2025 Issues: February • April
April 2025 Issue
April Releases
•Hendrix and Nirvana Covers Plus East of the Sun with Paul McCandless
Concerts and Classes
•Ancient Future Concert and Free Music Workshop
April Releases
Purple Nirvana
Purple Nirvana is an EP featuring the first ever popular cover songs by Ancient Future and historically related originals showing unique influences from world music traditions: "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.
Purple Nirvana Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenirvana (Participating Digital Music Platforms)
Purple Nirvana Preorder: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1789397899 (Preview & Preorder Now!)
Purple Nirvana EP Links:
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DSJXVYQW (Preorder Now)
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-nirvana-ancient-future/oeysiuv85swnc (Preorder Now in Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz )
Check back for more digital retailer links April 4, 2025.
Web Page: https://www.ancient-future.com/purplenirvana.html
One-Sheet (166k .pdf with audio/video links): https://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/purple_nirvana_1sheet.pdf
Track List:
1. Spirit of Nirvana (Extended Intro) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:55). Featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer. Instant Grats Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, celebrating the 37th anniversary of the first official Nirvana concert.
2. East of the Sun by Ancient Future (Montfort. 4:28). Trio version featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer. Instant Grats Date: Friday, February 28, 2025, in honor of Ancient Future's 2010 double bill with Mamadou Sidibe.
3. Purple Nam (Glissentar & Đàn Bầu Duet) by Ancient Future (Montfort. 1:18). Featuring Matthew Montfort
(Godin glissentar, fretless bass) and Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu) with Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) and Mariah Parker (keys).
4. Purple Haze (Vietnamese Đàn Bầu Style) by Ancient Future (Hendrix. 3:25). Featuring Matthew Montfort
(Godin glissentar, fretless bass), Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu), and Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) with Mariah Parker (keys).
5. Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:42). Instant Grats Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025, celebrating Kurt Cobain's birthday, February 20, 1967.
6. Spirit of Nirvana (Radio Edit) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:32). Instant Grats Date: Saturday, March 16, 2025, honoring the connections between Nirvana, the Dead Kennedy's, and Ancient Future that began with Matthew Montfort opening for the Ramones on March 16, 1977.
What's an Instant Grat?
An Instant Grat is a track that can be downloaded before an album's release on iTunes and Amazon, and have that download count on Internet music charts on the release date. This means that people can enjoy ownership and listen to the track as much as they like before the sales date and after! With Internet access often at risk due to hacking, outages, and global conflicts, music ownership through downloads allows people to enjoy music even when the Internet is down. Each download supports the music financially, whereas it takes many millions of streams to bring in significant income to artists.
2. Purple Nam Video
"Purple Nam" is a Vietnamese version of Matthew Montfort’s "Purple Raga," a set of improvisation rules he developed based on Indian classical and Woodstock era music. Each performance is unique, but evokes a similar mood. This video was captured at the "Purple Nam" recording sessions. It features live basic tracks by Matthew Montfort (glissentar), Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu), and Mariah Parker (keyboard), and an overdub by Abbos Kosimov (doyra, shakers).
Purple Nam (Glissentar & Đàn Bầu Duet) Official Music Video by Ancient Future (Montfort. 1:24 Apple Music. 1:40 YouTube). Video Release Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (Apple). Thursday, March 13, 2025 (YouTube).
Apple Music Video: https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/purple-nam-feat-matthew-montfort-bui-huu-nhut-abbos/1768814322. Dropped Tuesday, February 11, 2025, honoring first Ancient Future concert February 11, 1979.
YouTube Video Premiere: https://youtu.be/9IynbJgznv8. Dropped Thursday, March 13, 2025, exactly 12 years after percussionist Abbos Kosimov recorded his parts.
Social Media Edits:
Facebook Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/599230089637153(0:43)
YouTube Short: https://youtu.be/Xt-WnzI1vBg (0:43)
3. East of the Sun Trio Video
In advance of sharing a bill with master Malian hunter's harpist Mamadou Sidibe on February 28, 2010, Matthew Montfort was inspired to compose a piece weaving in a West African 3 against 2 cross rhythm on the last two beats of a five beat groove. On April 4, 2010, his as yet unnamed piece was performed live on Please Stand By on KPIG, and an audience member called in suggesting the name "East of the Sun." The name stuck, and it was recorded on April 1, 2011 along with a cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," linking the two in Ancient Future history. This video from the recording session features live basic tracks by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Mariah Parker (santur), and Benjy Wertheimer (tabla).
East of the Sun by Ancient Future (Montfort. 4:31 Apple Music. YouTube 4:44). Video Release Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Apple Music Video: https://music.apple.com/us/album/spirit-of-nirvana-feat-matthew-montfort-mariah/1784353723
YouTube Video Premiere: https://youtu.be/nfd1RYZCxLw
East of the Sun
Studio Version with Paul McCandless, Oboe
by Ancient Future
This full studio version of "East of the Sun" features Paul McCandless (oboe), an important early musical influence on the founders of Ancient Future. He joins Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitars, fretless bass), Benjy Wertheimer (tabla), and Mariah Parker (santur).
