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Ancient Future Times

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December 2018 Issue

Ancient Future Times: The Future Isn't What it Used to Be,
But the Ancient Future Is at 40th Anniversary

Ancient Future 40th Anniversary & Bandleader Birthday
•2/12/2019, Freight and Salvage, Berkeley. Get Tix Now To Insure Robust Roster!

Holiday Sale
•Recordings, Music Training Materials, Skype Studies, and Private Lesson Gift Certificates

Your Chance to Contribute to the World Fusion Movement
•Make a Tax Deductible Contribution to Ancient Future Through InterMusic SF!

Help Push A.F.A.R. Past the Finish Line
•Fund Finishing New Studio Tracks Now In Production

Ancient Future 40th Anniversary & Bandleader Birthday

Original Ancient Future Video on Facebook
YouTube Video of Ancient Future Circa 1978. Shown: Matthew Montfort, Yusef Ali, Mindia Devi Klein, Phil Fong, Benjy Wertheimer.

2/12/2019, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley. Get Tix Now To Insure Robust Roster!

Ancient Future's first concert took place on February 11, 1979, at the original Sleeping Lady Cafe in Fairfax, California, the day before Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort's birthday, who was not yet even drinking age. This concert on his birthday also celebrates 40 years of world fusion music from Ancient Future.

The exact lineup for the show has not yet been announced, but it will include musicians from Ancient Future's long history of cross cultural music collaborations. It will feature top master musicians from around the world along with band members from the original and historic Ancient Future lineups.

Purchase your tickets now to insure that there is a budget for robust roster of musicians, and stay tuned for surprise announcements of featured performers!

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 8 PM
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley CA 94704
Tix: $20 advance, $24 door, plus $4 per ticket facility fee.
Box Office Phone: 510-644-2020, open 12:30 PM – 7 PM (excluding holidays) and during all performances. Press Release.

Ancient Future 40th Anniversary Concert Poster
Poster (Please print and post this 246k .pdf)

Likely Coconspirators

Help us bring musicians who perform in Ancient Future's many programs by purchasing advance tickets or making a tax deductible donation to Ancient Future through InterMusic SF. There are two sets, and if we can raise enough money, we'd like to feature two core rhythm sections along with guest artists from the various periods of the band's history. Here are some of the possible coconspirators that could be featured if the show sells out well in advance: Vishal Nagar (Indian tabla, collaborator since 2013), Shenshen Zhang (Chinese pipa, collaborator since 2011), Mariah Parker (santur, collaborator since 2005), Georges Lammam (Arabic violin, collaborator since 1998), Pandit Habib Khan (sitar, collaborator since 1996), Jim Hurley (violin, collaborator since 1988), Doug McKeehan (keys, collaborator since 1985), Ian Dogole (percussion, collaborator since 1985), Mindia Devi Klein (Indian bansuri, silver flute, original member), Benjy Wertheimer (tabla, esraj, original member). The more money that is raised, the more collaborators that can be featured!

Ancient Future History: Reunion Concerts of Yore

Original Lineup Reunion

Original Ancient Future Video on Facebook
YouTube Video of Ancient Future Circa 1978. Shown: Matthew Montfort, Yusef Ali, Mindia Devi Klein, Phil Fong, Benjy Wertheimer.

On April 19, 2015, three members of the original lineup of Ancient Future performed together for the first time this century. Ancient Future was formed in 1978 by students at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California, including Mindia Devi Klein (who went by Mindy in those days), Matthew Montfort, Benjy Wertheimer, and Phil Fong, who sadly was unable to attend the reunion as he was battling ALS. He passed away on July 18, 2016.

'World Without Walls' Reunion

Turkish Taffy Youtube Video
YouTube Video of Ancient Future Performing Bookenka at "'World Without Walls' Reunion." Shown: Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keyboards, piano), Ian Dogole (percussion), Kash Killion (bass), and Mariah Parker (santur).

This lineup of Ancient Future that performed on the band's influential World Without Walls and Asian Fusion recordings played over a hundred concerts together from 1988 to 1995. In 2011, they reunited for the first time in 15 years to perform concerts at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord and Yoshi's in San Francisco. 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, after which they continued to perform reunion concerts at venues such as the Frick Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Berkeley's Freight and Salvage.

"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

Holiday Sale

Recordings, Music Training Materials, Skype Studies, and Private Lesson Gift Certificates

Purchases at the Ancient-Future.Com World Music Store directly support the artists and the music, and our holiday sale offers bargain prices!

