Matthew Montfort's Posts - Architects of a New Dawn
2024-03-29T12:38:06Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
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First Video Release from the Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2021-03-09:2227378:BlogPost:602528
2021-03-09T17:50:20.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h1>Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future</h1>
<h1><a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com?subject=Alternate%20Reality%20Concert" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="Scalloped Fretboard Guitarist Matthew Montfort" border="1" height="264" src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/handsglo.jpg" width="360"></img></a></h1>
<h2>Dedicated to a Better Future Through World Fusion Music</h2>
<p>Subscribers to the <a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/www.ancient-future.com/news.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ancient Future Times</a> wrote to suggest that Ancient Future offer virtual concerts during the pandemic and…</p>
<h1>Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future</h1>
<h1><a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com?subject=Alternate%20Reality%20Concert" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/handsglo.jpg" alt="Scalloped Fretboard Guitarist Matthew Montfort" width="360" height="264" border="1"/></a></h1>
<h2>Dedicated to a Better Future Through World Fusion Music</h2>
<p>Subscribers to the <a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/www.ancient-future.com/news.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ancient Future Times</a> wrote to suggest that Ancient Future offer virtual concerts during the pandemic and beyond. A new series of Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future was created in response. Matthew Montfort was the inaugural performer with a 30 minute live concert on his birthday, February 12, 2021. His improvisational scalloped fretboard guitar performance was streamed and recorded on Zoom.</p>
<p>With over two dozen musicians who live in different cities and perform together in various configurations, arranging an ensemble performance during a pandemic is a considerable challenge. But as vaccinations roll out and the weather warms, it should be possible to stream outdoor group concerts later in the year with enough financial and technical support. Setting up tours requires extensive investments of time and resources, so even when the pandemic is in the rear view mirror, Ancient Future plans on continuing to stream live concerts to reach fans all over the world.</p>
<p>In the meantime, more solo performances and call-and-response round robins are in the works featuring master musicians such as Pandit Habib Khan (sitar), Aditya Kalyanpur (tabla), Shenshen Zhang (pipa), and Faisal Zedan (Syrian percussion).</p>
<p>To sign up for upcoming shows, simply send your email address to <a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com?subject=Alternate%20Reality%20Concert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@ancient-future.com</a>. Put "<a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com?subject=Alternate%20Reality%20Concert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alternate Reality Concert</a>" in the subject. You will receive a link to participate before each performance. There's no charge, but <a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/donation.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donations</a> are accepted.</p>
<h1>First Video from the Alternate Reality Concert Series</h1>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/smFCU30iWjE?wmode=opaque" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<h2>Inaugural Recital by Matthew Montfort on Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</h2>
<h3><em>Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em> by Matthew Montfort</h3>
<p>YouTube Video: <a href="https://youtu.be/smFCU30iWjE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/smFCU30iWjE</a></p>
<p>When Matthew Montfort was working on his debut solo recording for scalloped fretboard guitar (a special guitar modified to enable ornaments characteristic of the sitar), he recorded a number of spontaneously improvised serenades. Were it not for some serendipitous sequencing coupled with the allure of alliteration, it's likely that <em><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/sympathetic.html" title="Sympathetic Serenade">Sympathetic Serenade</a></em> would have been released as the eighth improvisation on what became <em><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html" title="Seven Serenades">Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</a>.</em> Instead, this evocative serenade was released as a mini EP. In this live recording from the inaugural performance of the Alternate Reality Concert Series from the Ancient Future, he revisits the piece with a new interpretation on his custom Martin scalloped fretboard guitar in which he expands on the original's use of the melodic elements of Rag Bhairavi and mixes in chordal structures from Spanish guitar music.</p>
<h3>Matthew Montfort Introduces <em>Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em> and the Alternate Reality Concert Series</h3>
<p>YouTube Video: <a href="https://youtu.be/OlieVmYQ2tA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/OlieVmYQ2tA</a></p>
<p>Matthew Montfort talks about his first solo guitar mini EP, <em><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/sympathetic.html" title="Sympathetic Serenade">Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</a>,</em> and his plans for the Alternate Reality Concert Series from the Ancient Future.</p>
<p>Playlist with Both Video Excerpts: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzj87klpoW4HvFS4hYwojk1Ir1ICc66xf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzj87klpoW4HvFS4hYwojk1Ir1ICc66xf</a></p>
<h2>Sympathetic Serenade Mini EP</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/sympatheticseredade1500sq.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/sympatheticseredade239sq.jpg" alt="Sympathetic Serenade Cover Art" width="239" height="239" border="1"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/sympatheticseredade1500sq.jpg" title="Hi-Res Sympathetic Serenade Cover Art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hi-Res Cover Art</a> by Matthew Montfort (2 MB, 300 dpi 5" x 5")</p>
<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/sympathetic.html" title="Sympathetic Serenade">Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</a></strong></em> <strong>by Matthew Montfort.</strong> Ancient-Future.Com EP AF-2012. Signed EP CD-R. List $12.98. <a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=OINF&Store_Code=AWMC&Product_Code=sscd&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1&Action=ADPR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Link</a>. <a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/sympathetic-serenade-for-scalloped/id522143597?mt=1&app=music" title="Sympathetic Serenade by Matthew Montfort on iTunes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iTunes</a>. <a href="https://youtu.be/OpLNItjsVJE" target="_blank" title="Listen through YouTube" rel="noopener">>YTmusic</a>.</p>
<h2>Video is First Featuring Matthew Montfort's New Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/martin_scalloped_fretboard_gutiar_300dpi7x14.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/martin_scalloped_fretboard_guitar_120x239.jpg" alt="Matthew Montfort's Custom Martin Scalloped Fretboard Guitar" width="120" height="239" border="1"/></a><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/scalloped_fretboard_300dpi15x9.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/scalloped_fretboard_375x239.jpg" alt="Scalloped Fretboard Detail" width="375" height="239" border="1"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/martin_scalloped_fretboard_gutiar_300dpi7x14.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hi-Res Photo</a> of Martin Guitar with Scalloped Fretboard by Alan Perlman (3.6 MB, 300 dpi, 7.4" x 14.8")<br/> <a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/scalloped_fretboard_300dpi15x9.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hi-Res Photo</a> of Scalloped Fretboard by Alan Perlman (6.6 MB, 300 dpi, 15.3" x 9.7")</p>
<h3>Custom Martin Guitar with Fretboard Scalloped by Alan Perlman</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://youtu.be/smFCU30iWjE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> of <em>Sympathetic Serenade</em> from the inaugural edition of the Alternate Reality Concert Series is the very first release featuring Montfort's latest custom scalloped fretboard guitar, which is the result of a collaboration between Montfort, Dick Boak of the Artist Relations Department of C.F. Martin & Co., and San Francisco luthier Alan Perlman.</p>
<p>Dick Boak has been involved in the conception of more than one hundred forty signature guitar collaborations with the top musical talents of our time. He worked with Montfort to help design the instrument, which features a very large sound hole to add volume, an extra upper bout sound hole so that Montfort can hear the guitar better, a cutaway with extra frets protruding into the sound hole to accommodate his extended playing range, and a short scale yet wide neck to allow for greater string bending capability.</p>
<p>Master luthier Alan Perlman was also a consultant in the design and added the final modifications including scalloping the fretboard using new methods he developed. Scalloping a fretboard is a process by which the wood in between the frets is hollowed out so that the pads of the fingers touch only the strings and not the fretboard. This reduces friction while bending strings to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar.</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Bandleader and Birthday Boy</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/yearningmatt300dpi5x3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/yearningmattyoutube.jpg" alt="Scalloped Fretboard Guitarist Matthew Montfort" width="396" height="239" border="1"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/yearningmatt300dpi5x3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hi-Res Photo</a> of Matthew Montfort (5' x 3', 300 dpi, 678k)<br/> Matthew Montfort (band leader, scalloped fretboard guitar, fretless guitar, flamenco guitar, charango, sitar, mandolin, and other plucked string instruments)</p>
<p>"Matthew Montfort conjures lovely Asian zither-like inflections with a scalloped fretboard guitar." – Guitar Player Magazine</p>
<p>Matthew Montfort is the leader of the world fusion music ensemble Ancient Future. He is 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. In August, 2012, partly in response to the mini EP release of his <em>Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar,</em> Matthew Montfort was added to DigitalDreamDoor.com's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists list. Inclusion on the list is based on originality, innovation, technique, and influence on other acoustic guitarists. In 2009, he released his first solo guitar recording, <em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar,</em> which reached #8 on Zone Music Reporter's World Radio Chart. The December 2009 Les Paul issue of Guitar Player Magazine includes a full page feature on Matthew Montfort with a corresponding GuitarPlayer.Com video and lesson entitled "The Music of Jimi Hendrix Applied to Indian Raga." He has performed concerts world wide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona and the Mumbai Festival at the Gateway of India in Bombay. He has performed live on national radio and TV shows such as the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Montfort wrote the book <em><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ancient Traditions - Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India</a></em>, which has been used by many musicians to improve their rhythm skills.</p>
Where's the Beat? From Ancient Rhythms to Future Grooves for Gizmos, Gadgets and Thingamajigs
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2017-08-13:2227378:BlogPost:462898
2017-08-13T05:15:30.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h1>Where's the Beat?</h1>
<p><a target="_blank"><img alt="Talking Drum, Gamelan, and Tabla" border="0" height="220" src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/talkinggamelantabla220x220.jpg" width="220"></img></a></p>
<p>A. <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#africa" target="_blank">West Africa</a>, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#bali" target="_blank">Bali</a>, and <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#india" target="_blank">India</a>, birthplaces of polyrhythm, gamelan, and tala. <br></br> B. Within every…</p>
<h1>Where's the Beat?</h1>
<p><a target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/talkinggamelantabla220x220.jpg" alt="Talking Drum, Gamelan, and Tabla" border="0" height="220" width="220"/></a></p>
<p>A. <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#africa" target="_blank">West Africa</a>, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#bali" target="_blank">Bali</a>, and <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#india" target="_blank">India</a>, birthplaces of polyrhythm, gamelan, and tala. <br/> B. Within every <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#performer" target="_blank">performer</a>, where musical dreams are made.<br/> C. In a rhythm training manual by Matthew Montfort called <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#book" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em></a>. <br/> D. In the new companion set from <em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#groove" target="_blank">Audio Guide and MIDI Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India</a></em>.<br/> E. Through world rhythm workshops and <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_atfp.html#workshop" target="_blank">Skype study</a> with Matthew Montfort.<br/> F. All of the above.</p>
<h3>The Answer</h3>
<p>If you answered "all of the above," you are well on your way to finding the beat! Read on to find out how a training manual on the rhythms of Africa, Bali and India can help performers of all types reach their musical dreams, enable listeners to get more out of music, and is now bringing these ancient rhythms into the grooves of the future with the release of an audio companion edition for digital audio workstations, sequencers, computers, tablets, smartphones, CD players and other gizmos!</p>
<h2>The Beginning, the Beat, the Book</h2>
<h3><em><strong><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/bookcov.jpg" alt="Book Cover" border="1" align="top" hspace="2" height="238" width="184" vspace="2"/></strong></em></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India</em></a>. By Matthew Montfort. Mill Valley: Panoramic Press, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2. Comb Bound Book- $46.95 list. Book and Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI files- $74.95 list. New Best Buy! Book & Audio Guide/MIDI Download- $69.95 list.</p>
<p>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. Indeed, Matthew Montfort, leader of the trailblazing world fusion music group <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/band.html" target="_blank">Ancient Future</a>, was inspired to write the book because it was difficult for him to find musicians who had the skills to perform multi-cultural music. 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. By enabling home study of these non-Western rhythms with enough material for years of practice for most students, the training develops refined rhythmic skills, promotes multi-cultural musicianship, stimulates new ideas for composers and improvisers, and fosters cross-cultural music appreciation.</p>
<h2>The New Guides and Grooves</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/bookdisk238sq.jpg" alt="A.T.F.P. Audio Guide Tracks" border="1" height="238" width="238"/></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html#MIDI" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Audio Guide and MIDI Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India</em></a>. By Matthew Montfort. Ancient Future Music (AF-0001, 2005. V 4.0, 2017). <strong>New Preview Release!</strong>Companion MP3/MIDI Guide Tracks Download Set- $34.95 list. Companion Audio/MIDI Guide Tracks 2 Volume CD/CD-ROM Set- $39.95 list.</p>
<p>A new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book <em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em> will be released in fall 2017. The preview beta release is on sale now at Ancient-Future.Com. The downloads are set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones. The tracks are also available on a CD/CD-ROM set.</p>
<p>West African drum music, Balinese gamelan, and Indian tala are oral traditions, and the new downloadable files make it very convenient to integrate the tradition of learning by ear into the rhythm studies. The material is presented in two complimentary formats: audio guide tracks and MIDI groove tracks, which are also available separately as downloads.</p>
