Matthew Montfort's blog

Ancient Future Leader Featured in Guitar Player Magazine

ancientfuture — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:45:47 UT

Matthew Montfort Featured in December 2009 Issue of Guitar Player

5 Page Guitar Player Magazine/GuitarPlayer.com Media Report (1.4 M
http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/MatthewMontfortGuitarPlayerMag.pdf

Matthew Montfort's Purple Raga

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 links to related material on GuitarPlayer.com featuring Matthew Montfort's music:

Lesson

This is an 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, 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.'

Video

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, an 11 string fretless guitar endorsed by Montfort. It is the first recording available of Montfort performing on the Glissentar.

Matthew Montfort Bio

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.

Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar

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. The CD has been selected for a special sale program at Borders stores nationally in January 2010.

Ancient Future Times April 2009: Seven Serenades & Sprin

ancientfuture — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:55:07 UT

===================================================================
April 2009 Issue
Welcome to the Ancient Future Times
Email newsletter of the World Fusion Music Ensemble Ancient Future
===================================================================

Twitter: Matthew Montfort (http://twitter.com/MatthewMontfort)
Ancient Future Band (http://twitter.com/Ancient_Future)
Ancient-Future.Com Records (http://twitter.com/WorldFusion)

In This Issue:
CD Spotlight: Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Contest: Everyone Wins a Free Liner Note Download with Sheet Music!
Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series Update
Spring Soirees

===============================================
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
by Matthew Montfort
===============================================

>audio:
http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=1854087&skin=329644
iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=287235441&id=287235418&s=143441&uo=6

Ancient-Future.Com 2008. Digipak CD- $17.98: Buy 1 Now:
http://www.ancient-future.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=OINF&Store_Code=AWMC&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=7SCD&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

Seven Serenades Digital 1 Sheet
Free Digital 1 Sheet (552 k, streaming audio):
http://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/serenades_1sheet_dig.pdf

This debut recording by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort showcases his pioneering work on the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar. While previously known more for his compositions for the trendsetting world music group Ancient Future, this first solo effort features his improvisational music.

Biography

“Matthew Montfort conjures lovely Asian zither-like inflections with a scalloped fretboard guitar.”
– GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE

As leader of the world music group Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort has devoted himself to the scalloped fretboard guitar since 1978. He spent years of study with some of the world’s best musicians, such as gamelan director K.R.T. Wasitodipuro, North Indian sarod master Ali Akbar Khan, and vina master K.S. Subramanian, with whom he did an intensive study of South Indian note-bending techniques. He has performed concerts worldwide, from the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai. He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui. Montfort wrote the book “Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India,” which has been used by many musicians to improve their rhythm skills.

“I first realized Matthew Montfort was a true guitar wizard when he called me on the phone and played me one flawless Hendrix riff after another. We were in the seventh grade. By the time we escaped high school, Matt had gone acoustic, turning coffee house basements into his own planet with fierce improvisations touching on an occasional Spanish or Celtic launching pad. Now a pioneering master of world fusion, Matt continues to travel, study, absorb and immerse himself in musics and traditions all over the globe. His knowledge and depth are staggering, yet he doesn't let it get in the way of the joy and spirit and soul that we like about music in the first place.” – Jello Biafra, (seminal punk rock singer, Dead Kennedy front man turned spoken word activist, politician) ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS, Sept. 06, 2008

“Though he plays guitar, Montfort's music isn't merely guitar music; it's a sonic environment that features a guitar. Strong Indian and Balinese influences permeate these seven exotic soundscapes. Beautifully recorded, this sumptuous music creates a unique wall of sound that you won't soon forget.” – Steven Stone, VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE

The Scalloped Fretboard Guitar

Scalloped fretboards are not new to string instruments. Many lutes have scalloped fretboards, some of purely ornamental nature. However, scalloping a fretboard on a guitar in order to facilitate note bending is a relatively new phenomenon.

Montfort is a pioneer among guitarists who have had their fretboards scalloped in order to play various forms of world music that require intricate note-bending ornaments while still being able to play chords. Montfort immersed himself in an intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar. The method is based on pulling the strings across the frets in order to raise the pitch.

"The mind-bending playing abilities of guitar virtuoso, Matthew Montfort, stem from the note-bending capabilities of the scalloped fretboard guitar. This produces a different sound than the more familiar guitar, because the fretboard is carved out, so the fingers only touch the strings." – Matthew Forss, InsideWorldMusic.com

Seven Serenades Concept

Born of an emergency drive-by serenade rendezvous. Seven serenades following the muse on the path of improvisation, inspired and informed by the great musical traditions, but not bound by them. Improvisations becoming compositions of longing captured at the moment of conception.

