2007 Issues: January • March • May • June • November • December
December 2007
This is the email newsletter of Ancient Future, the world's longest running musical ensemble dedicated to the mission of the creation of world fusion music and to increasing awareness and understanding of world music traditions.
Annual Catalog Issue
Front Page Story and SRO Concerts
Front Page Story and SRO Concerts
Recent Ancient Future tour dates in Northern California were SRO due in part to a front page story in the Sacramento Bee. In depth stories on music are getting rarer as newspapers cut staff, so support your local paper.
Ancient-Future.Com Catalog
Records and Educational Materials
Recordings
Ancient-Future.Com Records releases audio and video recordings by the many musicians associated with the broad musical scene surrounding the band Ancient Future and the musicians who perform with them. The label is set up as an artist coalition. All records are owned by the artists, who have full creative control.
World Fusion Series:
Stay tuned for some exciting new releases in the World Fusion series coming in early 2008. In the meantime, all of the following releases in all series are in ample stock unless otherwise noted:
Planet Passion by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2001): CD- $17.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. 
The Best of Echoes Radio Listener Poll Winner! Featured at WorldMusicRingtones.Com. Features 19 masters of Indian, Nepali, African, Cuban, Celtic, Arabic, Palestinian, Jewish, Indonesian, Chinese, Eastern European and American music traditions. (Read more). >YTmusic
Natural Rhythms by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com 2005): CD-R- $19.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Featured at WorldMusicRingtones.Com.
Received a May 1984 N.A.I.R.D. "Indie" Award in the field of World Music. Reissued on CD in 1994 to commemorate Ancient Future's 15th Anniversary. (Read more). >YTmusic
Visions of a Peaceful Planet by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com 2004): CD-R- $19.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. LP- $40: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Ancient Future's critically acclaimed 1979 debut release. (Read more). >YTmusic
Major Label Recordings by the Band Ancient Future:
Find out why thousands of Ancient Future fans have purchased (and often nearly worn out!) over 150,000 full length recordings of Ancient Future plus a million samplers featuring Ancient Future. Ironically, many of the major label releases are now out of print and only available direct from the artists at this web site or on iTunes.
Quiet Fire by Ancient Future (Narada/MCA 1012): CD- $29.98 (CD rare & out of print): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Established Ancient Future as a strong force in the record stores by selling over 55,000 copies. Features Windham Hill recording artists Alex De Grassi and Darol Anger. (Read more). >YTmusic
World Without Walls by Ancient Future (Sona Gaia/MCA 163): CD- $24.98 (signed and certified reconditioned copy): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Features Zakir Hussain, the renowned North Indian tabla master. (Read more). >YTmusic
Asian Fusion by Ancient Future (Narada Equinox ND-63023): CD- $24.98 (signed and certified reconditioned copy): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Made the TOWER PULSE! Top Ten Best Contemporary Instrumental Releases of 1993 List (#4) and was GUITAR PLAYER magazine's "Pick" for April 1994. (Read more). >YTmusic
Narada Collections (Various Artists): (Read more)
Alma Del Sur (Narada Collection ND-63908): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Guitar Works (Narada Lotus ND-61032): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Putumayo Collections (Various Artists): (Read more)
Asian Lounge (Putumayo PUT 244-2): CD-$16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Music from the Tea Lands (Putumayo PUT180-2): CD-$16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Environmental Series:
Associated with the nonprofit Green Music Network, each musical piece investigates an environmental concept or provocative human/nature idea, or explores performances unusual acoustic environments.
10,000 Thunderstorms by alan tower and Free Energy (Ancient-Future.Com 1000) CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
An acoustic journey from the primordial beginning to the future: evolutionary acoustic music with hybrid instruments. (Read more)
The Eternal Presence by 4 Didjeridu's from alan tower and Free Energy (Ancient-Future.Com 1003) CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Transcendent four part didjeridu compositions for deep listening, massage, yoga & meditation. (Read more)
Yoga and Chant Series:
Soul of the Esraj by Benjy Wertheimer (Ancient-Future.Com 3000): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK.
This CD by original Ancient Future member Benjy Wertheimer features the esraj (an instrument from North India that resembles as small sitar but is played with a bow). (Read more)
Anjali by Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Mandrell (Ancient-Future.Com 3001): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
This yoga and meditation CD by Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Mandrell features the esraj, tabla, and acoustic guitar. (Read more)
The Love Window by Shantala with Heather and Benjy Wertheimer (Ancient-Future.Com 3002) CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK.