Five for Fifty: Five Releases Just $10 Each

Yearning for the Wind CoverPlanet Passion CD CoverSangria CD CoverSeven Serenades CD CoverSympathetic Serenade CD Cover

The Ancient-Future.Com Record Store is the only place where all of the Ancient Future band recordings, including out of print major label recordings, are available on CD. The site also features releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records, the band's artist coalition label, and side projects by Ancient Future band members on other labels.

Educational Materials

Ancient Future Music publishes educational materials for use in music classes, music schools, private lessons, and independent study.

Beats Book Brings Bang for the Buck

 Book Cover

Sale Celebrates New Audio Guides and Grooves

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort. Kentfield: Ancient Future Music, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2.

This classic "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. Interesting, imaginative and fun, these rhythm exercises will be of immense help to all music lovers, not just percussionists.

The new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities is set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones. The tracks are also available on a CD/CD-ROM set. The material is presented in two complimentary formats: audio guide tracks and MIDI groove tracks.

Digital Liner Note Discounts

Yearning for the Wind Digital Liner Notes

Skype Studies Sale

Skype Guitar LessonSkype Rhythm LessonLearn Ancient Traditions on Skype

Study any of the musical traditions featured on the Ancient Future web site via private Skype lessons with Ancient Future bandleader and guitarist, Matthew Montfort. Recognized as one of the world's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists, Matthew Montfort teaches all styles of guitar (and other fretted instruments including ukulele, bass, mandolin, charango, and sitar) along with record production, composition, world rhythms, music theory, and repertoire for all instruments.

Skype Lessons

Gift certificates are available for online lessons worldwide via Skype. The lessons can also be conducted through other webcam chat and conferencing services. And for a limited time, an additional discount is automatically offered on a Skype tutorial with purchase of Matthew Montfort's book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India at Ancient-Future.Com!

In Person Private Music Lesson Series

Matthew Montfort is accepting a limited number of students at his studio in San Rafael, California, and will travel to student's homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. A lesson series makes an excellent gift for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. Gift certificates for private lessons in Marin are available.

To contact Matthew Montfort about lessons, e-mail him at info@ancient-future.com or call 415-459-1892.

Your Chance to Contribute to the World Fusion Movement

 

InterMusic SF Logo

Make a Tax Deductible Contribution to Ancient Future Through InterMusic SF!

Your tax deductible contribution can help support Ancient Future's local Northern California concert season, provide seed money to bring Ancient Future to perform in your area, or support new compositions and recordings.

In this age of polarization, world fusion music is needed now more than ever. You can help by supporting it financially:

Help Push A.F.A.R. Past the Finish Line

Matthew Montfort and Vishal Nagar Recording A.F.A.R.

Fund Finishing New Studio Tracks Now In Production

The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Ancient Future's fan funded recording project, has over 86 minutes of music in it so far. Another set of studio tracks totaling 43 minutes are already in production. The new tracks will represent a 50% expansion of the project!

We have so far raised 20% of our funding goal. This is substantial, but we need to greatly speed up our fundraising to complete the project during our 40th year of world fusion music. We need additional supporters and funds now, so please consider becoming a supporter at one of the levels below, starting at just $15. And if you are already a supporter, you can still upgrade to higher quality downloads until each supporter level is sold out.

Once you become a supporter, you will receive all of the tracks in the archive (and all of the tracks that will be added in the future), and you will be eligible to buy a limited edition CD-R of the Best of A.F.A.R. So Far, which includes all of the best tracks that will (barely) fit on a CD-R.

Best of A.F.A.R. So Far CD Cover

The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings by Ancient Future. (Ancient-Future.Com AF-2030)

Ancient Future Times

September 2018 Issue

Ancient Future Times: Las Vegas Concert, 8 Ways to Win, Contributions

Ancient Future Performs in Las Vegas
•Featuring Matthew Montfort (Scalloped Fretboard Guitar), Georges Lammam (Arabic Violin), and Vishal Nagar (Tabla)

8 Ways to Win
•Musical Scavenger Hunt

Contribute to the World Fusion Music Movement
•Ancient Future Accepts Tax Deductible Contributions Through InterMusic SF!

Ancient Future Performs in Las Vegas

Photo of Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Georges Lammam (Arabic violin), and Vishal Nagar (tabla)
Photo by Julie Martin, Sharif, and Inni Singh. Shown: Matthew Montfort, Georges Lammam, and Vishal Nagar.