“This album reveals a thorough knowledge of Hindustani microtonal ornaments, transferred in ways that create one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in contemporary music. However, it also reveals a lifetime of exploration in world music, which can be immediately summoned in a flash of inspiration. When this level of mastery is reached, there is no need to rewrite. The first improvisation has the depth of a reworked composition.” – Teed Rockwell, INDIA CURRENTS, March 2009

“Montfort's willingness to let the music just "flow", without forcing it to move in a particular direction, shows more skill at improvisation than many self-proclaimed improv "masters" have. A wonderful musical excursion that is all based on the moment as the motive... this gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as our "PICK" of this issue for "best guitar improvisation".”– Rotcod Zzaj, IMPROVIJAZZATION

“Matthew Montfort is a true guitar master. His instrument conveys the smallest nuances of the artist’s emotions. He masterfully combines a perfect performance with Eastern meditative approach. The artist is not afraid to improvise and to blend various genres in his guitar music. His “Purple Raga” is adorned with the captivating drones of an Australian didgeridoo. I could name this composition as world raga rock. In general Matthew Montfort’s music goes beyond any boundaries. He is truly one of the world’s best guitarists. The first solo effort of Matthew Montfort is a real handbook for guitarists and a great pleasure for the ears of all guitar music lovers!” – SergeKozlovsky.com

“The most beautiful, soulful guitar I have ever heard!!”– Chandi Devi, KarmaCaffe.com (Listen to her 3/25/09 interview with Montfort on BlogTalk.com: www.blogtalkradio.com/karmacaffe/2009/03/25/matthew-montfort-ancient-future)

On Sale: 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music for $30

Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008. 6-panel Digipak CD: $17.98. Buy 1 Now:
http://www.ancient-future.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=OINF&Store_Code=AWMC&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=7SCD&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

Checkout Option Sale! 3 CDs for $30! Purchase 'Seven Serenades' and you will have the option of adding the following releases for a total of $30 for all three:

Planet Passion by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com AF-2001.
Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017.

All of the releases are distributed in the USA through Ryko/WEA, and are available through your local record shop, so please ask them to carry these!

====================================================================
Contest: Everyone Wins a Free Liner Note Download with Sheet Music!
====================================================================

Our Oprah-inspired contest is the easiest we've ever had! No, we aren't giving everyone a free car simply for reading the newsletter, but this is a contest everyone can win. Simply click on the link below and get free digital liner notes to 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' This extensive 18 page document includes lessons in Indian raga and sheet music from the recording! Previously available ONLY to the media, this is the first release to the public, available exclusively to subscribers to this newsletter!

Seven Serenades Digital Liner Notes
Digital Liner Notes (1.7 M

Seven Serenades Digital Liner Notes
Digital Liner Notes (1.7 M

Contests open to subscribers only:
Subscribe to the Ancient Future Times:
https://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/subscription.php?username=ancientfut
ure&send_id=null&l=s&newsletter_id=1409909499

===================================================
Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series
===================================================

To commemorate 30 years of world fusion music, a 30th Year Recording Subscription Series is in the works. We have raised 1% of our project goal. Thanks go out to the following people: Vincent Martel, Cliff Sears, Alan Moore of Musicians for Peace, and Leslie Lawton.

While we are raising money, we are making available archival recordings as mp3 files exclusively to supporters of the project so that there is instant gratification for participating in the project. The first archival recording has just been posted.

We need to raise 10% of the goal to begin recording. To that end, there are four supporter packages available. You can be a virtual fly-on-the-wall during the recording process through the Recording Newsletter Package ($10). This is the way to get the secret stories involving famous singers and studio antics that no one else gets, plus you get a 30% discount on the final release. The Download Supporter Package ($25) includes the newsletter plus downloads of archival recordings and new music as it is recorded. The Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package ($50) includes all of the above plus an exclusive limited edition CD. Finally, the Honorary A & R Representative Package ($75) includes all of the above plus a DVD with video and hi-rez audio.

http://www.ancient-future.com/30CD.html

===============
Spring Soirees
===============

* Saturday, April 25, 6:00 p.m., Pandit Habib Khan (sitar, composition), Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), George Brooks (sax), M. Nejad (violin), many others, Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose CA 95116. Tix: $20 and $15. Info: 408-528-0786, 408-996-2446, 650-255-9752.
* Saturday, May 16, 3:30 p.m., Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave., North Berkeley, CA 94709. Info: 510.869.3995
* Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 7:00-9:30 p.m., Acoustic Guitar Showcase with Teja Gerken and Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Bazaar Café, 5927 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Info: 415-831-5620
* Friday, June 5, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Emam and Friends featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Gari Hegedus (oud, mandocello, violin), Josh Massad (percussion), and Emam (tabla, percussion), The Frick Art & Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Tix: Suggested donation is $5.00 per adult. Info: 412-371-0600.
* Saturday, June 6, 2009, 7:30 p.m., Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Emam (tabla, percussion), Yoga Matrika, 6520 Wilkins Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Tix: $15 / $10 Students. Info: 412-855-5692.
* Thursday, June 11, 11:00 p.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Live In Studio A on KDVS 90.3 FM, streaming live online at www.kdvs.org ,Davis , CA 95616.
* Friday, June 19, 7:30 p.m., 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party featuring Matthew Montfort, Open Secret, 923 C St., San Rafael, CA 94901. Tix: $12. Info: 415-457-4191
* Sunday, June 21, 11:30 a.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Please Stand By on KPIG (1510 AM), streaming live online at www.kpig.com ,Watsonville, CA 95076.
* Thursday, June 25, 8:00 p.m., Double bill featuring 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party featuring Matthew Montfort and William Coulter Trio with Barry and Shelley Phillips, Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018. Info: 831-603-2294