<h3>The Audio Guide Tracks</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html#audioguide" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Audio Guide Tracks</em></a> is a set of 115 audio guide tracks of the exercises in <em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em> that help facilitate correct practice habits. Volume I covers the exercises in Chapter 1, West Africa, and Chapter 2, Bali. Volume II A covers the South Indian exercises in Chapter 3, India. Volume II B covers the North Indian exercises in Chapter 3, India, and Chapter 4, Future Possibilities. Two printable .pdf booklets are included: the <em>A.T.F.P Audio Guide Tracks CD Booklet</em>, a wrap around CD booklet with instructions for burning CDs if desired, and the <em>A.T.F.P Audio Guide Track List</em>, which includes the names, durations, tempo settings, and book page numbers for all 115 audio guide tracks.</p>
<h3>The MIDI Groove Tracks</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html#midigroove" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves: MIDI Percussion Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India</em></a> is 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 with explanations of the sounds of West African drums, Balinese gamelan, South Indian mridangam, and North Indian tabla. A full set of tabla samples is included along with supporting files for using them with VSTi instruments (PC) and GarageBand (Mac).</p>
<h4>The Eve Orchestra of West Africa</h4>
<p>The <dfn>Eve</dfn> people of the island town of Anyako off the coast of Southeastern Ghana have developed a music rich in polyrhythmic interplay, such as in the drum music of <dfn><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/africa.html#takada" target="_blank">takada</a></dfn>, a dance and drumming club developed by the Eve women. MIDI maps and descriptions of the instruments in their percussion orchestra are included in the West African section of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html#midigroove" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves</em></a>.</p>
<h4>The Interlocking Rhythms of Balinese Gamelan</h4>
<p>A <dfn>gamelan</dfn> is an ensemble normally composed primarily of percussion. In Bali, orchestras of tuned gongs, bronze kettles, bronze metallophones, bamboo xylophones, drums, cymbals, and flutes fill the night air with animated music. Melodic parts interlock, divided in such a way that musicians play alternate notes to form the melody line. These interlocking parts, known as <dfn><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/kotekan.html" target="_blank">kotèkan</a>,</dfn><b><i> </i></b>require cooperation and a keen sense of rhythm to perform. The Balinese section of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html#midigroove" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves</em></a> details the music and instruments of the <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/bali.html#permas" target="_blank">Gamelan Semar Pegulingan</a> and other ensembles.</p>
<h4>The Rhythmic Cycles of India</h4>
<p>The perception of the cyclic nature of life is reflected in Indian classical music through the device of <dfn>tala</dfn>, a recurring time-measure or rhythmic cycle. There are two different traditions in Indian classical music, the <dfn>Carnatic</dfn> music of South India and the <dfn>Hindustani</dfn><b><i> </i></b>music of North India.</p>
<p>The <dfn>tabla</dfn> is a North Indian drum set comprised of two drums with goat-skin heads. For every sound on the drum there is a corresponding syllable. These syllables are known as <dfn>bols</dfn>. Each North Indian tala has a <dfn>theka</dfn>,<b><i> </i></b>a standard set of bols that identify the rhythmic cycle. The MIDI files of these <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/theka.html">thekas</a> make excellent groove tracks for creating compositions or practicing. The North Indian section of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html#midigroove" target="_blank"><em>Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves</em></a> features a full explanation of the tabla bols complete with audio links to tabla samples of each bol, and files for VSTi instruments and GarageBand that remap the MIDI files to the included tabla samples.</p>
<p>The <dfn>mridangam</dfn> is a South Indian two-headed barrel drum made of jackwood with goatskin heads. South Indian drumming has a language all of its own known as <cite>solkattu.</cite> For the sounds produced by the mridangam, there are corresponding syllables known as <dfn>konokol</dfn>. The South Indian section of <a target="_blank"><em>Ancient Rhythms – Future Grooves</em></a> features an explanation of the konokol syllables used in the <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/solkattu.html" target="_blank">solkattu</a> compositions that are presented. Instructions and sequencer files are included to help in remapping the MIDI files to tabla or mridangam samples.</p>
<h2>The Author</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt12k.jpg" alt="Matthew Montfort" height="360" width="232"/></p>
<p>Scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/author.html" target="_blank">Matthew Montfort</a> has devoted his life to cross-cultural music through his role as the leader of the world music group Ancient Future. 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 recorded with legendary world music figures ranging from Bolivian panpipe master Gonzalo Vargas to tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, and 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 taught masterclasses at prestigious universities, schools, camps, museums, and resorts, and has over four decades of teaching experience, including two on the faculty of Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco. He is recognized as one of the world's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists by <cite>DigitalDreamDoor.com</cite>, a curated "best of" site. He was interviewed in <cite>Guitar Player Magazine</cite> about the scalloped fretboard guitar and the application of the rules of Indian raga to the music of Jimi Hendrix as exemplified by "Purple Raga" from his debut solo recording, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html"><em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<h2>The Workshops and Skype Lessons</h2>
<p>Matthew Montfort offers instruction based on <em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em> through online lessons via <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/skype.html" target="_blank">Skype</a> and rhythm <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/workshop.html" target="_blank">workshops</a> at conservatories, public schools, and resorts.</p>
<h2>The Quotes</h2>
<p>"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, <cite>Bass Player Magazine</cite></p>
<p>"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 <em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em>, Matthew Montfort, a founding member of the world music band Ancient Future, has put together <strong>the</strong> 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, <cite>San Francisco Chronicle</cite></p>
<p>"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." – <cite>Drums and Drumming</cite></p>
<p>"A very practical manual. There is enough material to keep interested musicians busy for years. Montfort has done a great service for western musicians interested in world music. A pleasure to work with." – <cite>Option</cite></p>
<p>"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." – <cite>Guitar Player</cite></p>
<p>"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." – <cite>Electronic Musician</cite></p>
<h2>The Performers</h2>
<p><em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em> has been used and admired by many teachers and musicians around the world.</p>
<p>Lou Harrison (1917-2003), prominent composer and founder of the American gamelan movement, called the work "a very useful contribution to musical scholarship."</p>
<p>Reinhard Flatischler, founder of the TaKeTiNa rhythm training process, was an early enthusiast of the method book.</p>
<p>John Bergamo (1940-2013), composer and coordinator of the percussion department at the California Institute of the Arts, found a copy of <em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em> when he cleaned out his desk at retirement. As he finally had the time available, he worked his way through it, after which he called the author to thank him for writing it, and encouraged him to write more world music training manuals. One is in the works.</p>
<p>Steve Smith, stellar jazz and rock drummer of Journey fame, went through the book in preparation for a percussion summit with tabla master Zakir Hussain.</p>
<p>Start your own journey to musical excellence with <a><em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em></a>!</p>
<h2>The Promotion</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/atfp_audio_guide_1_sheet.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198atfp_1_sheet.jpg" alt="Ancient Traditions Future Possibilities Audio Guide Tracks One Sheet" border="1" height="198" width="153"/></a></p>
<p>Review and exam copies of the <em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Audio Guide and MIDI Groove Tracks</em> are available as downloads to media outlets and music schools. A very limited number of complimentary bound copies of the book <span class="CDbooktitle"><em>Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities</em></span> are reserved for use as desk copies for professors who have assigned the book in a course and review copies for those reviewing the book for a publication. Send requests to <a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com">info@ancient-future.com</a>.</p>
<p>The promotion campaign includes rhythm workshops at conservatories, public schools, and resorts; videos at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/ancientfuture" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/ancientfuture</a>; interviews and reviews in major newspapers, magazines, web sites, and on radio; and free introductory rhythm lessons online at <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/rhythm.html" target="_blank">Ancient-Future.Com</a>, a high traffic world music education site.</p>
<h2>The Retail and Wholesale Outlets</h2>
<p>Available online at <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html" target="_blank">www.ancient-future.com</a>, and wholesale to retail outlets and music schools from:</p>
<p>Ancient-Future.Com Books and Records, P.O. Box 264, Kentfield CA 94914-0264.<br/> Email: <a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com">info@ancient-future.com</a>. Tel: 415-459-1892.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3> </h3>
Alt-Left Universe News: President-Elect Sanders Proposes US Musical Ambassador to the United Nations
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2016-12-20:2227378:BlogPost:456093
2016-12-20T06:54:00.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h3>In Honor of the Current Trend Towards Fact-Check-Free News, Ancient Future Presents</h3>
<h1>Future Ancient News from an Alt-Left Universe</h1>
<h2>President-Elect Sanders Proposes US Musical Ambassador to the United Nations</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_alt_left_usmaun.html" target="_blank"><img alt="An Ancient Future to Believe In" border="1" height="282" src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/ancientfuturetobelieveinaltcenter.jpg" width="634"></img></a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (Ancient Future Press). President-elect Bernie Sanders today announced his intention to create a new cabinet-level position: United States Musical…</p>
<h3>In Honor of the Current Trend Towards Fact-Check-Free News, Ancient Future Presents</h3>
<h1>Future Ancient News from an Alt-Left Universe</h1>
<h2>President-Elect Sanders Proposes US Musical Ambassador to the United Nations</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_alt_left_usmaun.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/ancientfuturetobelieveinaltcenter.jpg" alt="An Ancient Future to Believe In" height="282" border="1" width="634"/></a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (Ancient Future Press). President-elect Bernie Sanders today announced his intention to create a new cabinet-level position: United States Musical Ambassador to the United Nations.</p>
<p>A Sanders Transition Team internal memo marked as "for discussion purposes only" has been obtained which states that the idea came to Sanders after hearing some music by the band <a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/bandmain.html" target="_blank">Ancient Future</a>, the first and longest running musical organization dedicated exclusively to the mission of creating world fusion music<em>.</em> The memo states that in cases of international conflict, it will be the duty of the USMAUN to employ Ancient Future to facilitate jam sessions between musicians from the countries involved.</p>
<p>The Senate confirmation process can begin when Congress convenes on Jan. 3, two weeks before Sanders's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017. Due to the new Green/Democratic coalition majority in the Senate that was swept in on Sanders's coattails, it is widely believed that Ancient Future's upcoming Feb. 11, 2017, anniversary concert at the Trinity Chapel in Berkeley is likely to become a celebration of more than just the band's 38 years of cross-cultural collaboration. <a href="http://www.pr_alt_left_usmaun.html" target="_blank"><em>Read more</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<h3>Berning for the Win</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/yearning.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/berningforthewin.jpg" alt="Berning for the Win" height="230" border="1" width="230"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/yearning.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>Berning for the Win</em></strong></a> <strong>by Ancient Future</strong> (Ancient-Future.Com AF-90352).</p>
<p><em>Berning for the Win</em> is the first audio/video release in Alt-Left Ancient Future history, and is thought to have played a part in Bernie's narrow victory in the primary after a recount in 34 states, and his landslide victory in the general election.</p>
<h3>Indo Latin Jazz Live In Concert</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/indolatinjazzlive.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mariahparkermusic.com/images/ILJ_Live_CD_cover_sm_126x111px.jpg" alt="Indo Latin Jazz Live In Concert CD Cover" height="111" border="1" width="126"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ancient-future.com/indolatinjazzlive.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>Indo Latin Jazz Live In Concert</em></strong></a> <strong>by Mariah Parker</strong> (Ancient-Future.Com AF-20142).</p>
<p>To be released the day of Bernie's inauguration, Jan. 20, 2017, <em>Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert</em> captures the magic of the concert debut of <a href="mariah.html">Mariah Parker's</a> Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble in front of a full house at Yoshi’s in Oakland, as well as subsequent concerts at Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage, the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley, and Bob Weir’s TRI Studios in San Rafael. It is the perfect party music to feel the Bern! Plus, two days after Bernie becomes president, they are performing at the Freight and Salvage as part of their <a href="http://mariahparkermusic.com/pressReleases/2017_ILJ_Live_CD_release_concerts.html" target="_blank">CD release tour</a>.</p>
The 'Archive of Future Ancient Recordings' by Ancient Future
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2016-06-16:2227378:BlogPost:450574
2016-06-16T15:02:10.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h2><strong>Ancient-Future.Com Records Presents</strong></h2>
<h1>The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.)</h1>
<h2>New Tracks Added to the Fan Supported Recording Series by Ancient Future <a href="images/30CDafar1500sq.jpg"><br></br></a></h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/nhut_purple_raga300dpi3.5x2.8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo of Bui Huu Nhut Recording A.F.A.R." border="1" height="240" src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/nhut_purple_raga300x240.jpg" width="300"></img></a> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/abbos_kosimov300dpi3x2.4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo of Abbos Kosimov Recording A.F.A.R." border="1" height="240" src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/abbos_kosimov300x240.jpg" width="300"></img></a> <br></br> Bui Huu Nhut and Abbos…</p>
<h2><strong>Ancient-Future.Com Records Presents</strong></h2>
<h1>The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.)</h1>
<h2>New Tracks Added to the Fan Supported Recording Series by Ancient Future <a href="images/30CDafar1500sq.jpg"><br/></a></h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/nhut_purple_raga300dpi3.5x2.8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/nhut_purple_raga300x240.jpg" alt="Photo of Bui Huu Nhut Recording A.F.A.R." height="240" border="1" width="300"/></a><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/abbos_kosimov300dpi3x2.4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/abbos_kosimov300x240.jpg" alt="Photo of Abbos Kosimov Recording A.F.A.R." height="240" border="1" width="300"/></a><br/> Bui Huu Nhut and Abbos Kosimov Recording <em>A.F.A.R.</em>. Photos by Michael Braden.</p>