Featuring Matthew Montfort (Scalloped Fretboard Guitar), Georges Lammam (Arabic Violin), and Vishal Nagar (Tabla)

This program by the pioneering world music group Ancient Future blends the rhythms and melodies of the Arabian Peninsula, Spain, and India with contemporary jazz and rock, producing an irresistible and exhilarating fusion that captures the essence of pilgrimage, cultural exchange, exploration, and migration. The trio consists of scalloped fretboard guitarist Matthew Montfort performing with Arabic violin virtuoso Georges Lammam and Indian tabla master Vishal Nagar. These multifaceted artists create an innovative musical experience that guides listeners on a hypnotic voyage through time and place.

Musical concepts such as taqsim (an Arabic method of melodic improvisation), tala (the recurring rhythmic cycles of Indian classical music), and compás (the rhythmic structure of flamenco) will be showcased.

Saturday, September 8, 2 PM
Ancient Future Indo Arabic Trio
Winchester Cultural Center
3130 S. McLeod Dr.
Las Vegas NV 89121
Adm: $12 advance, $14 day of show
Info: 702-455-7340. Press Release.

8 Ways to Win

GongAfrican DjembeNorth Indian DrumGuitar Pick Carved in Bali for Matthew Montfort

 

Musical Scavenger Hunt

Start the school year with this scavenger hunt to win music education materials and learn about the ancient musical traditions of the world! Hunt through Ancient-Future.Com to answer the scavenger hunt questions. All of those who get any answer right win an educational digital liner note download of their choice! Get all of the answers right and also win your choice of the Audio Guide or MIDI Groove companion tracks to the world rhythms training manual, Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities.

Book Cover

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. By Matthew Montfort. Kentfield: Ancient Future Music, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2. Comb Bound Book- $46.95 (SALE $33.95): Buy 1 Now. New Best Buy! Book & Audio Guide/MIDI Download- $69.95 (SALE $49.95): Buy 1 Now.

Not just for percussionists, this classic "world beat bible" takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of interesting, imaginative and fun exercises for all music lovers that require no instruments to perform.

8 Scavenger Hunt Questions

  1. Name six instruments utilized in an Ewe percussion orchestra.
  2. What is the name of the more offbeat part of a Balinese kotèkan?
  3. What is the name of an 11 beat North Indian rhythmic cycle that includes two groupings of 1 1/2 beats?
  4. What is the name of a common South Indian 8 beat rhythmic cycle?
  5. What is the name of the Egyptian wedding procession rhythm that is the basis for a popular Ancient Future track?
  6. What moods are associated with Rag Alhaiya Bilawal?
  7. What are the three main schools of scalloped fretboard guitar?
  8. Name two subjects available for study through private online lessons via Skype and other services through Ancient-Future.Com.

This scavenger hunt contest is open only to subscribers to the Ancient Future Times. If you are not already receiving this newsletter, please subscribe before entering. Entries accepted through September 15, 2018. Send entries to info@ancient-future.com.

Scavenger Hunt Prizes

Win Audio Guide or MIDI Groove Tracks (Get All Answers Right)

A.T.F.P. Audio Guide Tracks

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: MP3 Audio Guide Tracks. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (2005). A set of 115 audio guide tracks of the exercises in Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities that enable learning by ear. New Release! Companion MP3 Audio Guide Tracks Download- $24.95 (SALE 17.95): Buy 1 Now.

Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves: MIDI Percussion Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India. Version 4.0. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (1997. V. 4.0 2017). A complete set of 128 MIDI tracks that playback in Standard MIDI File compatible web browsers. Load them into a MIDI sequencer app (Mac, PC, iOS, Android, etc.) to loop tracks, change the tempo, or listen to individual parts. New Release! MIDI File Download- $24.95 (SALE 17.95): Buy 1 Now.

Win Digital Liner Notes (Get Any Answer Right)

Seven Serenades Digital Liner NotesYearning for the Wind Digital Liner Notes

Seven Serenades Liner Notes. 17 page .pdf of liner notes for Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Explains the inspirations and musical concepts behind each serenade. Sheet music is included for those who want to delve deeper. $2.98 (SALE $2): Buy 1 Now.

Yearning for the Wind Liner Notes. 7 page .pdf of liner notes for Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. These entertaining and educational liner notes feature cover art, musicians biographies, and detailed explanations of the musical concepts of raga and tala behind the music. $1.98 (SALE $1.50): Buy 1 Now.

Contribute to the World Fusion Music Movement

 

InterMusic SF Logo

Ancient Future Accepts Tax Deductible Contributions Through InterMusic SF!

Your tax deductible contribution can help support Ancient Future's local Northern California concert season, provide seed money to bring Ancient Future to perform in your area, or support new compositions and recordings.