Sacred chants of devotion by Benjy and Heather Wertheimer. (Read more)
Circle of Fire by Benjy Wertheimer (Ancient-Future.Com 2002): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
This percussion CD by original Ancient Future member Benjy Wertheimer was #1 on the NAV Chart 11/2002. (Read more)
Side Projects by Ancient Future Members: The members of Ancient Future are creative musicians who produce many side projects. Some of the best are available here.
Ecstasy by Pandit Habib Khan (RPG CDNF 150217): CD-R- $19.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Live studio recording of music by sitar master Pandit Habib Khan featuring musicians from the Ancient Future Planet Jammin' concert series plus a whole lot of other famous jazz and Indian musicians in world jazz jams. (Read more). >audio
Sacred Insanity by Emam and Friends (Eternal Music 89901): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Features Ancient Future members along with South Indian drum set master Sivamani and saxophonist George Brooks. (Read more)
Finger Painting by Jim Hurley (Open Strings Music OSCD01): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Ancient Future violinist Jim Hurley plays all the parts on this popular acoustic string music CD. (Read more)
Quiessence by Mindia Devi Klein (Bamboo Moon Musik): CD- $16.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
Original Ancient Future flutist Mindia Devi presents a contemporary exploration of North Indian classical ragas. (Read more)
Educational Books, MIDI Files, and Audio CD Guide Tracks:
Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities:Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (1985). ISBN 0-937879-00-2. Comb Bound Book, $33.95 (SALE! Normally $46.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now. Book Set with Companion 2 Volume Audio CD Set with MIDI Soundfiles (see below): $53.95 (SALE! Normally $74.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
A must-have for all students of world music. (Read more)
Ancient Rhythms--Future Grooves:MIDI Percussion Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India PLUS Complete 2 CD Set of Audio Guide Tracks. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (2005). Companion 2 CD set, 28.95 (SALE! Normally $39.95): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.
A complete set of audio guide tracks for the book. (Read more)
November 2007 Issue
Ancient Future: Northern California Edition
November 2007 Ancient Future Concerts
November 2007 Ancient Future Concerts
The Arabic Fusion music program performed by Ancient Future inspires audiences with an up tempo fusion of American and Arabic music. Listen to this ensemble live in concert: Audio. Or check out "El Zaffa" from Planet Passion (Ancient-Future.Com AF-2001) CD, $17.98: Buy 1 Now.
Friday, November 23, 2007, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Ancient Future Arabic Fusion Program featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, Glissentar fretless guitar), Georges Lammam (Arabic violin), Faisal Zedan (Arabic percussion), Doug McKeehan (keyboards), Sapphira (world dance/violin), and Jennifer "Roz" Rozwood (belly dance), De Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118. Info: Admission to the Museum: Adults $10, Seniors 65 and over $7, Youths 13-17 $6, College Students with ID $6, Children 12 and under FREE.
Friday, November 30, 2007, 8:00 pm, Ancient Future Arabic Fusion Quartet featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, Glissentar fretless guitar), Georges Lammam (Arabic violin), Faisal Zedan (Arabic percussion), Doug McKeehan (keyboards), and Sapphira (world dance/violin), Music Recital Hall in Capistrano Hall, CSU Sacramento, Sacramento, CA. Adm: $15 general, $12 senior citizens, $8 students. Tickets at Sacramento State Ticket Office.
Background:
Scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort is the leader of Ancient Future and coined the term “ world fusion music” when the band was germinating. He has performed concerts world wide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona and at the Mumbai Festival at the Gateway of India in Bombay. He is the author of the book Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilities on the rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India.
On the Planet Passion CD, Arabic violin virtuoso George Lammam adds an element of romantic fire. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, he is well-known in the Middle East as well as the US, having performed with the most well-known singers of the Middle East. He is on the faculty of the Near East Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino.
