoustic guitar showcase Feb. 11, 2009, at the new Sleeping Lady Cafe, and has invited Montfort to perform a song or two as part of the showcase to celebrate the release of his first solo guitar recording the previous day.
So on that day, Matthew Montfort will return to the club where Ancient Future played its first concert exactly 30 years earlier. He is planning on asking her if she would like a date with a full band in the spring for old times sake.
The Sleeping Lady apparently loves a circle completed. After all, it is hard to leave the Ancient Future behind...
February 11, 2009, 9:30 pm, Teja Gerken's Acoustic Guitar Showcase, Sleeping Lady Cafe, 23 Broadway, Fairfax, CA 94930. Info: 415.485.1182
World Beat Workshop at Esalen
Got Rhythm? Get Rhythm This Spring!
Getting your timing skills in order is a great way to usher in spring, and Esalen Institute is a beautiful place to do it.
Increase your rhythmic skills by learning world rhythms! Taught by Matthew Montfort of Ancient Future, from his book Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. (Book/Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Soundfiles: $52.95: Buy 1 Now.)
The book received rave reviews in publications such as GUITAR PLAYER, ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN, DRUMS AND DRUMMING, and the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. Material from the book has been used by many teachers and musicians around the world, including Reinhard Flatischler, founder of the TaKeTiNa rhythm training process, and Steve Smith, famed jazz and rock drummer.
Weekend of March 20-22, 2009. Starts at 8:30 pm on March 20 and ends at 11:30 am on March 22. World Rhythms Workshop, Esalen Institute, 55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920. Cost: Workshop alone: Regular Rate- $370. Friends of Esalen Rate- $320. With Bunk Bed Room: Regular Rate- $515. Friends of Esalen Rate- $465. With standard accommodations: Friends of Esalen Rate- $605. Regular Rate-$655. Standard accommodations is shared housing with two or three persons per room. Contact Esalen for other options. Reservations: 831-667-3005, Registration Form: www.esalen.org/assets/forms/EsalenReservationForm.pdf. Fax: 831-667-2724. Email: info@esalen.org
The workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining yet educational format for all music lovers. African polyrhythms, Balinese kotèkan and Indian cycles were chosen as the source material for the training because these three traditions in combination cover the major types of rhythmic organization used in most of the world's music. Not just for musicians and percussionists, this training can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills. No musical background is required.
Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series
Digital Article on Ancient Future History (1.5 MB, streaming audio)
In December, 1978, Ancient Future went into Tres Virgos Studio in Mill Valley to begin work on the first Ancient Future record, Visions of a Peaceful Planet, which was first released in May of 1979. To commemorate 30 years of world fusion music, a 30th Year Recording Subscription Series was planned with work starting in late 2008.
Well, some work DID happen in December 2008 on a recording featuring several Ancient Future members and a famous gipsy singer! Several more supporters subscribed to the 30th Year Recording Subscription Series. Thanks go out to the following people: Cliff Sears, Alan Moore of Musicians for Peace, and Leslie Lawton.
Because of all the current activities surrounding the new releases, spring is a great time to start work again on the next recording. In the meantime, the money does need to be raised to pay for it. To that end, there are four supporter packages available. You can be a virtual fly-on-the-wall during the recording process through the Recording Newsletter Package ($10, Buy 1 Now). This is the way to get the secret stories involving famous singers and studio antics that no one else gets, plus you get a 30% discount on the final release. The Download Supporter Package ($25, Buy 1 Now) includes the newsletter plus downloads of archival recordings and new music as it is recorded. The Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package ($50, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus an exclusive limited edition CD. Finally, the Honorary A & R Representative Package ($75, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus a DVD with video and hi-rez audio.
Recess Shuns Recession: Playing Tag
Here's something to provide some fun and games for those who have suddenly found themselves with a little more time and less money. Here is how the game goes. Simply go to the links for each release below, and review and tag the releases with appropriate keywords. You can use your real name when you sign on, or make up a cool pen name.
Send your real name/pen name and address to info@ancient-future.com. The entries with the best tags and reviews get a free copy of their choice of one of the releases below.