With proceeds from recordings now going mostly to tech companies, and grant supported and city sponsored concerts of original music becoming an endangered species, we really need your help to continue our efforts. In this age of polarization, world fusion music is needed now more than ever. It must be supported financially. Could you do your job without pay? How would you pay your bills? This is what the world fusion music movement faces: dramatically rising costs of living in the midst of major reductions in financial support for music.

Make a Tax Deductible Donation to Ancient Future Through InterMusic SF!

Not part of the top 10% of U.S. taxpayers expected to benefit by itemizing deductions under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act but still want to contribute? You can make a direct donation (not tax deductible), or sign up to support Ancient Future's fan funded recording project, the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings.

Ancient Future Times

July 2018 Issue

Ancient Future Times: Concerts, Contributions, and Contest with 13 Ways to Win

Ancient Future Performs at Throckmorton Theatre 7/28
•Featuring Matthew Montfort (Guitar), Georges Lammam (Violin), Antoine Lammam (Percussion), and Doug McKeehan (Keys)

Summer Tour Stops
•Performances in California and Nevada

Musical Scavenger Hunt Contest
•13 Ways to Win

Ancient Future Performs at Throckmorton Theatre 7/28

El Zaffa on Ethnocloud
'El Zaffa' YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/mHle2ipjQsU

Featuring Matthew Montfort (Guitars), Georges Lammam (Violin),
Antoine Lammam (Percussion), and Doug McKeehan (Keys)

This program blends the rhythms and melodies of the Arabian Peninsula with contemporary jazz and rock, producing an irresistible and exhilarating fusion that captures the essence of pilgrimage, cultural exchange, exploration and migration.

Ancient Future's performance features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort, Arabic violin virtuoso Georges Lammam, Arabic percussion master Antoine Lammam, and keyboardist extraordinaire Doug McKeehan. These multifaceted artists create an innovative musical experience that guides listeners on a hypnotic voyage through time and place.

Saturday, July 28, 8 PM
Throckmorton Theatre
142 Throckmorton Avenue
Mill Valley CA 94941
Doors open at 7:30 PM
Adm: $20 adv, $25 at door, $35 reserved seating. Press Release.

Poster to Share or Print and Post

Concert Poster
Concert Poster (259k pdf)

Ancient Future will also perform this program at the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton on August 4. That show sold out immediately with tickets that ranged in price from $45 to $199, so advanced tickets are highly recommended for the July 28 show at the Throckmorton Theatre.

Concert Review

"Woe, is for all of you who missed the Ancient Future event sponsored by Rhythm & Bliss. The group Ancient Future is made up of Musical Masters in their genres. The band consists of 24 musicians that come together in different configurations and create fused music. This configuration was an Arabic/Rock fusion. I have no words to describe what it is to hear live musical virtuosos. After hearing and dancing to this quality of music nothing else stirs my soul the same way. It was truly a grand evening. I was so very glad to have been there." – Mary Wheeler, The Harrakat, Eugene, Oregon


Summer Tour Stops

Photo of Matthew Montfort, Georges Lammam, and Vishal Nagar

Performances in California and Nevada

#AncientFutureNearYou

Does it seem like Ancient Future never performs in your area? If so, you can help change that by making a donation to cover some of the travel expenses, or volunteering to become a local Concert Circuit Creator. Duties include developing a circuit of world fusion friendly presenters and booking concerts. Anyone interested in stepping forward is encouraged to email info@ancient-future.com.

Musical Scavenger Hunt Contest

GongAfrican DjembeNorth Indian DrumGuitar Pick Carved in Bali for Matthew Montfort

 

13 Ways to Win

Participate in this educational scavenger hunt to win music education materials and learn about the ancient musical traditions of the world! Hunt through Ancient-Future.Com to answer the scavenger hunt questions. All of those who get any answer right win an educational digital liner note download of their choice! Get all of the answers right and also win your choice of the Audio Guide or MIDI Groove companion tracks to the world rhythms training manual, Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities.

Book Cover

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. By Matthew Montfort. Kentfield: Ancient Future Music, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2. Comb Bound Book- $46.95 (SALE $33.95): Buy 1 Now. New Best Buy! Book & Audio Guide/MIDI Download- $69.95 (SALE $49.95): Buy 1 Now.

Not just for percussionists, this classic "world beat bible" takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of interesting, imaginative and fun exercises for all music lovers that require no instruments to perform.