<h2>6/16/16 Update Adds Six New Pieces</h2>
<p>On 6/16/16, six new pieces and a video make their debut in the fan funded <em>Archive of Future Ancient Recordings</em>, which gives supporters access to Ancient Future recordings as they are created. There are four new tracks, two of which feature two compositions, the first serving as an introduction to the second. There are now 13 tracks totaling 86 minutes and 51 seconds of music in the archive. Two of the new tracks are live versions of pieces originally recorded during Ancient Future's major label days, and two are brand new studio tracks, including Ancient Future's first ever cover of a popular song, a world fusion version of Jimi Hendrix's <em>Purple Haze</em> showcasing Bui Huu Nhut on Vietnamese <em>dan bau</em>, a one string instrument with a whammy bar! The piece also features Uzbeki percussion master Abbos Kosimov, who performs frequently with tabla phenom Zakir Hussain, and it is the very first studio recording featuring Matthew Montfort on his Godin Glissentar fretless guitar.</p>
<p><strong><em>Tres Tarantas Tres</em></strong> (Montfort. 4:32). Based on the flamenco form Tarantas, but with a rhythmic structure of three groups of three, this piece also makes a foray into impressionism ala Eric Satie. Lineup: Matthew Montfort (flamenco guitar).</p>
<p><strong><em>Gamarock</em></strong> (Montfort. 12:10). Recorded live 4/29/15, this piece from <em>Dreamchaser</em> fuses Balinese gamelan with rock and roll. Lineup: Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitars), Vishal Nagar (tabla), Jason Everett (7 string fretless bass).</p>
<p><strong><em>Prelude/Bookenka</em></strong> (Montfort/Doug McKeehan 6:50). Recorded 10/16/13 at the <em>World Without Walls</em> Reunion Concert at the Freight & Salvage. Lineup: Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Doug McKeehan (piano), Kash Killion (bass), Ian Dogole (percussion), Mariah Parker (santur), Jim Hurley (violin).</p>
<p><strong><em>Purple Nam/Purple Haze</em></strong> (Montfort/Jimi Hendrix. 4:44). A Vietnamese version of Montfort's <em>Purple Raga</em> sets up an adventurous excursion into Hendrix's classic rock piece with Vietnamese dan bau instead of electric guitar. Lineup: Bui Huu Nhut (dan bau), Matthew Montfort (Godin Glissentar fretless 11 string guitar, fretless bass), Abbos Kosimov (Uzbeki percussion), Mariah Parker (keys).</p>
<h2>The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.)</h2>
<p><a href="images/30CDafar1500sq.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/30CDcover.jpg" alt="30th Anniversary CD Mystery Cover" height="111" hspace="0" border="1" vspace="0" width="113"/><br/></a></p>
<p>Ancient Future performed its first concert on February 11, 1979, at the Sleeping Lady Cafe in Fairfax, California. Since then, the band has gone on to perform hundreds of concerts nationally and internationally and release seven full length recordings and an HD video that have established Ancient Future as the trendsetting pioneers of world fusion music, a term coined by Ancient Future bandleader Matthew Montfort at the group's inception for music that combines ideas from many of the world's great musical traditions.</p>
<p>During Ancient Future's 30th anniversary year, a new Ancient Future band project was conceived: the <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/afar.html" target="_blank"><em>Archive of Future Ancient Recordings</em></a> <em>(A.F.A.R.)</em>. The concept of the <em>Archive of Future Ancient Recordings</em> 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.</p>
<p>To finance <em>A.F.A.R.,</em> Ancient-Future.Com Records has been quietly providing financial supporters access to select files from Ancient Future's archives of alternate takes, live concerts and radio performances along with new studio recordings as they are created. To date, 18% of the fundraising goal has been raised at concerts, on <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/afar.html" target="_blank">Ancient-Future.Com</a>, and through the <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/news.html#times" target="_blank">Ancient Future Times</a>, the band's email newsletter. The full archive of recordings is available during the project exclusively to supporters, and when the archive is complete, a portion of the recordings will be selected for commercial release on Ancient-Future.Com Records.</p>
<p>There are four supporter thank-you packages available ranging from $15 to $75, and while donations to the <em>A.F.A.R.</em> project are not currently tax deductible, donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use! There are a range of benefits for the various packages, including the <em>A.F.A.R</em>. email newsletter (which provides a window on the recording process as it develops), immediate access to downloads of the recordings placed in the archives, digital liner notes, limited edition CD-R's of the archives when complete with printed liner notes signed by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort, video and 24 bit audio files for hi-res playback on computers, and a 30% discount on the advance copies of the final commercial release. Detailed information on the various supporter packages and the benefits included can be found at <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/afar.html" target="_blank">www.ancient-future.com/afar.html</a>.</p>
<h2>Live Video of New A.F.A.R. Track</h2>
<p><a href="http://ethnocloud.com/Ancient_Future/?y_video=2024&b=942" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.ancient-future.com/images/afwwwreunionfreightyoutube.jpg" alt="Prelude and Bookenka on Ethnocloud" height="239" border="1" width="396"/></a></p>
<p>A live medley of <em>Prelude</em> and <em>Bookenka (The Adventurer)</em>, which was originally recorded on Ancient Future's <em><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/asian.html" target="_blank">Asian Fusion</a></em> release,has been added to the <em><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/afar.html" target="_blank">Archive of Future Ancient Recordings</a></em>. Fans can check it out on <a href="http://ethnocloud.com/Ancient_Future/?y_video=2024&b=942" target="_blank">Ethnocloud</a> at 720p now, and then get it in full resolution beautifully shot HD 1080p video and rich 96-kHz/24-bit audio as a thank-you for becoming a hi-res supporter of <em>A.F.A.R.!</em></p>
<p></p>
Ancient Future 'World Without Walls' Reunion Video Release and ConcertWindow.Com Webshow 10/16/13
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-09-23:2227378:BlogPost:397882
2013-09-23T18:30:00.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h2>Ancient Future Concert to Stream on ConcertWindow.com</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/10_16_13_freight.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="Freight Poster PDF" border="1" height="198" src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198_10_16__13poster.jpg" width="153"></img></a></p>
<h2>'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert Streams Live October 16 at 8 PM PDT</h2>
<p>In a first for Ancient Future, their upcoming 'World Without Walls' reunion concert at the Freight & Salvage will be available for viewing anywhere in the world as a live stream. This is a very rare chance for Ancient Future fans worldwide to…</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Concert to Stream on ConcertWindow.com</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/10_16_13_freight.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198_10_16__13poster.jpg" alt="Freight Poster PDF" width="153" height="198" border="1"/></a></p>
<h2>'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert Streams Live October 16 at 8 PM PDT</h2>
<p>In a first for Ancient Future, their upcoming 'World Without Walls' reunion concert at the Freight & Salvage will be available for viewing anywhere in the world as a live stream. This is a very rare chance for Ancient Future fans worldwide to view a live concert of the exact <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/worldjazz.html">lineup</a> of the pioneering world music group that performed on Ancient Future's influential <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> and <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/asian.html"><em>Asian Fusion</em></a> recordings. They will perform their fourth reunion concert after a 15 year hiatus on Wednesday, October 16, at 8 PM at the <a href="http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco" target="_blank">Freight and Salvage</a>, located at 2020 Addison Street in Berkeley.</p>
<p>Online tickets are available now for $5 at <a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future" target="_blank">concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future</a>. The webshow will not be archived – it's offered only in real time starting at 8 PM Pacific Daylight Time on October 16. It is recommended to purchase a ticket in advance to sign up for an email reminder to tune in for the show at the correct time. <a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future" target="_blank">ConcertWindow.com</a> includes a show time count-down clock, or a site such as <a href="http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc" target="_blank">timezoneconverter.com</a> can be used to calculate the local time the concert will begin streaming. For example, for music fans in Mumbai, India, the concert stream will begin at 8:30 AM on October 17.</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 8 PM PDT<br/> Streaming Live at <a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future" target="_blank">ConcertWindow.com</a><br/> <a href="http://www.freightandsalvage.org/ancient-future" target="_blank">Freight and Salvage</a></strong><a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future" target="_blank"><strong><br/></strong></a> 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704<br/> Tix: $18.50 in advance, $20.50 at the door, or $5 for live stream at <a href="http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future" target="_blank"><strong>concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future</strong></a>.<br/> Info: Call 510-644-2020 or email <a href="mailto:info@freightandsalvage.org" target="_blank">info@freightandsalvage.org</a><br/> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/162116950652225" target="_blank">Facebook Event</a>.</p>
<h2>'World Without Walls' Reunion Video of 'Indra's Net' Released in Celebration</h2>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/fCVQZLBS43c" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/14stepsyoutube.jpg" alt="Indra's Net youtube video" width="396" height="239" border="1"/></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><br/></a> Live Medley of 'Alap' and 'Indra's Net' Recorded at Yoshi's, San Francisco, 6/7/11</p>
<p>To celebrate Ancient Future's first worldwide live streaming video concert, a live video recording of a medley of Matthew Montfort's 'Alap' and Jim Hurley's 'Indra's Net' composition is being released, available for viewing at <a href="http://youtu.be/fCVQZLBS43c" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/fCVQZLBS43c</a>. Inspired by Hindu mythology, 'Indra's Net' was used as a soundtrack for a United Nations documentary film, <span class="CDbooktitle">Closing the Curtains of Death</span>, about drift net fishing. This version was recorded at Yoshi's San Francisco on June 7, 2011, the day of their first performance together in 15 years. The video features Doug McKeehan on piano, Kash Killion on bass, Ian Dogole on percussion, Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, Mariah Parker on santur, Jim Hurley on violin, and Patti Weiss on violin. 'Indra's Net' is the third video to be released from the reunion concert, joining '14 Steps' by Matthew Montfort (<a href="http://youtu.be/Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/Ro0VAo7a9BY</a>) and 'Turkish Taffy' by Doug McKeehan (<a href="http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo</a>).</p>
<h2>'World Without Walls' by Ancient Future on Capitol Records</h2>
<p><a href="images/world1500sq.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/worldmed.jpg" alt="World Without Walls CD Cover Art" width="241" height="239" border="1"/></a><br/> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/world1500sq.jpg" target="_blank">Hi-Res Square Cover Art</a> (3 MB)</p>
<h3>Featuring Tabla Master Zakir Hussain</h3>
<p>(Sona Gaia/MCA 163): CD - $24.98 (collectable signed copy): <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=OINF&Store_Code=AWMC&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=WWCD&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1">Buy Link</a>. <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=317461&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">>audio</a>.<br/> Press Audio Downloads: <em>Lakshmi Rocks Me</em> (Jim Hurley) <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/audio/lakshmi.mp3">MP3</a> (excerpt, 976k). <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=317462&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">>audio</a>.<br/> <em>14 Steps</em> (Matthew Montfort) <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/audio/14steps.mp3">MP3</a> (excerpt, 1 MB). <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=317465&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">>audio</a>.</p>
<p>As its name suggests, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> depicts a musical world without borders. Originally released in 1990, it features performances by such world music luminaries as Zakir Hussain, the master of the North Indian tabla. <em>World Without Walls</em> was reissued digitally by Capitol Records in 2011 to honor Ancient Future's reunion concerts. In 2012, broadcasters worldwide voted the reissue as one of the top 5 world music releases of the year, 22 years after its initial release. The inviting melodies and ingenious use of ethnic textures make this recording one of Ancient Future's most accessible and broadly appealing releases ever.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/Zakir150x225.jpg" alt="Tabla master Zakir Hussain" width="150" height="225"/><br/> Tabla master Zakir Hussain</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Band Biography</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture303x200sep.jpg" alt="Ancient Future Photo Circa 1990 by Irene Young (Links to 864 x 570 Screen Version)" width="303" height="200" border="1"/></a><br/> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank">Sepia photo for print</a> (14.7" x 9.7" sepia jpg, 7.2 MB). Ancient Future circa 1990. Photo by Irene Young. Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), Ian Dogole (percussion).</p>
<p>BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for contributing to the emerging movement known as <dfn>world fusion music</dfn>, a term Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort coined at the band’s inception for music that blends musical ideas from many different cultures. Formed in 1978, Ancient Future is the world's first and longest running ensemble dedicated exclusively to the mission of the creation of world fusion music. Their original music is an exhilarating fusion of exciting rhythms and sounds from around the globe that combines contemporary jazz and rock with the irresistible rhythms of African, Balinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and South American percussion, the rich harmonies of Europe, and the beautiful melodies of Asia.</p>
<p>In the years since the initial CD release of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a>, Ancient Future has expanded from its core lineup through collaborations with noted masters of various world music traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large chamber ensemble of more than thirty performers from around the world with over a dozen smaller ensembles within it, enabling Ancient Future to realize its core mission of creating world fusion music.</p>
<h2>Quotes</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/mediaworldwithoutwalls.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198mediaworldwithout.jpg" alt="Asian Fusion Media Report" width="153" height="198" border="1"/><br/></a> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/mediaworldwithoutwalls.pdf" target="_blank">World Without Walls Media Report</a> (13.9 MB)</p>
<p>Below are just a few of the rave reviews for the reissue of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a>:</p>
<p><em>"Bloody hell, get me some Alzheimer's drugs, will you? Ancient Future was on Narada's Sona Gaia subsidiary with a world beat album that was ahead of it's time and they were hanging out with Zappa's world beat buddies and I don't remember any of it? Each track has a different taste and a different texture making this a world beat travelogue that gleefully genre bends whatever the crew felt like with a merger of hillbilly and Indian music, the sound of an African traffic jam and more stuff that tastes good without the over riding vibe of being good for you. And it's not empty calories either. No wonder the group labored so long and so hard to get Capitol to reissue this, it's time. More bloody hell, new copies of this are going for over $200 on Amazon! How did I miss this? This is the world beat/jazz/pop album for people that shy away from things called world beat and jazz. Fun stuff throughout that still sounds fresh and in the moment today."</em> - Chris Spector, MIDWEST RECORD (July 2011)</p>