East of the Sun Save Stream: https://orcd.co/eastsun (Participating Digital Music Platforms)
East of the Sun Preview: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1799893318 (Preview & Preorder Now!)
East of the Sun Release Schedule and Specifications
East of the Sun (Studio Version with Paul McCandless, Oboe) by Ancient Future
East of the Sun Digital Audio Sales Date: Friday, April 25, 2025, celebrating the completion of the studio guitar overdubs April 25, 2013. Preorder Date: March 24, 2025, the 78th birthday of woodwind virtuoso Paul McCandless.
Paul McCandless (Oboe)
Track List:
1. East of the Sun (Studio Version with Paul McCandless, Oboe) by Ancient Future(Montfort. 5:10).
On April 1, 2011, the basic tracks for "East of the Sun" were recorded live as trio, which is being released as the B side of Ancient Future's Spirit of Nirvana double single. But the intention was to release a full ensemble version, and on January 16, 2013, Paul McCandless added his oboe overdub. Matthew Montfort laid down his guitar overdubs for the studio version on April 25, 2013, and completed the piece with a fretless bass overdub on July 3, 2013. The first mix was made available to supporters of the fan funded Archive of Future Ancient Recordings on February 11, 2014. The final mix for public release was completed on February 25, 2025. Sadly, in 2017 Paul McCandless was diagnosed with a health condition that led him to retire from performing on oboe, although he has kept a busy performance schedule on his many other wind instruments. This recording is very special because McCandless was an important early musical influence on the founders of Ancient Future.
Free Concerts and Classes
Berkeley & Cloverdale
- Saturday, April 19, 2025, 7 PM, Open Mic with Matthew Montfort (solo scalloped fretboard guitar) and Matthew Montfort's Intermediate Guitar Class Student Recital, Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Cloverdale, CA 95425. Free.
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 6:30 to 8:45 PM, Matthew Montfort Music Workshops, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Free in-person guitar, theory, and improvisation workshops with Matthew Montfort. Facebook Event. Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
- May 17 or 18, 2024, (TBA, afternoon), Ancient Future, Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave., North Berkeley, CA 94709. Free. Donations accepted.
- Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 7 to 8:30 PM, Counting Rhythm and The Beats of Bali Workshops, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
Feb. 2025 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Arts Alive in 2025
Purple Nirvana
•Hendrix and Nirvana Covers Plus Originals
Himalayan Fair Returns
•Ancient Future Performs
Free Music Workshops
•World Rhythms and All Styles of Guitar
Keep the Arts Alive in 2025
•Make a Tax Deductible Donation
Purple Nirvana
Hendrix and Nirvana Covers Plus Originals
Purple Nirvana is an EP featuring the first ever popular cover songs by Ancient Future: instrumental versions of "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana showing unique influences from world music traditions. Also included are the historically related Matthew Montfort compositions "East of the Sun" and "Purple Nam."
Purple Nirvana Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenirvana
The preorder date for Purple Nirvana is Friday, February 14, 2025. On that day in 1990, Nirvana was famously photographed flipping off at KUSF, a San Francisco radio station with a long history of playing Ancient Future. On that day in 1968, the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed at Regis College in Denver, Colorado, 7.5 miles from the residence of the then 10 year old Matthew Montfort.
Purple Nam & Purple Haze (Vietnamese Đàn Bầu & Glissentar Style)
by Ancient Future
Digital 45 featuring "Purple Nam" followed by Ancient Future's cover of "Purple Haze."
Purple Nam & Purple Haze Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenamhaze
Digital Mini-45 Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4yFoh1Jc5O93qcIGc61qoi
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1763467873
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DDJ8QNFH
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/381931033
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-nam-purple-haze-ancient-future/x5dg3bb2hy6ha (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz)
Check the press release for more digital retailer links.
Track List:
1. Purple Nam (Glissentar & Đàn Bầu Duet) by Ancient Future (Montfort. 1:18).
Featuring Matthew Montfort (Glissentar, fretless bass) and Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu) with Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) and Mariah Parker (keys). Rubato call and response between Glissentar and đàn bầu fusing Vietnamese music and Indian raga.
Purple Nam Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenam
Purple Nam Track Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZKN5hO2gzcE2O0zyoHDvM
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1763467825
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/381931031
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DDJ8DC9M
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-nam-ancient-future/yuy54459zl2ub (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz)
Video (Live in Studio):
Purple Nam (Glissentar & Đàn Bầu Duet) Official Music Video by Ancient Future. Video from the "Purple Nam" recording session featuring Matthew Montfort (glissentar), Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu), and Mariah Parker (keyboard), and Abbos Kosimov (doyra, shakers). Videographer: Michael Braden Producer, Editor: Matthew Montfort
Facebook Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/599230089637153 (0:43)
Apple Music Video: https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/purple-nam-feat-matthew-montfort-bui-huu-nhut-abbos/1768814322 (1:18)
2. Purple Haze (Vietnamese Đàn Bầu Style) by Ancient Future (Hendrix. 3:25).
Featuring Matthew Montfort (Glissentar, fretless bass), Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu), and Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) with Mariah Parker (keys). Instrumental version of "Purple Haze" performed on Vietnamese đàn bầu (monochord with whammy bar), Glissentar (11 string fretless guitar), Uzbek percussion, and keyboards.