13 Scavenger Hunt Questions

  1. What rhythm was used as the basis for the fast section of the title track from the Ancient Future album Quiet Fire?
  2. Name six instruments utilized in an Ewe percussion orchestra.
  3. What is the name of the more offbeat part of a Balinese kotèkan?
  4. What rhythm was used as the basis for the composition "Gamarock" from the Ancient Future album Dreamchaser?
  5. What is the name of an 11 beat North Indian rhythmic cycle that includes two groupings of 1 1/2 beats?
  6. What is the name of a common South Indian 8 beat rhythmic cycle?
  7. What is the name of the Egyptian wedding procession rhythm that is the basis for a popular Ancient Future track?
  8. What moods are associated with Rag Alhaiya Bilawal?
  9. What is the name of the second, higher part of a North Indian melodic composition?
  10. How many sympathetic strings does a North Indian sitar typically have?
  11. What are the three main schools of scalloped fretboard guitar?
  12. What instrument was traditionally made from the shell of an armadillo?
  13. Name two subjects available for study through private online lessons via Skype and other services through Ancient-Future.Com.

This scavenger hunt contest is open only to subscribers to the Ancient Future Times. If you are not already receiving this newsletter, please subscribe before entering. Entries accepted through August 13, 2018. Send entries to info@ancient-future.com.



Scavenger Hunt Prizes

Audio Guide Tracks

A.T.F.P. Audio Guide Tracks

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: MP3 Audio Guide Tracks. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (2005). New Release! Companion MP3 Audio Guide Tracks Download- $24.95 (SALE 17.95): Buy 1 Now.

A set of 115 audio guide tracks of the exercises in Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities that enable learning by ear.

MIDI Groove Tracks

Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves: MIDI Percussion Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India. Version 4.0. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (1997. V. 4.0 2017). New Release! MIDI File Download- $24.95 (SALE 17.95): Buy 1 Now.

A complete set of 128 MIDI tracks that playback in Standard MIDI File compatible web browsers. For greater control or for use as rhythm tracks in audio productions, load them into a MIDI sequencer app (Mac, PC, iOS, Android, etc.) to loop tracks, change the tempo, or listen to individual parts. The files come arranged for General MIDI percussion and can be remapped to other instruments using the included MIDI maps.

Digital Liner Notes

Seven Serenades Digital Liner Notes

Educational Digital Liner Notes. 17 page .pdf of liner notes for Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Explains the inspirations and musical concepts behind each serenade. Sheet music is included for those who want to delve deeper. $2.98 (SALE $2): Buy 1 Now.

Yearning for the Wind Digital Liner Notes

Educational Digital Liner Notes. 7 page .pdf of liner notes for Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. These entertaining and educational liner notes feature cover art, musicians biographies, and detailed explanations of the musical concepts of raga and tala behind the music. $1.98 (SALE $1.50): Buy 1 Now.

Ancient Future Times

May 2018 Issue

Ancient Future Times: Ancient Futures Hodl Free Concerts

Ancient Futures
•An ICO* for the Ages

First Contributions Roll In
•Ancient Future Now Accepts Tax Deductible Contributions Through InterMusic SF!

Free Ancient Future Duet Concerts
• World Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort with Indian Tabla Virtuoso Vishal Nagar

Ancient Futures: An ICO* for the Ages

Ancient Futures ICO

Ancient Future is issuing its first ICO* to ethereal investors. Like other ICOs, no one should invest in Ancient Futures unless they are at peace with all of their investment disappearing into a space-time vortex. But unlike other ICOs, in that event, Ancient Futures will still produce returns in the realm of musical vibrations.

Contrary to popular opinion, Ancient Futures are not expired futures contracts. They are premiums for supporters of the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings. The mission of A.F.A.R. is to produce an archive of recordings of cross cultural collaborations. 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, hence the title.

Blockchain technology is not environmentally friendly, so a new premium transfer technology is in the initial stages of development in the Ancient Future. Blockheadchain technology is envisioned to telepathically transfer Ancient Futures in blocks from the heads of holders into an Akashic records database that may utilize clairvoyant A.I. technology, or if the space-time continuum moves backwards, may employ paper or stone. Please note that blockheadchain technology as contemplated is so advanced that it may never be invented.

In any case, participants are encouraged to HODL (Hold Onto for Deep Listening) their Ancient Futures to benefit from music appreciation.

*Initial Creative Offering

Mining Ancient Futures

Mining Ancient Futures is easy and environmentally friendly. You don't need to live in a cool climate or near a hydroelectric dam. All you need to do is to visit Ancient-Future.Com or come to an Ancient Future concert to become an Ancient Futures miner. Ancient Futures can be mined in four different audio resolutions. There are a limited number of Ancient Futures available to be mined, as each resolution is limited by number or time. Once 300 320 kbps mp3, 200 44.1k/16 bit wav, and 100 96k/24 bit wav Ancient Futures have been mined, the archive will be closed to mining. The best of the music produced will then be released commercially, increasing the value of the limited Ancient Futures that have been mined.