<p><em>"21 years after the release of the already classic 'World Without Walls,' the original lineup of 'Ancient Future' reunited in a series of shows at Yoshi's in SF. On this occasion Capitol/EMI Records launched the first digital version of this influential album that marked not just the career of the band and its members but represents a reference of the World Music phenomenon. The original album released in 1990 features 10 songs that mix Oriental, Celtic and African inspired rhythms with modern jazzy beats, and subdued lyricism with melodic creativity. As the title of the album suggests there's no walls between musical influences but we can say that there's no wall between these virtuoso performers, whose joyful interplay delights the listener with a fusion of exotic and western harmonies that sound like chamber music. The three composers of the album (Jim Hurley on violin, Matthew Montfort guitars, Doug McKeehan piano, synthesizers) looked for inspiration to ancient lands of musical tradition, bringing the African, Balinese, Chinese, Indian, Middle eastern sounds into a modern setting that preserves their original savor. It is a surprising and enchanting synthesis of classical, modern and exotic crafted with the art of a jeweler. Talking drum, bells, chimes, dumbek, udu, bass drums, sleigh bells and tabla (played by Zakir Hussain on 3 songs) keep the rhythm alive and fresh, while organically blending into the compositions. An album that is also inviting to listen more from what this legendary band has produced over the years."</em> - Stephen Bocioaca, WORLD JAZZ NEWS (July 2011)</p>
<p><em>"Ancient Future is a well known group inside the interesting world of the World Fusion Music (or World Music with fusions of many other styles). It is a group with a perfect fit of traditional instruments (flutes, percussion of different parts of the world, violin, etc) with others more associated with rock (bass and electric guitar, synthesizers...) and is made up of musicians who are capable of playing them all, which opens up many possibilities. The band was originally formed in 1978, with what at present is one of the most long-lived formations that has been dedicated exclusively to World Music, a genre (or perhaps an assembly of genres) that is very common at present, but that was not the case at end of the 70's. Ever since their beginnings they have mixed diverse forms of music, originating from Africa, Bali, the India, the Near East, South America, Europe and Asia in general. 'World Without Walls' was originally released in 1990, but is now being re-issued, principally for Internet distribution. The 10 themes they composed gravitate between African and Asian ethnic rhythms and melodies adorned with a lot of Hindu sounds and wrapped, as is the usual custom in Ancient Future, with sounds of multiple instruments that move the disk towards rock or jazz in certain moments (such as guitars, piano and synthesizers). The Hindu influence is especially present due to the contribution of Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain. Hussain is a musician of great prestige inside the musical circle of the members of Ancient Future, so his percussive embellishments fit perfectly with World Without Walls. Zakir Hussain participates in the pieces entitled 'Lakshmi Rocks Me,' '14 Steps,' and 'Gopi Song.' 'World Without Walls' has a very appropriate title. Music is, without doubt, an authentic universal language and Ancient Future shows it, by mixing in such a stunning manner so many styles that appear antagonistic, that nevertheless, they insert perfectly upon filtration through the group's sieve ."</em> - Jorge Sergio Iglesias, Articmist.org, (Aug 2011)</p>
<p><em>"Sona Gaia and Narada were two of the more interesting World/New Age labels to erupt as the arts scene began diversifying with a seriousness that arose following the collapse of the 60s/70s ethos. Narada was a sketchy proposition at times, tending to the New Agier side of the house, whereas Sona always held a more serious attitude, and one of their best releases—this one, Ancient Future's World Without Walls—was never quite critiqued or marketed as it should have been: as a set of works in the tradition of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Between, Shakti, and other adventurous bands with almost inhuman chops. After all, the entire World gig pretty much rooted in the inestimably superlative Oregon, an ensemble that was and still is eons ahead of its time, talented beyond compare. Thus, those who came after should have been of-a-kind and acclaimed as such, right? Ah, but then the micky-marketeers entered, and what should've been a quantum leap became, well, Private Music, Steven Halpern, and Georgia Kelley, alas… although, in Shadowfax and others, the path was never quite erased. Well, now that everyone has sobered up and finds him- and herself able to ponder backwards, a few gems are being rescued. This re-release very much demonstrates that we missed quite a bit, even though Matthew Montfort continued his musical evolution and the band itself realigned for a dazzling concert last June (go to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY&feature=c4-overview&list=UUk4FP-UPCMr_yS1d-6DmNfQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/ancientfuture</a> and click on 14 Steps for a marvelous example). Along with Montfort came Ian Dogole, Doug McKeehan, and Jim Hurley, masters of their instruments, and the quartet played and still plays as though it were twice that size, complicated narrative and rhythms filling each track. 'World Without Walls' is drenched with the most enticing and hypnotic of essences, a record that, despite the passage of 21 years since its debut, cannot age, a document upholding a spirit of creativity ahead of its time hundreds of years ago and remaining so in the hands of masters such as these. Thank goodness some things never change."</em> - Mark S. Tucker, FOLK & ACOUSTIC MUSIC EXCHANGE (Sept 2011)</p>
<p><em>"When one listens to the melodies and musical textures of the fifth release 'World Without Walls' by the group Ancient Future, words like exotic, elegant and sublime immediately come to mind. Check out the group on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/ancientfuture" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and see if you are not drawn into their hypnotic enchantment. Ancient Future offers a musical vision of a 'world without walls' which is both appealing and accessible to the average listener and is highly recommended for anyone wishing to explore the amazing genre of World music."</em> - Jack Montgomery, Amplifier, BOWLING GREEN DAILY NEWS (Sept 2011)</p>
<p><em>"It's hard to remember — with the plethora of World Fusion albums currently available — a time when this sort of music was the new kid on the block. This classic album by Ancient Future was a breath of fresh air at the time of its release in 1990. With inspired skill and a great respect for the other cultures from which they took much of their inspiration, the band blended western music with that of pretty much every other continent, weaving magic with their melodies and rhythms. And you know what? 'World Without Walls' sounds as fresh and invigorating today as it did all those years ago upon its initial release. There's not a single bad moment on the album."</em> - Charles de Lint, SleepingHedgehog.com (Nov 2011)</p>
<p><em>"Not insipid easy-listening 'World Music', 'World Without Walls' is a remastered re-release of their 1990 classic, and doesn't sound dated at all. 'World Without Walls' is a fusion of musical stylings, scales and rhythms from around the world. The main influences I hear are Middle Eastern, Indian and South American, though there's also Jamaican 'Island Music' sounds, Balinese and probably dozens of other influences too subtle for me to notice. The instruments run the gamut of acoustic instruments like violins, piano, tuned percussion instruments and tablas (by renowned master Zakir Hussain) and also electric guitar synths and synthesizers. Leader Matthew Montfort plays (along with other guitars) a unique scalloped-fretboard acoustic guitar which allows for subtle pitch-bending and timbre-modulation effects. A careful listen will reveal that this is way beyond the usual health-food store 'World Music' offerings and is instead a high-energy, very experimental fusion of styles from around the world. Highly recommended."</em> - Fred Trafton, GILBRALTAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK (Nov 2011)</p>
End of the Beginning of the Ancient Future Celebration Sale
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2012-11-24:2227378:BlogPost:356497
2012-11-24T07:05:38.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h2>End of the Beginning of the Ancient Future</h2>
<p><img alt="World Without Walls CD Cover Art" border="1" height="239" src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/worldmed.jpg" width="241"></img></p>
<p><i><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/world-without-walls/id438014498?uo=4" target="_blank"><img alt="World Without Walls" border="0" height="15" src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" width="61"></img></a></i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html" target="_blank" title="World Without Walls by Ancient Future"><strong><em>World Without Walls</em></strong></a> <strong>by Ancient Future.</strong> (Capitol/Sona Gaia 163). Reconditioned CD- $24.98.…</p>
<h2>End of the Beginning of the Ancient Future</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/worldmed.jpg" alt="World Without Walls CD Cover Art" width="241" height="239" border="1"/></p>
<p><i><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/world-without-walls/id438014498?uo=4" target="_blank"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" alt="World Without Walls" width="61" height="15" border="0"/></a></i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html" title="World Without Walls by Ancient Future" target="_blank"><strong><em>World Without Walls</em></strong></a> <strong>by Ancient Future.</strong> (Capitol/Sona Gaia 163). Reconditioned CD- $24.98. <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=317461&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">audio</a>.</p>
<p><b>End of the Beginning</b> (Matthew Montfort. 5:15). <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=3084407&skin=329644" title="Listen through the World Fusionator" target="_blank">audio</a>.</p>
<h3><em>Celebrate the End of the Mayan 'Time of No-Time' with the Music of Ancient Future!</em></h3>
<p>There's been much ado concerning the end of the current 5125 year cycle of the Mayan Long Count calendar on December 21, 2012. Legend has it that the first of seven Mayan prophecies refers to the last 20 years of this cycle (1992-2012) as the 'The Time of No-Time.' But far from being the end of the world, evidently the end of the 'Time of No-Time' is party time! According to USA TODAY, Sandra Noble of the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies says, <em>"For the ancient Maya, it was a huge celebration to make it to the end of a whole cycle."</em> What more appropriate way to celebrate and shape the new era to follow than with the music of Ancient Future?</p>
<p>With that in mind, Ancient Future announces the 'End of the Beginning.' Says Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort, <em>"When I composed 'End of the Beginning' for Ancient Future's 'World Without Walls' release back in 1990, I was thinking of the environmental damage that humans were causing to the planet. The phrase 'beginning of the end' came to mind. But I felt that we needed a reset: an end to a beginning where the environment was thought to be something to be exploited rather than the giver of all life that must be protected. So I wrote this piece to capture a feeling of something ending to create hope for a new beginning. Two decades later, global warming is definitely real, here now, and caused by man. We have come to the moment where we really must choose new ways instead of living in denial. December 21, 2012, should be a festive time to make a New Era's resolution to come up with solutions to our environmental challenges."</em></p>
<p>To celebrate the composition's coming of age as a perfect fit for the end of this era, from now through December 21, 2012, a complimentary media promo copy of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html" title="World Without Walls by Ancient Future" target="_blank"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> by Ancient Future with special guest tabla master Zakir Hussain will be sent to anyone who spends $51.25 or more on music from the <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/catalog.html" title="Ancient Future Catalog" target="_blank">Ancient-Future.Com</a>store.</p>
<p>As its name suggests, <em>World Without Walls</em> by <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/bandcatalog.html" title="Records by the Band Ancient Future" target="_blank">Ancient Future</a> depicts a musical world without borders. This 1990 recording features Ancient Future members Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Ian Dogole (percussion), plus special guest performances by world music legend and tabla master Zakir Hussain. The inviting melodies and ingenious use of ethnic textures make <em>World Without Walls</em>one of Ancient Future's most accessible and broadly appealing releases ever.</p>
<p>Long out of print, by 2011<em>World Without Walls</em> had become a collector's item, with a rare unopened original CD copy going for over $200 on Amazon.com. Then, on June 7, 2011, the exact lineup of Ancient Future that performed on <em>World Without Walls</em> reunited to perform for the first time in over 15 years at Yoshi's San Francisco. To celebrate the reunion, and capitalize on pent up demand, Capitol Records released the first ever digital download version of <em>World Without Walls</em> on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/world-without-walls/id438014498?uo=4" title="Ancient Future on iTunes" target="_blank">iTunes</a> and all major digital retailers. The reissue debuted at #39 on the October 2011 ZMR Airplay Chart, which covers many different radio genres, from Ambient to Folk, Jazz, and World, and at #34 on the CMJ New World Chart in November 2011. In 2012, <em>World Without Walls</em> was nominated by broadcasters worldwide as ZoneMusicReporter's top 5 <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_best_world_music_CD_2011.html" title="ZMR Best of 2011 Nominations" target="_blank">Best World Albums</a>of 2011.</p>
<p>For those who prefer CDs (the audio quality is much better!), a limited number of rare collectible original 1990 edition copies reconditioned and signed by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort are on sale exclusively at Ancient-Future.Com. So while there are no new CD copies in stores, Ancient Future does have a stash of media promo copies left over from the promotion campaign. This sale is a once-in-an-era chance to get ahold of a new CD copy of this rare release free with a music purchase of $51.25 or more at Ancient-Future.Com.</p>
<p>Plus, the four latest releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records are on sale for only $11 each with any other purchase at Ancient-Future.Com. Just purchase any <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/books.html" title="World Music Books from Ancient Future" target="_blank">book</a>, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/records.html" title="Recordings Featuring Members of Ancient Future" target="_blank">CD</a>, or make a donation to support the <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/30CD.html" title="Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Fan Funded Ancient Future Recording Project" target="_blank">Archive of Future Ancient Recordings</a>(the fan funded project to produce the eighth Ancient Future release), and have the option of purchasing any of the CDs below for only $11!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/planetpassion.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/planetpassionsm.jpg" alt="Planet Passion CD Cover" width="126" height="111" vspace="2" border="1"/><br/></a><i><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=303941766&id=303941765&s=143441&uo=6%22%3E%3Cimg%20height=%2215%22%20width=%2261%22%20alt=%22Ancient%20Future%20-%20Planet%20Passion%20(Remastered)%22" target="_blank"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" alt="Planet Passion" width="61" height="15" border="0"/></a></i></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/planetpassion.html" target="_blank"><strong>Planet Passion</strong></a></em> <strong>by Ancient Future</strong> (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2010). Digipak CD - $17.98 (End of the Beginning Sale: $11 with any other purchase). <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=2042139&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">audio</a>.</p>