Purple Haze Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplehazeaf
Purple Haze Track Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3P16Z6gycABlEA57AvqJMM
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1763666579
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/382124838
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DDLJKHPJ
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-haze-ancient-future/cix8thev2mq5a (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz)
Video (Behind the Scenes in Studio):
Killer Trash Can Ending to a Purple Haze by Ancient Future. Video of the spontaneous inspired banter that took place after a "trash can ending" take. Featuring Matthew Montfort
(Glissentar) and Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu) with Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) and Mariah Parker (keys).
Videographer: Michael Braden Producer, Editor: Matthew Montfort
Facebook Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/956869405969822 (0:39)
Spirit of Nirvana
by Ancient Future
Hi-Res Cover Art (1.1 MB)
"Spirit of Nirvana (Double Single)" is a cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" paired with "East of the Sun," an original composition by Matthew Montfort that was recorded the same day.
Save Stream: https://orcd.co/spiritofnirvana (At Participating Digital Music Platforms Now)
Ancient Future will celebrate Kurt Cobain's birthday (February 20, 1967) by offering their "Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit)" cover as an Instant Grats (iTunes & Amazon pre-release download) starting February 20, 2025. The instant grat date for "East of the Sun" is Friday, February 28, 2025. In advance of sharing a bill with master Malian hunter's harpist Mamadou Sidibe on February 28, 2010, Matthew Montfort was inspired to compose a piece weaving in a West African 3 against 2 cross rhythm within a five beat groove. On April 4, 2010, his as yet unnamed piece was performed live on Please Stand By on KPIG, and an audience member called in suggesting the name "East of the Sun." The digital audio sales date is April 4, 2025, in recognition of that impactful live KPIG radio performance.
Track List:
1. Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:42). Featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer.
2. East of the Sun by Ancient Future (Montfort. 4:28). Trio version featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer.
Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit) Instant Grats Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025. Pre-release downloads on Apple iTunes & Amazon (click Amazon far right three-dot menu). Early downloads count on April 4, 2025 release date charts. East of the Sun Instant Grats Date: February, 28, 2025. Spirit of Nirvana Digital Audio Sales Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Save Stream: https://orcd.co/spiritofnirvana (Participating Digital Music Platforms)
Spirit of Nirvana Double Single Links:
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1784353723 (Preview & Preorder Now)
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DPY1Y75S (Preorder Now)
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/spirit-of-nirvana-ancient-future/mjq3i6yb30zab (Preorder Now in Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz )
Check the press release for more digital retailer links on April 4, 2025.
Himalayan Fair Returns
Ancient Future Performs
Ancient Future has performed at the Himalayan Fair in all but a few years where weather or schedules did not align. It is great to be invited to be part of the 42nd iteration of this wonderful community event.
May 17 or 18, 2024, (TBA, afternoon), Ancient Future, Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave., North Berkeley, CA 94709. Free. Donations accepted.
Free Music Workshops
World Rhythms and All Styles of Guitar
A series of free introductory in-person music workshops taught by guitarist and Ancient Future bandleader Matthew Montfort will be held starting in the spring of 2025 at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance in downtown Cloverdale, California. After the series is complete, ongoing classes will be offered tailored to the individual goals of workshop participants. Because of student recitals, the previously announced February workshops were postponed and several free workshops were added.
In the meantime, one private lesson slot is available on Wednesday evenings at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance, and online lessons are available on weekdays. For more information on private lessons, send an email to lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
Guitar Workshops
Free In-Person Beginning and Intermediate Guitar Workshops
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 6:30 to 8:45 PM, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Free in-person guitar, theory, and impovisation workshops with Matthew Montfort. Facebook Event. Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
World Rhythms Workshop
Counting Rhythm and the Beats of Bali
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 7 to 8:30 PM
Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425
Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
Learn how to count rhythms, from whole notes to 16th notes. Then practice the hypnotic music of Bali featuring interlocking rhythms with syncopated 16th notes. Not just for percussionists, this workshop can help any musician, singer, dancer, or music lover improve their rhythmic skills. No musical background is required. Very simple to play percussion instruments will be provided, and participants are free to bring an instrument.
Rhythm Training Materials
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort. Book/Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Soundfiles: $52.95 (SALE! Normally $69.95): Buy Link.
"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
Keep the Arts Alive in 2025
Make a Tax Deductible Donation
Ancient Future enjoys a fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. InterMusic SF is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations made through InterMusic SF on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Due to decreased funding for fine arts concerts, venues closing due to low ticket sales, and extremely minimal streaming payments to artists, Ancient Future now depends on donations to keep making music. With the expected further cuts to arts funding, the arts will need even more direct support now.
Donate Online Via InterMusic SF