  1. 128 kbps mp3: Mine @ $15. Limited time offering of Ancient Futures.
  2. 320 kbps mp3: Mine @ $25. Limited to 300 Ancient Futures.
  3. CD quality 44.1k/16 bit wav: Mine @ $50. Limited to 200 Ancient Futures.
  4. Hi-res 96k/24 bit wav plus video: Mine @ $75. Limited to 100 Ancient Futures.

#Cryptourgency #BeAncientFutureReadyNow

Things move quickly through time and space in the crypto realm, so Ancient Future is looking for an Ancient Futures ICO Specialist. Duties include promoting the ICO for the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings and contemplating the implementation of blockheadchain technology for the Akashic records. The position of Anti-Social Media Manager is also open. Duties include advising #HowHashtagsWork and keeping in touch with those who have joined the #DeleteFacebook movement while encouraging cross-cultural pro-social communication on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to email info@ancient-future.com.

First Contributions Roll In

 

InterMusic SF Logo

Ancient Future Now Accepts Tax Deductible Contributions Through InterMusic SF!

As the Ancient Future Times reported in its April 2018 issue, Ancient Future has been accepted for fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, and we are happy to announce that we have now received our first tax deductible contribution!

Your tax deductible contribution can help support Ancient Future's local Northern California concert season, provide seed money to bring Ancient Future to perform in your area, or support new compositions and recordings.

Donate to Ancient Future Through InterMusic SF!

#FundraisingFun

Not having much experience in fundraising, Ancient Future needs help reaching out to potential individual donors and charitable funds. Please share this newsletter with anyone you think might be interested in contributing. Ancient Future is looking for a Director of Solicitations, Begging, and Busking. Duties include raising money for activities, applying for grants, and helping to build a non-profit organization to support world fusion music. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to email info@ancient-future.com.

Free Ancient Future Duet Concerts

Photo of Matthew Montfort and Vishal Nagar
'Yearning for the Wind' by Ancient Future Ethnocloud Video

World Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort with Indian Tabla Virtuoso Vishal Nagar

In their first duet performances together since 2016, world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort and Indian tabla virtuoso Vishal Nagar present an innovative and accessible take on Hindustani classical music and contemporary fusion, with expressive and energetic renderings of raga and tala.

Ancient Future Times

April 2018 Issue

Ancient Future Times: Building Ancient Future's Future

Building Ancient Future's Future
•Path to Progress for World Fusion Music Seen Ahead

A Future for Music Education
•Ancient Traditions Hold the Key

Ancient Future Duet at Watermelon Music in Davis
•World Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort with Uzbek Percussion Ambassador Abbos Kosimov

Building Ancient Future's Future

 

InterMusic SF Logo

Path to Progress for World Fusion Music Seen Ahead

The previous issue of the Ancient Future Times reported on the challenges facing music in the digital age and Matthew Montfort's efforts with the Content Creators Coalition to make positive change to mitigate the tech industry's "creative disruption" of the music business.

We asked for help, and are happy to report that progress is being made!

Ancient Future Signs Fiscal Sponsorship Deal with InterMusic SF!

Ancient Future has been experiencing a shortfall between the income that comes in from concerts and recordings and what is needed to support our mission. Donations can help make up the difference, and we are proud to announce that Ancient Future has been accepted for fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF (formerly San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music). InterMusic SF is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and now donations on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

So, Now You Can Make a Tax Deductible Donation to Subsidize Concerts...

Like the symphony, Ancient Future's world music rehearsals and performances cannot be supported by ticket sales alone. Yet arts funding has been cut drastically, especially in the USA and in California, and the advancement and indeed survival of the art of music is at stake.

Your tax deductible contribution can help support Ancient Future's local Northern California concert season, or provide seed money to bring Ancient Future to perform in your area.

Donate to Ancient Future Through InterMusic SF!

Support the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings...

Photo of Bui Huu Nhut Recording A.F.A.R.
Photo by Michael Braden of Bui Huu Nhut Recording A.F.A.R.

In 2017, there were over 1.5 million streams of tracks on Ancient-Future.Com Records. Over 95% of those streams were ad supported, and 89% were on YouTube. Unfortunately, YouTube only paid $0.00006 per stream. Streaming rates were allowed to be set so low partly due to the assertion that free streaming would result in increased sales, but for the year that saw an unprecedented 1.38 million ad supported streams of tracks from Planet Passion, only 233 track downloads from the record were sold.