<p><em>"If the members of the United Nations formed a world-fusion band, it might look and sound a little something like Ancient Future. Planet Passion strives to preserve the world’s vast musical heritage via international collaboration: the idea that one protects the old by creating something new. This is at the heart of fusion music and the heart of Ancient Future’s global aesthetics, too: a diverse, unified world without borders, a multicultural community, a new, reconstituted sonic reality."</em>- LEO WEEKLY</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/sympathetic.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/sympatheticseredade111sq.jpg" alt="Sympathetic Serenade Cover Art" width="111" height="111" border="1"/></a><br/><b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sympathetic-serenade-for-scalloped/id522143597?uo=4" target="_blank"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" alt="Matthew Montfort - Sympathetic Serenade" width="61" height="15" vspace="2" border="0"/></a></b></p>
<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/sympathetic.html" title="Sympathetic Serenade" target="_blank">Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</a></strong></em> <strong>by Matthew Montfort.</strong> (Ancient-Future.Com EP AF-2012). EP CD-R $12.98 (End of the Beginning Sale: $11 with any other purchase). <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=8283739&skin=329644" title="Listen through the World Fusionator" target="_blank">audio</a>(Excerpt)</p>
<p>In response to the release of this new EP, <a href="http://www.matthewmontfort.com" title="Official Matthew Montfort Website" target="_blank">Matthew Montfort</a> was honored as one of the world's <a href="pr_top100guitarists.html" title="Matthew Montfort in 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists" target="_blank">100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists</a>.</p>
<p><em>"Anyone whose ever been taken with the inventions of Fahey, Basho, etc. when they wander off the beaten, song structured path will enjoy this instrumental, raga flavored diversion. A fine work that extends the guitar vocabulary."</em>- MIDWEST RECORD</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/serenadesm.jpg" alt="Seven Serenades CD Cover" width="126" height="111" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="1"/></a></strong><a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=824094" target="_blank"><br/><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" alt="Matthew Montfort" width="61" height="15" vspace="2" border="0" align="top"/></a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html" title="Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort" target="_blank"><em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em></a> by Matthew Montfort.</strong> (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008). Digipak CD - $17.98 (End of the Beginning Sale: $11 with any other purchase). <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=1854087&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">audio.</a></p>
<p><em>"This unusual guitar album brings together world instruments to complement the scalloped fretboard guitar. I must admit that sometimes ragas played by guitar players seem to wander on forever, changing a note here and there and weaving a kind of slow, hypnotic journey. However, this guitar work is stunning, intricate and wonderfully melodic. If you are looking for good listening and something different for your CD shelf, this is it."</em>- VICTORY REVIEW ACOUSTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/sangria.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/sangria_cvrsm.jpg" alt="Sangria CD Cover" width="126" height="111" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="1"/></a><br/><a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=287236558&id=287236547&s=143441" target="_blank"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" alt="Mariah Parker - Sangria" width="61" height="15" vspace="2" border="0"/></a></b></p>
<p><b><em><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/sangria.html" title="Sangria by Mariah Parker" target="_blank">Sangria</a></em> by Mariah Parker</b> (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2017). Digipak CD - $17.98 (End of the Beginning Sale: $11 with any other purchase). <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=1694401&skin=974763" title="Listen through the World Fusionator" target="_blank">audio</a>.</p>
<p><em>"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. 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."</em>- LATIN BEAT MAGAZINE</p>
<h2>'World Without Walls' Reunion Concerts</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/14stepsyoutube.jpg" alt="14 Steps youtube video" width="396" height="239" border="1"/></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><br/></a>Ancient Future's 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert at Yoshi's SF, 6/7/11<br/><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" title="Ancient Future World Without Walls Reunion on YouTube" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY</a></p>
<p>On June 7, 2011, the exact <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/worldjazz.html">lineup</a> of Ancient Future that performed on the band's influential <em>World Without Walls</em>recording reunited to perform for the first time in over 15 years at Yoshi's San Francisco and other venues. Since then, the band has been invited to perform at festivals from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Bangalore, India.</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Band Biography</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture303x200sep.jpg" alt="Ancient Future Photo Circa 1990 by Irene Young (Links to 864 x 570 Screen Version)" width="303" height="200" border="1"/></a><br/> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" title="Photo of Ancient Future" target="_blank">Sepia photo for print</a>(14.7" x 9.7" sepia jpg, 7.2 MB). Ancient Future circa 1990. Photo by Irene Young. Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), Ian Dogole (percussion).</p>
<p>BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for contributing to the emerging movement known as <dfn>world fusion music</dfn>, a term Ancient Future leader <a href="http://www.matthewmontfort.com" title="MatthewMontfort.Com" target="_blank">Matthew Montfort</a>coined at the band’s inception for music that blends musical ideas from many different cultures. Formed in 1978, Ancient Future is the world's first and longest running ensemble dedicated exclusively to the mission of the creation of world fusion music. Their original music is an exhilarating fusion of exciting rhythms and sounds from around the globe that combines contemporary jazz and rock with the irresistible rhythms of African, Balinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and South American percussion, the rich harmonies of Europe, and the beautiful melodies of Asia.</p>
<p>In the years since the initial CD release of <em>World Without Walls</em>, Ancient Future has expanded from its core lineup through collaborations with noted masters of various world music traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large chamber ensemble of more than thirty performers from around the world with over a dozen smaller ensembles within it, enabling Ancient Future to realize its core mission of creating world fusion music.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/Zakir150x225.jpg" alt="Tabla master Zakir Hussain" width="150" height="225"/><br/>Tabla master Zakir Hussain</p>
<h2>Quotes</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/world1500sq.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/worldsm.gif" alt="World Without Walls CD Cover Art" width="113" height="111" border="1"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/world1500sq.jpg" title="World Without Walls Cover Art" target="_blank">Hi-Res Square Cover Art</a>(3 MB)</p>
<p><em>"What's an album like World Without Walls doing in the GEPR (Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock)? 'That's not prog!' I hear you say. Well, in my view it's definitely progressive, in the true sense of the word, rather than the 'sounds like Yes, Genesis or King Crimson' sense. Ancient Future coined the phrase 'World Fusion' to describe their music. World Without Walls is a remastered re-release of their 1990 classic, and doesn't sound dated at all. World Without Walls is a fusion of musical stylings, scales and rhythms from around the world. A careful listen will reveal that this is way beyond the usual health-food store 'World Music' offerings and is instead a high-energy, very experimental fusion of styles from around the world. Highly recommended."</em>- GIBRALTAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK</p>
<p><em>"It's hard to remember — with the plethora of World Fusion albums currently available — a time when this sort of music was the new kid on the block. It showed up when much of the music on the radio was pretty much disposable (something that, unfortunately, hasn't changed so much), when the new jazz at the time was still inspired by polyrhythms rather than melody, and the alt music scene was . . . well, kind of grungy. This classic album by Ancient Future was a breath of fresh air at the time of its release in 1990. With inspired skill and a great respect for the other cultures from which they took much of their inspiration, the band blended western music with that of pretty much every other continent, weaving magic with their melodies and rhythms. And you know what? World Without Walls sounds as fresh and invigorating today as it did all those years ago upon its initial release. There's not a single bad moment on the album."</em>- SleepingHedgehog.com</p>
<p><em>"When one listens to the melodies and musical textures of the fifth release 'World Without Walls' by the group Ancient Future, words like exotic, elegant and sublime immediately come to mind. World-class musicians including award-winning guitarist, Matthew Montfort, composer/violinist Jim Hurley and Zakir Hussain, master of the North Indian Tabla have blended these various musical styles and phrasings into a musical fusion that honors and yet transcends the cultural and political boundaries. Check out the group on YouTube and see if you are not drawn into their hypnotic enchantment."</em>- BOWLING GREEN DAILY NEWS</p>
<p><em>"Ancient Future was all about 'world fusion' before world music was even a genre. Violinist Jim Hurley came on board for this long-out-of-print 1990 outing, joining the core group of guitarist Matthew Montfort, keyboardist Doug McKeehan and percussionist Ian Dogole and remaining as a member for the rest of the group's seven studio albums. Tabla player extraordinaire Zakir Hussain was recruited for three songs. Other highlights are 'Lakshmi Rocks Me,' a tribute to south Indian violinist L. Shankar; 'End of the Beginning,' a mashup of ancient Celtic and Indian influences; 'Turkish Taffy,' boasting a triple-lead attack comprising guitar, piano and acoustic violin; 'Indra's Net,' inspired by Hindu mythology and featured in the soundtrack for the drift-net fishing documentary 'Closing the Curtains of Death'; and 'Gopi Song,' a tip of the hat to Pandit Ram, master of a north Indian bowed string instrument called the sarangi."</em>- GOOD NEW MUSIC</p>
<p><em>"Bloody hell, get me some Alzheimer's drugs, will you? Ancient Future was on Narada's Sona Gaia subsidiary with a world beat album that was ahead of it's time and they were hanging out with Zappa's world beat buddies and I don't remember any of it? Each track has a different taste and a different texture making this a world beat travelogue that gleefully genre bends whatever the crew felt like with a merger of hillbilly and Indian music, the sound of an African traffic jam and more stuff that tastes good without the over riding vibe of being good for you. And it's not empty calories either. No wonder the group labored so long and so hard to get Capitol to reissue this, it's time. More bloody hell, new copies of this are going for over $200 on Amazon! How did I miss this? This is the world beat/jazz/pop album for people that shy away from things called world beat and jazz. Fun stuff throughout that still sounds fresh and in the moment today."</em>- MIDWEST RECORD</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/mediaworldwithoutwalls.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198mediaworldwithoutwalls.jpg" alt="World Without Walls Media Report" width="153" height="198" border="1" longdesc="http://ancient-future.com/images/153x198mediaworldwithoutwalls.jpg"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/mediaworldwithoutwalls.pdf" title="World Without Walls Media Report" target="_blank">MediaWorldWithoutWalls.pdf<br/></a>(7.9 MB Media Report)</p>
Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort Added to DigitalDreamDoor.com List of 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2012-09-03:2227378:BlogPost:349989
2012-09-03T20:37:07.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h2>Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort Makes 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists List</h2>
<p><img alt="Photo of Matthew Montfort" border="1" height="360" src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt12k.jpg" width="232"></img></p>
<h2>DigitalDreamDoor.com's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_jazz/best_acousticddd.html" target="_blank" title="DigitalDreamDoor.com 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists">DigitalDreamDoor.com</a> is a website featuring Greatest 100 Music, Movie, and Book lists. On August 12, 2012, scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer…</p>
<h2>Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort Makes 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists List</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt12k.jpg" alt="Photo of Matthew Montfort" width="232" height="360" border="1"/></p>
<h2>DigitalDreamDoor.com's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_jazz/best_acousticddd.html" title="DigitalDreamDoor.com 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists" target="_blank">DigitalDreamDoor.com</a> is a website featuring Greatest 100 Music, Movie, and Book lists. On August 12, 2012, scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort was added to their 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists list. Inclusion on the list is based on originality, innovation, technique, and influence on other acoustic guitarists. The list is intended for musicians whose primary instrument is the acoustic guitar, but not including the pioneers of jazz, classical, or flamenco, as DigitalDreamDoor.com maintains separate lists for those genres. <a href="http://www.matthewmontfort.com" title="Official Matthew Montfort Website" target="_blank">Matthew Montfort</a> joins luminaries such as Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Chet Atkins, John Fahey, Adrian Legg, Merle Travis, John Renbourn, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Pierre Bensusan, Toni Rice, Alex De Grassi, Stefan Grossman, Artie Traum, Joni Mitchell, and Peppino D'Agostino in receiving this honor.</p>
<h2>Biography</h2>
<p align="justify"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLfKTbpgO1Q" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/freightserenadeyoutube.jpg" alt="Matthew Montfort on Youtube" width="396" height="239" border="1"/></a></p>
<p align="justify"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLfKTbpgO1Q" target="_blank">Video</a> of 'Soul Serenade' from Matthew Montfort's <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html" target="_blank"><em><strong>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</strong></em></a></p>
<p>As leader of the world music group <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/bandmain.html" title="The World Fusion Music Band Ancient Future" target="_blank">Ancient Future</a>, Matthew Montfort has devoted himself to the scalloped fretboard guitar since 1978. 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. He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui. He has performed hundreds of concerts worldwide since 1978, from New York City's Carnegie Recital Hall to the Atlantis nightclub in Beirut, Lebanon. His scalloped fretboard work was featured in 2003 and 2005 at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain, which showcases top guitarists from all over the world. He toured India in 2006 and 2008, performing at the prestigious Festival of India in Mumbai with sitar master Pandit Habib Khan and tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. He has performed live on national shows such as the Echoes Living Room Concerts on PRI, and the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. He holds a B.A. in World Music and Composition and an M.A. in Arts and Media Technology from Antioch University. For his M.A. thesis, Montfort wrote the book <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html" title="Ancient Traditions Book"><em>Ancient Traditions — Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India</em></a>, which has been used by many musicians to improve their rhythm skills. Matthew Montfort teaches all styles of guitar along with music theory and repertoire for all instruments. He offers <a href="http://www.matthewmontfort.com/teaching.html" title="Private Music Lessons with Matthew Montfort" target="_blank">private lessons</a>, music tutorials, and group classes in the San Francisco Bay Area and online via <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/skype.html" title="Skype Lessons with Matthew Montfort" target="_blank">Skype</a>, and is available to teach master classes and workshops worldwide.</p>