Syrian-born Faisal Zedan has played with many great Arabic musicians, such as Ali Jihad Racy, Julien Jâlal Eddine Weiss, and the band Kanzaman. Through teamwork and daily practice, Faisal is dedicated to keeping Arabic music alive, and inspiring fellow musicians to have a selfless approach to playing music
Virtuoso pianist Doug McKeehan started his piano studies at age five, and began his first professional work at the age of twelve. He studied music at the Oberlin Conservatory, Kent State University, and the University of Otago (New Zealand), and studied in India with notable Indian music teachers such as Pandit Ram Narayan, Ustad Kursheed Khan and Pandit A.G. Bhattacharya.
World dancer and violinist Sapphira combines the graceful arts of symphonic music and ballet with Middle Eastern music and dance. Jennifer "Roz" Rozwood has been studying the art of belly dance since 1999, and headlined her own five month belly dance show in Las Vegas at the Stratopshere's Hooka Lounge.
Memorial Concert
Virtuoso classical pianist Seth Montfort and Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort will perform a memorial concert for their father, Charles Montfort, who passed away at the age of 85 on October 9, 2007. Works relating to or honoring their father's life will be performed. Charles Montfort was a wonderful man and very supportive father. While he didn't play any instruments himself, Charles Montfort was quite proud of his son's musical accomplishments. Matthew Montfort is well known to the readers of the Ancient Future Times, but not all readers know of the amazing talents of Matthew's brother Seth:
Winner of 12 prizes in local, National and International competitions, Seth Montfort won his first contest at age 11 performing ragtime by Scott Joplin. At 15 he became serious about classical music after attending a Denver Symphony Concert at which he heard his first concerto. He decided to learn a concerto himself and enter The Denver Symphony’s Concerto Competition. He won, and thus months after discovering what a concerto was he made his own concerto debut at 16 performing Ravel’s jazz-inspired Concerto for the Left Hand with the Denver Symphony. He was given a standing ovation from an audience of over 1,000 people. Also a composer, Seth Montfort is currently finishing an hour long Old World Piano Symphony and a two-hour long Aztec Piano Symphony. Part of his Aztec Piano Symphony was premiered as a work-in-progress with solo and principal dancers from San Francisco Ballet and Opera during Montfort’s residency at the Djerassi Foundation artists’ colony. The work was begun there in collaboration with Victoria Morgan, former Ballet Mistress of The San Francisco Opera. As Artistic Director of The San Francisco Concerto Orchestra and International Competitions for Musicians, and presenter of San Francisco’s Victorian Englander House Concerts and many other concert series, Montfort has presented hundreds of musicians in solo/chamber recitals and nearly 400 orchestral concerts.
Sunday, December 2, 2007, 3 pm, Memorial Concert for Charles Montfort (1922-2007) featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, Glissentar fretless guitar) and Seth Montfort (piano), Russian River Performing Arts Center and Conservatory, 16375 4th St. (at Mill directly across the Street from Triple R), Guerneville, CA, 95446. Adm: $10.
World Beat Workshop at Esalen
Got Rhythm? Get Rhythm for the New Year!
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 (SALE! Normally $74.95): Buy 1 Now.
Getting your timing skills in order is a great way to end the year so you can begin 2008 with better rhythm skills, and Esalen Institute is a beautiful place to do it!
December 28-30, 2007, 8:30 PM 12/28/07 through 11:30 AM 12/30/07, World Rhythms Workshop, Esalen Institute, 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, Email: info@esalen.org
June 2007 Issue
Ancient Future Times: June Concerts at Peña Pacha Mama
Going Away Concert for Salaheddin Takesh
Master percussionist Salaheddin Takesh is retiring and moving to Azerbaijan and New Zealand. The world music scene in the San Francisco Bay Area will miss him greatly. So we are having a last minute going away party/concert for him this Wednesday, June 13, at Peña Pacha Mama in San Francisco.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007, 8 pm
Ancient Future Trio featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard and fretless guitars), Salaheddin Takesh (Arabic and Persian percussion), Mariah Parker (santur and hammered dulcimer, keys). Also performing will be the Andean/Latin music band Sukay! Sukay shared a bill with Ancient Future at Ancient Future's first big festival appearance back in 1979, so this is both a reunion and going away party not to be missed.