A music distribution system dominated by ad supported streaming does not support the creation of new recordings, so we have been exploring another way to fund recordings. The concept of the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.) is to involve fans of world fusion music in supporting the production of an archive of live and studio recordings of cross cultural collaborations. 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, hence the title.

There are already more tracks in the archive than will fit on a CD, and there are three new studio tracks currently in production that will add over 30 more minutes of music to the archive.

There are four supporter thank-you packages available ranging from $15 to $75 offer everything from 128 kbps mp3 downloads all the way up to 96k 24 bit hi-res recordings. Detailed information on the various supporter packages and the benefits included can be found at www.ancient-future.com/afar.html.

And now you can make a tax deductible donation to the project at the Ancient Future donation page on InterMusic SF!

A.F.A.R. Behind the Scenes

Abbos Kosimov records A.F.A.R., 3/7/13
Uzbek Percussionist Abbos Kosimov Recording A.F.A.R. YouTube Video

And Volunteer to Create a World Fusion Support Organization!

InterMusic SF also provides workshops and support to help affiliates grow their organizations and apply for grants. The last issue of the Ancient Future Times asked for volunteers to help with fundraising, promotion, and booking tasks. Since then, there have been meetings to discuss creating a team of volunteers and benefactors. Some work has already been done by a wonderful volunteer who helped with updating Ancient Future's concert presenter database.

The following positions are envisioned:

  1. Director of Solicitations, Begging, and Busking. Duties include raising money for activities, applying for grants, and helping to build a non-profit organization to support world fusion music.
  2. Concert Circuit Creator. Duties include developing a circuit of world fusion friendly presenters and booking concerts.
  3. Anti-Social Media Manager. Duties include supporting and keeping in touch with those who have joined the #DeleteFacebook movement while encouraging cross-cultural pro-social communication on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and other social media sites.
  4. Traditional Media Archeologist. Duties include searching through the charred remains of the traditional media to locate the whereabouts of current media contacts to maintain a database of world fusion friendly media.

Anyone interested in stepping forward is encouraged to email info@ancient-future.com. The positions could eventually become paid ones once sufficient financial support is generated by a genius Director of Solicitations, Begging, and Busking.

A Future for Music Education

Talking Drum, Gamelan, and Tabla

Ancient Traditions Hold the Key

While the musical period that Ancient Future has inhabited has been marked by some wonderful innovations, there have also been declines in the public perception of the value of music and major budget cutbacks to music education in public schools. Raising new generations without exposure to music education cannot be good for the art of music, or society in general.

We need to place more value on music, because it can bring people together in ways that other mediums can't. When President Bush visited Singapore in 2006, their diplomacy efforts included a gamelan performance. Invited to play himself, Bush beat a metalophone with a rubber mallet for a time, and then said: "I'm going to quit while I'm ahead." This is a shame, as he was obviously having fun and his first performance was greeted with applause by the members of the gamelan orchestra, as shown in World Rhythms News Issue 9. Imagine the conflicts that might be avoided if world leaders spent time learning the traditional music of their adversaries.

While heads of state may not yet be studying world music, you can make a difference in your own life by learning the ancient musical traditions of the world. Below are some educational resources available from Ancient Future.

Free Online Lessons at Ancient-Future.Com

The rhythmic and melodic aspects of the musical traditions of the world are a good place to begin one's studies. Timbre or tone color is often one of the first aspects of a musical tradition to be noticed by the uninitiated and many of the instruments in use in world music are very interesting subjects in themselves.

The fundamentals in primary school education are often described as the three R's: Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. This world music training course concentrates on the three T's: Time, Tune, and Timbre.

The time portion of the training includes introductions to the rhythms of West Africa, home of the astounding art of polyrhythms; Bali, where the interlocking rhythms of gamelan music fill the night air; India, birthplace of tala (rhythmic cycles); the Arab world, home of iqa'at (rhythmic modes); and world fusion rhythms created by combining ideas from many traditions. The tune portion showcases rich melodic content of the ragas of North India and South Indian vina music arranged for guitar. Under timbre there are articles on North Indian sitar, South Indian vina, scalloped fretboard guitar, Andean charango, North Indian tabla, South Indian mridangam, Balinese gamelan, and the percussion of the Ewe orchestra of West Africa.

Workshops and Skype Lessons

30 Minute Skype Lesson. $50. Sale $40. Buy 1 Now. Add to Cart. Custom private 30 minute online lesson via Skype or other video conferencing service.