<h2>Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/scallopedfretboard216x446.jpg" alt="Photo of Scalloped Fretboard Guitar" width="216" height="446" border="1"/></p>
<p>In late 1978, luthier Ervin Somogyi carved out the wood between the frets of Montfort's Gibson SJ Deluxe so that the pads of his fingers touch only the strings, reducing friction while bending them to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar. While visually subtle, the difference in sound is striking. Montfort had his fretboard <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/guitar/scallop.html" title="The Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Homepage" target="_blank">scalloped</a> in order to play various forms of world music that require intricate note-bending ornaments while still being able to play chords. He uses the South Indian vina method of bending notes: the strings are pulled across the frets in order to raise the pitch.</p>
<h2>Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort (Ancient-Future.Com Records EP AF-2012)</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/sympatheticseredade239sq.jpg" alt="Sympathetic Serenade Cover Art" width="239" height="239" border="1"/></p>
<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/sympathetic.html" title="Sympathetic Serenade">Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</a></strong></em> <strong>by Matthew Montfort.</strong> Ancient-Future.Com EP AF-2012. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sympathetic-serenade-for-scalloped/id522143597?uo=4" title="Sympathetic Serenade by Matthew Montfort on iTunes" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. <a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=8283739&skin=329644" title="Stream Excerpt from Sympathetic Serenade" target="_blank">>audio</a> (Excerpt)</p>
<p>Matthew Montfort was added to the 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists List partly in response to the release of his new EP. When Montfort was working on his 2009 debut solo recording for scalloped fretboard guitar, he recorded a number of spontaneously improvised serenades. Were it not for some serendipitous sequencing coupled with the allure of alliteration, it's likely that 'Sympathetic Serenade' would have been released as the eighth improvisation on what became <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html" title="Seven Serenades"><em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em></a>. Instead, this evocative Spanish serenade/raga hybrid receives a mini EP treatment on Matthew Montfort's <em><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/sympathetic.html" title="Sympathetic Serenade">Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</a></em>. The nearly 11 minute long track is now available as a download complete with nine pages of digital liner notes at digital retailers such as iTunes, and as a signed CD-R exclusively at <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/catalog.html" title="Ancient-Future.Com Records Catalog">Ancient-Future.Com</a>.</p>
<h2>Quotes</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/mattserenade300x200.jpg" alt="Photo of Matthew Montfort" width="300" height="200" border="1"/><br/></p>
<p>"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. Now a pioneering master of world fusion, 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, Dead Kennedy singer turned spoken word artist</p>
<p>"Matthew Montfort is an American Ravi Shankar on guitar." —Pandit Habib Khan, sitarist</p>
<p>"Matthew Montfort's synthesis of styles and sounds isn't superficial — he plucks the essential musicality of several traditions without discounting them. Beautiful world fusion music." — Roger Carlberg, ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN</p>
<p>"The most beautiful, soulful guitar I have ever heard!!"— Chandi Devi, Editor-in-Chief, KARMACAFE.COM</p>
<p>"Master of the scalloped fretboard guitar." — J. Poet, EAST BAY EXPRESS</p>
<p>"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 (host of ECHOES, syndicated on PRI stations)</p>
<p>"Thorough knowledge of Hindustani microtonal ornaments, transferred in ways that create one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in contemporary music. 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</p>
<p>"This guitar work is stunning, intricate and wonderfully melodic." — J.W. McClure, VICTORY MUSIC</p>
<p>"The mind-bending playing abilities of guitar virtuoso, Matthew Montfort, stem from the note-bending capabilities of the scalloped fretboard guitar." — Matthew Forss, INSIDE WORLD MUSIC</p>
<p>"Matthew Montfort conjures lovely Asian zither-like inflections with a scalloped fretboard guitar." — GUITAR PLAYER</p>
Ancient Future Nominated for Two World Music Awards
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2012-03-08:2227378:BlogPost:331787
2012-03-08T09:38:57.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h2>Ancient Future Nominated for Two World Music Awards</h2>
<h3>About.com World Music Trailblazer Award and ZoneMusicReporter World Music Album of the Year</h3>
<h2>Ancient Future Receives About.com Reader's Choice Award Nomination</h2>
<p><a href="http://worldmusic.about.com/b/2012/02/21/2012-about-com-world-music-readers-choice-awards-vote-now.htm" target="_blank"><img alt="Vote for Ancient Future for the About.com World Music Trailblazer Award" border="0" height="109" name="" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/worldmusic/1/0/i/5/-/-/ReadersChoiceBadge125.png" width="125"></img></a></p>
<p>On February 21, 2012, About.com announced that their readers had nominated Ancient Future for an award that…</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Nominated for Two World Music Awards</h2>
<h3>About.com World Music Trailblazer Award and ZoneMusicReporter World Music Album of the Year</h3>
<h2>Ancient Future Receives About.com Reader's Choice Award Nomination</h2>
<p><a href="http://worldmusic.about.com/b/2012/02/21/2012-about-com-world-music-readers-choice-awards-vote-now.htm" target="_blank"><img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/worldmusic/1/0/i/5/-/-/ReadersChoiceBadge125.png" alt="Vote for Ancient Future for the About.com World Music Trailblazer Award" name="" width="125" height="109" border="0"/></a></p>
<p>On February 21, 2012, About.com announced that their readers had nominated Ancient Future for an award that seems tailor-made for the pioneering world fusion music ensemble: the <a href="http://worldmusic.about.com/b/2012/02/21/2012-about-com-world-music-readers-choice-awards-vote-now.htm" title="Vote for Ancient Future for the About.com World Music Trailblazer Award" target="_blank">About.com World Music Trailblazer Award</a>!</p>
<p>To quote About.com, "This award is the second of our two artist's awards, intended for a band or artist who is breaking new territory in the realm of world music. That could mean an artist combining ancient instruments with modern recording techniques, a band who fuses multiple genres of ethnic music into something completely new, a pair of artists who've made a cross-cultural CD together, or any number of other things."</p>
<p>Formed in 1978, Ancient Future is the world's first and longest-running band dedicated to the creation of world fusion music, and as such it has been doing all of these things for over three decades! About.com readers and fans of Ancient Future can vote for the band in the World Music Trailblazer category at:</p>
<p><a href="http://worldmusic.about.com/b/2012/02/21/2012-about-com-world-music-readers-choice-awards-vote-now.htm" title="Vote for Ancient Future on About.com World Music Reader's Choice Awards" target="_blank">http://worldmusic.about.com/b/2012/02/21/2012-about-com-world-music-readers-choice-awards-vote-now.htm</a></p>
<p>Readers can vote once daily in each category. Voting closes March 21.</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Receives Best World Music Album of the Year Nomination</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/worldmed.jpg" alt="World Without Walls CD Cover Art" width="241" height="239" border="0"/></p>
<p>Featured Track: <em><a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=317462&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">Lakshmi Rocks Me</a></em>(streaming audio)</p>
<p>The About.com Reader's Choice Award was Ancient Future's second world music award nomination of the month. On February 12, 2012, ZoneMusicReporter announced that <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> by Ancient Future with special guest Zakir Hussain was nominated by broadcasters worldwide for <a href="http://www.zonemusicreporter.com/admin/nominees.asp" title="ZMR Best of 2011 Nominations" target="_blank">Best World Album</a>of 2011. The record debuted at #39 on the October 2011 ZMR Airplay Chart, which covers many different radio genres, from Ambient to Folk, Jazz, and World, and at #34 on the CMJ New World Chart in November 2011. Final award winners will be announced by ZoneMusicReporter on March 11th, 2012.</p>
<p>On June 7, 2011, the exact <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/worldjazz.html">lineup</a> of Ancient Future that performed on the band's influential <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> recording reunited to perform for the first time in over 15 years at Yoshi's San Francisco and other venues. To celebrate the reunion, Capitol/EMI Records released the first ever digital version of Ancient Future's classic 1990 <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> recording. Downloads are now available at all major digital retailers (<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/world-without-walls/id438014498?uo=4" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, etc.). For those who prefer CDs, a limited number of rare collectible original 1990 edition copies signed by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort are on sale exclusively at <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html" target="_blank">Ancient-Future.Com</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/14stepsyoutube.jpg" alt="14 Steps youtube video" width="396" height="239" border="1"/></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><br/></a><a href="http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo" target="_blank">Youtube Video of 'Turkish Taffy' Recorded at Yoshi's, San Francisco, 6/7/11</a></p>
<h2>Ancient Future Band Biography</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture303x200sep.jpg" alt="Ancient Future Photo Circa 1990 by Irene Young (Links to 864 x 570 Screen Version)" width="303" height="200" border="0"/><br/>Ancient Future circa 1990. Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), Ian Dogole (percussion). <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for contributing to the emerging movement known as <dfn>world fusion music</dfn>, a term Ancient Future leader <a href="http://www.matthewmontfort.com" title="MatthewMontfort.Com" target="_blank">Matthew Montfort</a>coined at the band’s inception for music that blends musical ideas from many different cultures. Their original music is an exhilarating fusion of exciting rhythms and sounds from around the globe that combines contemporary jazz and rock with the irresistible rhythms of African, Balinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and South American percussion, the rich harmonies of Europe, and the beautiful melodies of Asia.</p>
<p>In the years since the initial CD release of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a>, Ancient Future has expanded from its core lineup through collaborations with noted masters of various world music traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large chamber ensemble of more than thirty performers from around the world with over a dozen smaller ensembles within it, enabling Ancient Future to realize its core mission of creating world fusion music.</p>
New Live Track from Ancient Future 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert Released
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2011-12-07:2227378:BlogPost:318648
2011-12-07T06:55:17.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<h2>New Youtube Video from Ancient Future 'World Without Walls' Reunion</h2>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo" target="_blank"><img alt="14 Steps youtube video" border="1" height="239" src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/14stepsyoutube.jpg" width="396"></img></a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><br></br></a>Live Version of 'Turkish Taffy' Recorded at Yoshi's, San Francisco, 6/7/11:<br></br><a href="http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo</a></p>
<p>On June 7, 2011, the exact <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/worldjazz.html">lineup</a> of…</p>
<h2>New Youtube Video from Ancient Future 'World Without Walls' Reunion</h2>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/14stepsyoutube.jpg" alt="14 Steps youtube video" border="1" height="239" width="396"/></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><br/></a>Live Version of 'Turkish Taffy' Recorded at Yoshi's, San Francisco, 6/7/11:<br/><a href="http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo</a></p>
<p>On June 7, 2011, the exact <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/worldjazz.html">lineup</a> of Ancient Future that performed on the band's influential <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> recording reunited to perform for the first time in over 15 years at Yoshi's San Francisco, where this video of Doug McKeehan's 'Turkish Taffy' composition was recorded. Performing in the video are Doug McKeehan (piano), Kash Killion (bass), Ian Dogole (percussion), Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Jim Hurley (violin).</p>
<h2>'World Without Walls' by Ancient Future featuring Tabla Master Zakir Hussain on Capitol Records</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/worldmed.jpg" alt="World Without Walls CD Cover Art" border="1" height="239" width="241"/></p>
<p>To celebrate the reunion, Capitol/EMI Records has released the first ever digital version of Ancient Future's classic 1990 <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> recording. It is available at all major digital retailers (<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/world-without-walls/id438014498?uo=4" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, etc.).</p>
<p>As its name suggests, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> by <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/bandmain.html">Ancient Future</a> depicts a musical world without borders. This classic 1990 recording features Ancient Future members Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Ian Dogole (percussion), plus special guest performances by world music legend and tabla master Zakir Hussain.</p>
<p>A limited number of rare collectible original 1990 edition copies signed by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort are on sale exclusively at <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html" target="_blank">Ancient-Future.Com</a> for $24.98.</p>
<h2>'World Without Walls' by Debuts on CMJ New World and ZMR World/Ambient Charts</h2>
<p>The <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> digital reissue debuted at #34 on the CMJ New World Chart in the November 18 issue of CMJ, and at #39 on the October Zone Music Reporter World/Ambient Chart, which are very high entry positions for a digital-only release.</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Band Biography</h2>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture303x200sep.jpg" alt="Ancient Future Photo Circa 1990 by Irene Young (Links to 864 x 570 Screen Version)" border="1" height="200" width="303"/><br/>Ancient Future circa 1990. Photo by Irene Young. Pictured: Matthew Montfort, Jim Hurley, Doug McKeehan, Ian Dogole. <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for contributing to the emerging movement known as <dfn>world fusion music</dfn>, a term Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort coined at the band’s inception in the late 1970's for music that blends musical ideas from many different cultures. Their original music is an exhilarating fusion of exciting rhythms and sounds from around the globe that combines contemporary jazz and rock with the irresistible rhythms of African, Balinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and South American percussion, the rich harmonies of Europe, and the beautiful melodies of Asia.</p>
<p>In the years since the initial CD release of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a>, Ancient Future has expanded from its core lineup through collaborations with noted masters of various world music traditions who are now an integral part of what is today a large chamber ensemble of more than thirty performers from around the world with over a dozen smaller ensembles within it.</p>
<h2>Quotes</h2>