Peña Pacha Mama
1630 Powell near Union
San Francisco CA 94133
Tix: $10 adult/$5 children
Info: 415.646.0018
Email: celebrate@penapachamama.com
More Ancient Future World Music Wednesdays at Peña Pacha Mama
Freddy Clark is busy working on a CD in late June, so Ancient Future is taking over the remaining World Music Wednesdays for the month of June only at Peña Pacha Mama. See www.ancient-future.com/concert.html for the exact band variations that will be performing.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007, 8 pm and Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 8 pm
Peña Pacha Mama
1630 Powell near Union
San Francisco CA 94133
Tix: $10 adult/$5 children
Info: 415.646.0018
Email: celebrate@penapachamama.com
May 2007 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Mountain Music
The Ancient Future concerts this month have something to do with mountains, from a tour of towns in the foothills of California's Sierra to a performance at the annual Himalayan Fair in Berkeley.
Ancient Future May Mountain Music Concerts
Saturday, May 5, 2007, 7:30 pm
Ancient Future Trio featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard and fretless guitars), Salaheddin Takesh (Arabic and Persian percussion), and Mariah Parker (santur and hammered dulcimer, keys)
AHmbiance
884 Lincoln Way (#30, upstairs)
Auburn CA 95603
Tix: $15 advanced/$18 door. Info: sacredmusicevents.com.
Sunday, May 6, 2007, 3 pm
Ancient Future Quartet featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard and fretless guitars), Salaheddin Takesh (Arabic and Persian percussion), Mariah Parker (santur and hammered dulcimer, keys), and special guest Alan Tower (didjeridu, huaca, unusual custom made instruments)
Music on The Divide
I.O.O.F. Hall
Saturday, March 31, 8 pm
Tix: $15 adult/$5 children.
Saturday, May 19, 2007, 2:15 pm
Ancient Future Trio featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard and fretless guitars), Salaheddin Takesh (Arabic and Persian percussion), and Mariah Parker (santur and hammered dulcimer, keys)
Himalayan Fair
Live Oak Park, Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley CA
March 2007 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Jugalbandi
Jugalbandi Concert at Larkspur Cafe Theatre
Ancient Future Guitar-Sitar Jugalbandi In Concert
Saturday, March 31, 8 pm (doors open at 7:30)
Ancient Future Guitar-Sitar Jugalbandi featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, Glissentar), Pandit Habib Khan (sitar), Arshad Syed (tabla, santur)
Larkspur Cafe Theatre
500 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
Adm: $22 adv. Tix: Larkspur Cafe Theatre Box Office.
Print poster.
Ancient Future is the world's longest running ensemble dedicated to the mission of the creation of world fusion music, with many different versions of the band. The Guitar-Sitar Jugalbandi variation of Ancient Future features Pandit Habib Khan (sitar), Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar) and Arshad Syed (tabla).
"Jugalbandi" is a classical North Indian musical duet (literally "tied together"), in this case with the unusual configuration of sitar and guitar accompanied by tabla. This performance of "Dawn of Love" is in Rag Alhaiya Bilawal.
YouTube: Guitar-Sitar Jugalbandi Video
For an exploration of the raga behind this song, check out the 10th edition of the World Rhythms News.
Jan 2007 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Concerts and Live Video
New Ancient Future Video on Myspace
January 2007 Ancient Future Performances
Saturday, January 13, 2007, 8: 00 pm
Ancient Future Trio with Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, Glissentar), Salah Takesh (Arabic percussion), and Mariah Parker (santur)
Private House Concert
Cotati, CA
This will be the debut performance of Matthew Montfort on the Glissentar, an electric fretless double string guitar similar to the oud. Montfort just acquired the guitar through the artist support department of Godin Guitars. For info on attending, vist mattkramer.com.
Saturday, January 27, 2007, 8:00 -10:00 pm (doors open at 7:30)
Ancient Future Duet featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, Glissentar) and Salah Takesh (Arabic percussion)
Sama to Infinity
Whirling Dance Event Presented by Mahna Croes
Divine Science Community Center
1540 Hicks Ave.
San Jose CA 95125
Adm: $25.00 includes snacks and beverages. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and those wishing to sit on the floor should bring a cushion. Print poster.
New Ancient Future Video on Myspace
Ancient Future has just posted a new live video of the song Ocean of Love featuring vocalist Irina Mikhailova, dancer Sapphira, violinist Patti Weiss, Arabic percussionist Salah Takesh, keyboardist Doug McKeehan, and Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar at www.myspace.com/ancientfuture.