Matthew Montfort offers online lessons in the subjects covered in the educational section of Ancient-Future.Com via Skype; rhythm workshops at conservatories, public schools, and resorts; and instruction for all styles of guitar, ukulele, bass, mandolin, sitar, and other plucked instruments.

Ancient Traditions - Future Possibilities

 Book Cover

Sale Celebrates New Audio Guides and Grooves for Gizmos

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. By Matthew Montfort. Kentfield: Ancient Future Music, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2. Comb Bound Book- $46.95 (SALE $33.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. Book and Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI files- $74.95 (SALE $53.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. New Best Buy! Book & Audio Guide/MIDI Download- $69.95 (SALE $49.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.

This classic "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. Interesting, imaginative and fun, these rhythm exercises will be of immense help to all music lovers, not just percussionists.

New Guides and Grooves

A.T.F.P. Audio Guide Tracks

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Audio Guide and MIDI Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (AF-0001, 2005. V 4.0, 2017). New Release! Companion MP3/MIDI Guide Tracks Download Set- $34.95 (SALE 24.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. Companion Audio/MIDI Guide Tracks 2 Volume CD/CD-ROM Set- $39.95 (SALE $29.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.

This new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities is set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones. The tracks are also available on a CD/CD-ROM set. The material is presented in two complimentary formats: audio guide tracks and MIDI groove tracks.

Audio Guide Tracks

Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: MP3 Audio Guide Tracks. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (2005). New Release! Companion MP3 Audio Guide Tracks Download- $24.95 (SALE 17.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.

A set of 115 audio guide tracks of the exercises in Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities that enable learning by ear.

MIDI Groove Tracks

Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves: MIDI Percussion Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India. Version 4.0. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (1997. V. 4.0 2017). New Release! MIDI File Download- $24.95 (SALE 17.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.

A complete set of 128 MIDI tracks that playback in Standard MIDI File compatible web browsers. For greater control or for use as rhythm tracks in audio productions, load them into a MIDI sequencer app (Mac, PC, iOS, Android, etc.) to loop tracks, change the tempo, or listen to individual parts. The files come arranged for General MIDI percussion and can be remapped to other instruments using the included MIDI maps.

Quote

"You can view this deceptively slim masterwork from a few different angles: as a friendly yet serious appetizer on three of the most sophisticated rhythm systems on earth; a chance to work on your rhythmic sight reading; a three-culture dip with matching mp3s for your ears; a gateway to exotic spices, complete with MIDI files, for your songwriting or drumming; or a fun way to organically digest complex time signatures. No matter how you slice it, this scholarly labor of love is packed with rich flavors for those patient enough to harvest them." – E.E. Bradman, Bass Player Magazine

Ancient Future Duet at Watermelon Music in Davis

Photo of Abbos Kosimov and Matthew Montfort

World Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort with
Uzbek Percussion Ambassador Abbos Kosimov

One of the variations of the trailblazing world fusion music ensemble, Ancient Future, this duet features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort accompanied by Uzbek percussion virtuoso Abbos Kosimov. This improvisatory program focuses on the world music traditions of Central Asia, India, and Europe, renditions of music from Ancient Future's ground breaking world music recordings, and new unreleased works!

Saturday, April 28, 8 PM
Ancient Future Duet
Featuring Matthew Montfort (Scalloped Fretboard Guitar) and Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek Percussion)
Watermelon Music
1970 Lake Blvd., Suite #1
Davis CA 95616
Adm: $15. Press Release.

Concert Poster

Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard and fretless guitars)

Photo of Matthew Montfort Recording A.F.A.R.

The leader of Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort, released his first solo recording, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar, in 2009. He 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. He is recognized as one of the world's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists by DigitalDreamDoor.com. 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, and live on national shows such as the R achel 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.

Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion)

Photo of Abbos Kosimov Recording A.F.A.R.
Abbos Kosimov with Drums in the Air YouTube Video

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.

Abbos was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to a highly musical family. His father played santoor (hammered dulcimer) and his brother played ney (flute), and began studying doyra at age ten. In 1988, Abbos graduated from the College of Culture and Music under dorya master Mamurjon Vahbov. Abbos completed his higher education at the Tashkent State Institute of Culture in 1994, and established his own Abbos school where he taught the most talented youth of his country to play doyra. 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 2005, Abbos moved to the United States, leading to performances and recordings with artists such as Steve Wonder, Zakir Hussain, Giovanni Hidalgo, Terry Bozzio, Swapan Chaudhuri, Kronos Quartet, and Omar Sosa.

Abbos released his solo album, Infinite Rhythm, in July 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.