<p>"What's an album like World Without Walls doing in the GEPR? 'That's not prog!' I hear you say. Well, in my view it's definitely progressive, in the true sense of the word, rather than the 'sounds like Yes, Genesis or King Crimson' sense. Ancient Future coined the phrase 'World Fusion' to describe their music. Not insipid easy-listening 'World Music', though it might make you think of that if you aren't listening closely. World Without Walls is a remastered re-release of their 1990 classic, and doesn't sound dated at all. World Without Walls is a fusion of musical stylings, scales and rhythms from around the world. The main influences I hear are Middle Eastern, Indian and South American, though there's also Jamaican 'Island Music' sounds, Balinese and probably dozens of other influences too subtle for me to notice. The instruments run the gamut of acoustic instruments like violins, piano, tuned percussion instruments and tablas (by renowned master Zakir Hussain) and also electric guitar synths and synthesizers. Leader Matthew Montfort plays (along with other guitars) a unique scalloped-fretboard acoustic guitar which allows for subtle pitch-bending and timbre-modulation effects. A careful listen will reveal that this is way beyond the usual health-food store 'World Music' offerings and is instead a high-energy, very experimental fusion of styles from around the world. Highly recommended, and now offered as a digital download for the first time."<cite>Fred Trafton, Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progessive Rock (Nov 2011)</cite></p>
<p>"Bloody hell, get me some Alzheimer's drugs, will you? Ancient Future was on Narada's Sona Gaia subsidiary with a world beat album that was ahead of it's time and they were hanging out with Zappa's world beat buddies and I don't remember any of it? Each track has a different taste and a different texture making this a world beat travelogue that gleefully genre bends whatever the crew felt like with a merger of hillbilly and Indian music, the sound of an African traffic jam and more stuff that tastes good without the over riding vibe of being good for you. And it's not empty calories either. No wonder the group labored so long and so hard to get Capitol to reissue this, it's time. More bloody hell, new copies of this are going for over $200 on Amazon! How did I miss this? This is the world beat/jazz/pop album for people that shy away from things called world beat and jazz. Fun stuff throughout that still sounds fresh and in the moment today."<cite>Chris Spector, Midwest Record (July 2011)</cite></p>
First Live Video from Reunion Tour Supporting 'World Without Walls' by Ancient Future
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2011-06-25:2227378:BlogPost:275664
2011-06-25T23:44:03.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><img alt="14 Steps youtube video" border="1" height="239" src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/14stepsyoutube.jpg" width="396"></img></a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><br></br></a> Live Version of '14 Steps' from Ancient Future's 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert at Yoshi's SF, 6/7/11<br></br> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY</a></p>
<h2>July 26, 2011, Radio Add Date Announced for the Digital Release of this Classic 1990 Recording…</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/14stepsyoutube.jpg" alt="14 Steps youtube video" border="1" height="239" width="396"/></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank"><br/></a> Live Version of '14 Steps' from Ancient Future's 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert at Yoshi's SF, 6/7/11<br/>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY</a></p>
<h2>July 26, 2011, Radio Add Date Announced for the Digital Release of this Classic 1990 Recording by Ancient Future featuring Tabla Master Zakir Hussain</h2>
<p><a href="http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/logo_air_play_direct.jpg" alt="Radio Can Download Broadcast Quality Tracks" border="0" height="94" width="219"/><br/></a> Radio Can Download Broadcast Quality Tracks<br/>
<a href="http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture/" target="_blank">http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture</a></p>
<p><a href="images/world1500sq.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/worldmed.jpg" alt="World Without Walls CD Cover Art" border="1" height="239" width="241"/></a><br/> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/world1500sq.jpg" target="_blank">Hi-Res Square Cover Art</a> (3 MB)</p>
<p>On June 7, 2011, the exact <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/worldjazz.html">lineup</a> of Ancient Future that performed on the band's influential <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> and <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/asian.html"><em>Asian Fusion</em></a> recordings reunited to perform for the first time in over 15 years at Yoshi's San Francisco and other venues. That same day to celebrate the reunion, Capitol/EMI Records released the first ever digital version of Ancient Future's classic 1990 <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> recording. It is available now for download purchase at all major digital retailers such as <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/world-without-walls/id438014498?uo=4" target="_blank">iTunes</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00511C3NA/ref=mu_dm_alb_dp" target="_blank">Amazon.com MP3 Store</a>.</p>
<p>As its name suggests, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> by <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/bandmain.html">Ancient Future</a> depicts a musical world without borders. This classic 1990 recording features Ancient Future members Matthew Montfort (bandleader, guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Ian Dogole (percussion), plus special guest performances by world music legend and tabla master Zakir Hussain. The inviting melodies and ingenious use of ethnic textures make <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a> one of Ancient Future's most accessible and broadly appealing releases ever.</p>
<p>The first video for the release is a live version of Montfort's '14 Steps,' a jazzy romp with a funky fourteen beat Indian groove. It was recorded on June 7, 2011, at Ancient Future's 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert at Yoshi's San Francisco, and is available for viewing at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY</a>.</p>
<p>Digital promo including audio is now available to the media upon request. Reviewers should contact Ancient-Future.Com Records at <a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com?subject=Media%20Review%20Files" target="_blank">info@ancient-future.com</a>. Radio programmers are encouraged to visit <a href="http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture/" target="_blank">http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture</a> for broadcast files. The radio add date is July 26, 2011, for reports to the CMJ New World and Zone Music Reporter charts.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/Zakir150x225.jpg" alt="Tabla master Zakir Hussain" height="225" width="150"/><br/> Tabla master Zakir Hussain</p>
<h2>Ancient Future Band Biography</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture303x200sep.jpg" alt="Ancient Future Photo Circa 1990 by Irene Young (Links to 864 x 570 Screen Version)" border="1" height="200" width="303"/></a><br/> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank">Sepia photo for print</a> (14.7" x 9.7" sepia jpg, 7.2 MB). Ancient Future circa 1990. Photo by Irene Young. Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), Ian Dogole (percussion). <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for contributing to the emerging movement known as <dfn>world fusion music</dfn>, a term Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort coined at the band’s inception for music that blends musical ideas from many different cultures. Formed in 1978, Ancient Future is the world's first and longest running ensemble dedicated exclusively to the mission of the creation of world fusion music. Their original music is an exhilarating fusion of exciting rhythms and sounds from around the globe that combines contemporary jazz and rock with the irresistible rhythms of African, Balinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and South American percussion, the rich harmonies of Europe, and the beautiful melodies of Asia.</p>
<p>In the years since the initial CD release of <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html"><em>World Without Walls</em></a>, Ancient Future has expanded from its core lineup through collaborations with noted masters of various world music traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large chamber ensemble of more than thirty performers from around the world with over a dozen smaller ensembles within it, enabling Ancient Future to realize its core mission of creating world fusion music</p>
<h2>Digital Release Specifications</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/worldwithoutwalls_1sheet.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198www1sheet.jpg" alt="World Without Walls 1 Sheet" border="1" height="198" width="153"/><br/> World Without Walls 1 Sheet</a> (864 k, streaming audio)</p>
<p><strong>Original Release Date:</strong> June 7, 2011</p>
<p><strong>Label:</strong> Capitol Catalog</p>
<p><strong>UPC:</strong> 5099908369956</p>
<p><strong>Radio Add Date:</strong> July 26, 2011</p>
<p><strong>Radio Promo Service:</strong> <a href="http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture/" target="_blank">http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture</a></p>
<p><strong>Reviewer Promo Service:</strong> <a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com?subject=Media%20Review%20Files" target="_blank">info@ancient-future.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Copyright:</strong> © 2011 Narada Productions, Inc</p>
<p><strong>Genres:</strong> International/World/Jazz/General</p>
<p><strong>Total Length:</strong> 44:26</p>
<p><strong>Credits:</strong> Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, steel string guitars, electric guitars, classical guitar, guitar synthesizers, mandolin), Jim Hurley (acoustic violins, Zeta electric violin, steel string guitar), Doug McKeehan (piano, synthesizers), and Ian Dogole (dumbek, talking drum, congas, bongos, udu, shaker, bass drums, cymbal, sleigh bells, kendang, kajar, ceng-ceng, bells, chimes), Zakir Hussain (tabla, kanjira), Gary Brown (fretless electric bass), Jeff Narell (steel drums), Vince Delgado (tambourine), Jack Dorsey (drum set), Bill Douglass (acoustic bass, Chinese flutes), and Bruce Kaphan (recording engineer, shaker).</p>
<p><strong>Track List:</strong> (<a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=317461&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">>audio</a>. Listen to songs and excerpts.)</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Lakshmi Rocks Me</strong> (Jim Hurley. 2:52). <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/audio/lakshmi.mp3">Sample MP3 (excerpt)</a> (992K). (1:01).</li>
<li><strong>Dance of the Rain Forest</strong> (Matthew Montfort. 4:45).</li>
<li><strong>April Air</strong> (Doug McKeehan. 3:57).</li>
<li><strong>14 Steps</strong> (Matthew Montfort. 4:30). <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/audio/14steps.mp3">Sample MP3 (excerpt)</a> (1MB). (1:07)</li>
<li><strong>End of the Beginning</strong> (Matthew Montfort. 5:15).</li>
<li><strong>Turkish Taffy</strong> (Doug McKeehan. 4:55).</li>
<li><strong>Alap</strong> (Matthew Montfort. 1:10).</li>
<li><strong>Indra's Net</strong> (Jim Hurley. 4:53).</li>
<li><strong>Nyo Nyo Gde</strong> (Matthew Montfort. 4:00).</li>
<li><strong>Gopi Song</strong> (Doug McKeehan. 7:46).</li>
</ol>
<h2>Quotes</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/mediaworldwithoutwalls.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198mediaworldwithout.jpg" alt="Asian Fusion Media Report" border="1" height="198" width="153"/><br/></a> <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/mediaworldwithoutwalls.pdf" target="_blank">World Without Walls Media Report</a> (6.4 MB)</p>
<p>"World Without Walls speaks to a cultural enrichment...a melding of world culture with Ancient Future's own lush sense of melody and rhythmic drive." - <cite>John Diliberto, Jazziz (Nov 91)</cite></p>
<p>"Ancient Future masterfully blends cultural music with contemporary rock and the result is superb. For those who have a taste for exquisite instrumental, you will not be disappointed with this addition to your library. Ancient Future has a great following and for just cause. It is clear that Matthew Montfort's intense studies of cultural music shines and his artistic blend of old world instruments and modern technology shatters esoteric stereotypes. Ancient Future's music is as intense as history itself, yet none less than simple pleasure to play." - <cite>Donald A. Thomas, Jr., Revolutionary Concepts (December 90)</cite></p>
<p>"The matrix of panpipes in 'Dance of the Rain Forest' is what would've happened if Steve Reich were Quechua, and the dumbek in 'Turkish Taffy' is fiery enough to induce spontaneous belly dancing. Extra credit to Zakir Hussain, whose tabla playing lends legitimacy to the Indian airs. Basically this is Shadowfax with teeth." - <cite>Michael Bloom, Boston Rocks (April 91)</cite></p>
<p>"Long before the phrase 'world music' became ubiquitous, Matthew Montfort and his group Ancient Future were boldly melding Asian and western music. Over the years they've carved out a respectable niche for themselves in the netherworld of alternative music; 'World Without Walls' just might kick them into the mainstream. There are enough ear treats to please just about anyone. From the soaring 'Lakshmi Rocks Me' to the beautiful scalloped fretboard guitar work on 'Alap', and the exquisite 'Nyo Nyo Gde,' 'World Without Walls' is well worth hearing." - <cite>Mark Nelson, MIDI Guitar (Spring 91)</cite></p>
<p>"Ancient Future makes ancient musical traditions of the world accessible to western ears. Ancient Future has found a winning mixture of sound to please the popular listener. World Without Walls envisions a civilization that values and respects all cultures. The wealth of World culture has yet to be uncovered. World without Walls is a great step in this direction. It makes me think of Ancient Persia, Middle Eastern cultures, Islamic Art, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." - <cite>New World (April 91)</cite></p>
<p>"Ancient Future, one of the first proponents of world music, is back. Each piece involves a complex mixture of musical traditions, including jazz, electronic, and exotic instruments. You will hear influences from many countries, all creating the texture of a musical world without walls." - <cite>Carol Wright, NAPRA Trade Journal (Spring 91)</cite></p>
<p>"This recording breaks down many walls. It's a bridge from ancient musical traditions to modern music culture, from folk tradition to modern customs. The scalloped fret guitar, sitar, congas, dumbek, tabla, African talking drum, and other exotic instruments are combined with the synthesizer in a way that expands contemporary composition. The music flows in driving rhythms, fast, and fashioned after popular patterns. But it has the soul of Indian and Middle Eastern music. Lakshmi Rocks Me soars with acoustic violin backed by Zakir Hussain's renowned tabla playing. Dance of the Rainforest begins with a short gamelan prelude. Then it sways into a world fusion waltz. It's a playful metaphor celebrating the rainforest. Ancient Future takes great inspiration from Classical Indian music and transforms it somehow into the energy of world fusion. This music wakes you up. It's refreshingly new without a hint of nostalgia." - <cite>Kathleen Lawson, Well Being Journal (April/May 91)</cite></p>
<p>"Worldbeatnik Alert: Ancient Future have a jazzy side that keeps things interesting, sorta like a more energetic version of Oregon. Their latest cross-cultural exploration, WORLD WITHOUT WALLS mixes Celtic, Arabic, and Asian modes to create a soundtrack for your next mind vacation, to plagiarize a phrase." - <cite>J. Poet, Ward Music Monthly (June 91)</cite></p>
<p>"This is a wonderful collection of original tunes that reflect the influence of many cultures, most notably that of India, as well as the nuances of the Orient. The artists are a seasoned group of professional musicians who produce a seemingly effortless fusion of Eastern melodies and meters with Western instrumentation and a jazzy groove. The song Turkish Taffy is a great example; the melody line definitely inspires visions of old Istanbul, while the tune builds up a swinging groove that climaxes in a fiery electric guitar solo at the end that would please fans of rock guitarist Santana. Virtuoso violin playing by band member (and composer) Jim Hurley, Zakir Hussain on tabla and assorted Indian percussion instruments give the tunes an authenticity and driving force. A delightful album." - <cite>Heartsong Review, Spirit of Change (Winter 91-92)</cite></p>
<p>"Ancient Future was one of the first groups to explore the idea of World Fusion music. Their most recent effort, the aptly-titled 'World Without Walls,' showcases Montfort's scalloped, steel-string & classical guitars with spirited support throughout the ten pieces. There is the lyrical piano/steel drum interplay of 'April Air,' the acoustic sensitivity of '14 Steps', the fluid electric violin and busy bass on 'Dance of the Rain Forest,' and the dazzling sound of Zakir Hussain's tabla playing which adds zest to the lively opener 'Lakshmi Rocks Me' and two other selections." - <cite>Lloyd Barde, Common Ground (Spring 93)</cite></p>
<p>"World Without Walls opens with 'Lakshmi Rocks Me.' Composer Jim Hurley's violin leads before a very fast, high tabla played by master drummer Zakir Hussain. Matthew Montfort plays a sweet, Southern electric guitar on 'Dance of the Rainforest.' The watery feeling winds out to an Allman Brothers-like easy landing. Montfort joins Hussain on '14 Steps' with pensive ruminations on his lovely scalloped fretboard guitar. With Hurley on acoustic violin, they play a dynamic, perfectly entrained tabla/guitar/violin raga-jam, linked note for note until the violin takes off wailing against the backdrop of Bill Douglass' soothing acoustic bass line. On 'Indra's Net' Doug McKeehan's gentle synthesizer and piano paint stars across the blackness of the acoustic bass, while composer Hurley's violin streaks the sky." - <cite>Diane Darling, Green Egg (Spring, 94)</cite></p>
Matthew Montfort and Bui Huu Nhut of Ancient Future Play Music for Thingamajigs on Rachel Maddow Show
tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2010-10-02:2227378:BlogPost:207904
2010-10-02T16:17:03.000Z
Matthew Montfort
https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/MatthewMontfort
<p><img height="32" src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/logorecboxredline.jpg" width="200"></img></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/27/2010<br></br> Contact: <a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com" target="_blank">info@ancient-future.com</a></p>
<h1>Matthew Montfort and Bui Huu Nhut of Ancient Future Featured on Rachel Maddow Show</h1>
<h2>Kent Jones Reports on the Strange Instruments Played at the Music for People and Thingamajigs Festival in San Francisco</h2>
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<br></br>
To replay, refresh page. Musicians in this clip: Matthew Montfort (fretless…</p>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/logorecboxredline.jpg" height="32" width="200"/></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/27/2010<br/> Contact: <a href="mailto:info@ancient-future.com" target="_blank">info@ancient-future.com</a></p>
<h1>Matthew Montfort and Bui Huu Nhut of Ancient Future Featured on Rachel Maddow Show</h1>
<h2>Kent Jones Reports on the Strange Instruments Played at the Music for People and Thingamajigs Festival in San Francisco</h2>
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<br/>
To replay, refresh page. Musicians in this clip: Matthew Montfort (fretless guitar), Bui Huu Nhut (dan bau), Tom Nunn/David Michalak (scatch boxes), Gretchen Jude (photo koto), Terry Berlier (percussion ball).<br/>
<br/>
</p>
<h3 align="left">Matthew Montfort Showcases Unusual Guitars at Music for People and Thingamajigs Festival</h3>
<p align="left"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/rachelmaddow1-16.jpg" alt="TV Screen Shot of Matthew Montfort Performing on Rachel Maddow Show" height="224" width="396"/></p>
<br />
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.matthewmontfort.com" target="_blank">Matthew Montfort</a>, guitarist and bandleader of the pioneering world fusion music group <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/epk.html">Ancient Future</a>, was interviewed and performed on the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC on Friday, September 24th, 2010. Kent Jones, the Rachel Maddow Show's pop-culturist, was in San Francisco September 23rd and 24th to cover the opening of the <a href="http://www.thingamajigs.org/festival2010.html" target="_blank">Music for People and Thingamajigs Festival</a>. Matthew Montfort kicked off the festival by showcasing his unusual guitars: the Godin Glissentar, an 11 string fretless guitar, and the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments characteristic of the sitar.</p>
<h3 align="left">Matthew Montfort Interviewed on Rachel Maddow Show</h3>
<p align="left"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/rachelmaddow1-28.jpg" alt="TV Screen Shot of Matthew Montfort Demonstrating the Glissentar on the Rachel Maddow Show" height="224" width="396"/></p>
<p align="left">The “Just Enough” with Kent Jones segment airs during the last few minutes of the Rachel Maddow Show and aims to provide viewers with just enough pop culture news. During the sound check for the festival, Kent Jones interviewed the musicians and played many of the instruments himself. After sound check, Kent Jones and his cameraman videotaped the entire opening night of the festival.</p>
<p align="left">The September 24th, 2010 “Just Enough” segment features Kent Jones trying out some of the unusual instruments at sound check along with interviews with Matthew Montfort and some of the other Music for People and Thingamajig Festival performers. Montfort was asked to demonstrate the unique musical features of the Godin Glissentar.</p>
<h3 align="left">Ancient Future Duet featuring Matthew Montfort and Bui Huu Nhut Performs on Rachel Maddow Show</h3>
<p align="left"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/rachelmaddow1-38.jpg" alt="TV Screen Shot of Matthew Montfort and Bui Huu Nhut Performing on the Rachel Maddow Show" height="224" width="396"/></p>
<p align="left">A selection from Matthew Montfort's Music for People and Thingamajigs Festival performance was the only music from the festival that was featured on the Rachel Maddow show. Montfort performed his piece, “Purple Raga,” from his <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html"><em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em></a> recording, but in this unusual arrangement, he was accompanied at the end by <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/bui.html">Bui Huu Nhut</a>, a master of the <em>dan bau</em>, a traditional Vietnamese single string instrument with an indigenous version of a whammy bar. Bui Huu Nhut is well known to fans of Ancient Future from his performance of “Jah Nam” on Ancient Future's <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/asian.html"><em>Asian Fusion</em></a> recording, which was also featured on the Putumayo sampler, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/putumayo.html"><em>Asian Lounge</em></a>. The two performed a spontaneous improvisation based on the guitar solo section of “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix. They received a standing ovation from the festival audience.</p>
<h3>Matthew Montfort's “Purple Raga”</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/MatthewMontfortGuitarPlayerMag.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198guitarplayercov.jpg" alt="Download Guitar Player Magazine Story on Matthew Montfort" name="" border="1" height="198" hspace="0" vspace="6" width="153"/><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/153x198guitarplayerstory.jpg" alt="Download Guitar Player Magazine Story on Matthew Montfort" name="" border="1" height="198" hspace="0" vspace="6" width="153"/><br/></a> 5 Page Guitar Player Magazine/GuitarPlayer.com Media Report (1.4 MB):<br/>
<a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/MatthewMontfortGuitarPlayerMag.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/MatthewMontfortGuitarPlayerMag.pdf</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/MatthewMontfortGuitarPlayerMag.pdf" target="_blank"><br/></a></p>
<p>For those interested in learning more about Montfort's “Purple Raga” piece, the December 2009 collectible commemorative Les Paul issue of Guitar Player Magazine includes a full page feature with a photo of Matthew Montfort superimposed over psychedelic artwork portraying Jimi Hendrix and an interview with Montfort about the scalloped fretboard guitar, Indian raga, and his thoughts about the relationship of Indian raga to the music of Jimi Hendrix. The story includes a link to a GuitarPlayer.com online lesson created by Matthew Montfort, entitled “The Music of Jimi Hendrix Applied to Indian Raga,” which explains the musical concepts behind the “Purple Raga” track on Montfort's debut solo CD, <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html"><em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em></a>.</p>
<h4>GuitarPlayer.Com Video: “Purple Raga”</h4>
<p><a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid38497947001?bclid=38457201001&bctid=38673592001" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/montfortguitarplayervid.jpg" alt="Guitar Player Video" border="1" height="300" width="396"/></a><br/> <a target="_blank">Embed code</a> available at: <a href="http://www.guitarplayer.com/story.aspx?id=100631&terms=montfort" target="_blank">http://www.guitarplayer.com/story.aspx?id=100631&terms=montfort</a></p>
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<p>GuitarPlayer.com is hosting a video of Matthew Montfort performing his “Purple Raga” composition live at Ancient Future's 30th Anniversary Concert on a Godin Glissentar, the 11 string fretless guitar endorsed by Montfort. It is the first recording available of Montfort performing on the Glissentar.</p>
<h3>Matthew Montfort Bio</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matthewmontfort600.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt12k.jpg" alt="Photo of Matthew Montfort" border="1" height="360" width="232"/></a><font size="1"><br/></font> Hi-Res Photo of Matthew Montfort by Julie Marten (2 MB, 300 dpi 4.3 x 6.5):<br/>
<a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matthewmontfort600.jpg">http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matthewmontfort600.jp</a><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matthewmontfort600.jpg"><font size="1"><font size="2">g</font></font></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matthewmontfort600.jpg"><font size="1"><font size="2"><br/></font></font></a></p>
<p>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, including 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 in Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai. He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenons Zakir Hussain and Swapan Chaudhuri, sitar master Pandit Habib Khan, Carnatic saxophone legend Dr. Kadri Gopalnath, and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui.</p>
<h4>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</h4>
<p><font size="2"><strong><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html"><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/serenadesm.jpg" alt="Seven Serenades CD Cover" border="1" height="111" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="126"/></a></strong></font></p>
<p><font size="1"><a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=824094" target="_blank"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/iTunes.gif" alt="Matthew Montfort" align="top" border="0"/></a></font> (<a href="http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=1854087&skin=329644" target="_blank" title="Listen through the World Fusionator">>audio</a>)</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/serenade.html"><em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar</em></a> by Matthew Montfort.</strong> (AF 2008). $17.98: <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=OINF&Store_Code=AWMC&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=7SCD&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1">Buy Link</a>.<br/></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>“This unusual guitar album brings together world instruments to complement the scalloped fretboard guitar. Starting with 'Gauri the Golden,' an improvisational piece drawing heavily on Indian raga, this is an intriguing collection of the resulting compositions. In fact, the entire CD is based on improvisation and includes one tune with an ancient Celtic theme, which Montfort suggests has many parallels 'to the Vedic tradition.' I must admit that sometimes ragas played by guitar players seem to wander on forever, changing a note here and there and weaving a kind of slow, hypnotic journey. However, this guitar work is stunning, intricate and wonderfully melodic. If you are looking for good listening and something different for your CD shelf, this is it. But don’t go carving up your fretboard until you've really figured this out.”</em> — J.W. McClure, from review of <em>Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar,</em> VICTORY REVIEW ACOUSTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE, April, 2010.</p>
<h3>Bui Huu Nhut Bio</h3>
<p><img src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/nhut.jpg" alt="Photo of Bui Huu Nhut" height="251" width="216"/></p>
<p>Bui Huu Nhut (pronounced “buoy who newt”) is a leading performer on the <b><i>dan bau,</i></b> an instrument of purely Vietnamese origin. Its single string is stretched over a long box, attached to a tuning peg at one end, and to a flexible rod (which holds a resonating gourd) at the other. Its sound is said to “find its way into the secret places of the soul.” A native of Saigon, Mr. Bui has lived in the U.S. since 1989. He performs in traditional Vietnamese groups and with several ensemble variations of Ancient Future, including the <a href="http://www.ancient-future.com/asiandance.html">Asian Fusion Dance Ensemble Program</a>.</p>
<h3>Video of Entire “Just Enough” with Kent Jones Segment 9/24/2010</h3>
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<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39352511#39352511" target="_blank">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39352511#39352511</a><br/>
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<h4>Entire Transcript</h4>
<p><strong>Rachel Maddow:</strong> So here's the bad news. On the day that we find out that a fist fight broke out in the stands between a man and two women no less, while Sharron Angle was speaking at a candidate forum in Nevada, on the day that Stephen Colbert braids performance art and politics together so tightly that he almost pops immigration reform out of Congress with the sheer pressure of his wit, on the day we actually get in the mail the stink mailer from the crazy Carl for Governor campaign in New York, the piece of direct mail scented with the smell of land fill, on the day when we most need a man of Kent Jones' talents to make sense of the world around us, Kent is on vacation. That's the bad news. We need him. He's gone. The good news is that it turns out that Kent does some freaky crazy weird stuff on vacation and then pops into a studio to tell us about it. Kent, did you seriously do what I heard you did today?</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> Ah, well, I mean this depends on what you think it is that I “did” today. I'm in San Francisco and I think that I helped the people of San Francisco advance music to the next level.</p>
<p><strong>Rachel Maddow:</strong> OK.</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> That's what I think I was doing today. So, may I present the Festival of Music for People and Thingamajigs.</p>
<p><em>(Ancient Future musicians Matthew Montfort and Bui Huu Nhut perform on fretless guitar and dan bau)</em></p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> This is a guitar, but not like one we know. Tell me about this.</p>
<p><strong>Matthew Montfort:</strong> Right, this guitar actually has no frets on it. And so it's basically a combination of an oud and a guitar.</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> You told me that these are skatch boxes. What is that?</p>
<p><strong>Tom Nunn:</strong> Skatch box is a kind of instrument that comes out of a technique called skatching. And skatching is basically taking a shaped comb and scraping it across a surface.</p>
<p><em>(Tom Nunn and David Michalak playing their scatch boxes)</em></p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> And that's what it sounds like inside my head.</p>
<p><strong>Gretchen Jude:</strong> This is a koto, a traditional Japanese instrument. And this is a photo koto. They react to light in a way you will hear when I play.</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> Could you play a little bit for me, please?</p>
<p><strong>Gretchen Jude:</strong> Of course. Actually, your cameraman can play?</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> What? How does that work?</p>
<p><strong>Gretchen Jude:</strong> OK. The light comes in here. Ready?</p>
<p><em>(Sound of photo koto reacting to the camera light)</em></p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> That was my cameraman playing the photo koto. It's a first.</p>
<p><strong>Terry Berlier:</strong> This one is used from recycled pan lids and this is called the percussion ball. Each hole has a different length tube in it. So the longest one is about ten feet long. And so the length of the tube determines the pitch or the note you're getting.</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> Thank you, good night!</p>
<p><strong>Rachel Maddow:</strong> Kent, if you come back to the office without that thing, that makes noise when you hit it with light, I'll be very angry.</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> I'm going to need a bigger desk, I'm just saying right now.</p>
<p><strong>Rachel Maddow:</strong> And also maybe a larger overhead compartment for the flight home...but...</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> That goes without saying.</p>
<p><strong>Rachel Maddow:</strong> Thank you, Kent. Happy vacation.</p>
<p><strong>Kent Jones:</strong> Thank you.</p>