Ancient Future Times: 30 Years of Ancient Future History

ancientfuture — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:17:37 UT

February 2009 30th Anniversary Issue

Welcome to the Ancient Future Times
Online Newsletter of Ancient-Future.Com Records

In This Issue:

3 New Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music
Return to the Sleeping Lady
World Beat Workshop at Esalen
Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series
Recess Shuns Recesssion: Playing Tag

Ancient-Future.Com Records Presents:
3 New Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music!

Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
[img]http://www.ancient-future.com/images/serenadesm.jpg[/img]

Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008)6-panel Digipak CD: $17.98 list. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. Buy 1 Now

>audio

The debut recording by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort showcases his pioneering work on the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments characteristic of the sitar. ‘Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar’ follows the muse on the path of improvisation, inspired and informed by the ancient musical traditions of the world, but not bound by them.

“This album reveals a thorough knowledge of Hindustani microtonal ornaments, transferred in ways that create one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in contemporary music. However, it also reveals a lifetime of exploration in world music, which can be immediately summoned in a flash of inspiration. When this level of mastery is reached, there is no need to rewrite. The first improvisation has the depth of a reworked composition.” – Teed Rockwell, INDIA CURRENTS

“A true guitar wizard.” — Jello Biafra, (seminal punk rock singer, Dead Kennedy front man turned spoken word activist, politician) ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS

“The most beautiful, soulful guitar I have ever heard!!” — Chandi Devi, Editor, KARMACAFFE.COM

Matthew Montfort

As leader of the world music group Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort devoted himself to the scalloped fretboard guitar since 1978. He spent years of study with of the world’s best musicians, such as gamelan director K.R.T. Wasitodipuro, North Indian master Ali Akbar Khan, and vina master K.S. Subramanian, with whom he did an intensive of South Indian note-bending techniques. He has performed concerts worldwide, from the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai. He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui.

“Matthew Montfort conjures lovely Asian zither-like inflections with a scalloped fretboard guitar.”
— GUITAR PLAYER

“Matthew Montfort plays a special, scalloped fretboard acoustic instrument that lets him get the bends
an Indian sitar. He uses it to weave seductive melodies.” — John Diliberto, ECHOES RADIO

“Matthew Montfort is an American Ravi Shankar on guitar.” — Pandit Habib Khan, sitarist

“Master of the scalloped fretboard guitar.” — J. Poet, EAST BAY EXPRESS

Sangria
[img]http://www.ancient-future.com/images/sangria_cvrsm.jpg[/img]

Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. 6-panel Digipak CD: $17.98 list. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. Buy 1 Now

>audio

“This is an excellent album from pianist Mariah Parker, whose work is best described as world jazz. Parker brings a wide variety of influences to ‘Sangria,’ ranging from Indian and Middle Eastern music to Afro-Cuban salsa and Brazilian samba. Parker, of course, didn't invent the idea of world jazz.... but she keeps it moving forward; she takes chances, demonstrating that the fusion of jazz and world music still has plenty of possibilities after all these years — and a global perspective serves Parker well throughout the rewarding ‘Sangria.’”— ALL MUSIC GUIDE

“This collection of eight original instrumentals by Mariah Parker is just one of many examples of the infusion of East Indian music into Western music, but to my ears one of the most successful.”— AUDIOPHILE AUDITION

"Parker kicks off her solo career with a well textured world beat date that finds her multi-instrumentalist abilities and her wide open ears leading the way. There’s nothing but pros on board here who know what to do and they do it in a lively, spontaneous fashion that really grabs you. First class world beat that really covers the bases." — Chris Spector, MIDWEST RECORD

Mariah Parker

While completing her degree in music at UC Santa Cruz, composer and multi-instrumentalist Mariah Parker worked with ethnomusicologist Fred Lieberman and Mickey Hart on the “Planet Drum” project. She has performed in the US and Europe, and worked with many musicians of note including composer Pauline Oliveros, the late Dumisani Maraire (renowned composer from Zimbabwe) and others. She has studied with jazz great Art Lande and Latin jazz pianist extraordinaire Rebeca Mauléon, and performs regularly on piano and santur with several different ensemble variations of the group Ancient Future.

Planet Passion (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition)
[img]http://www.ancient-future.com/images/planetpassionsm.jpg[/img]

Planet Passion (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition) by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com AF-2010. 64-Bit Tuned Harmonic Mastering. 4-panel Digipak CD with 6 page booklet: $17.98 list. Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009. Buy 1 Now

>audio

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Ancient Future concert (Feb. 11, 1979), the seventh Ancient Future recording is being re-issued with 64-Bit Tuned Harmonic mastering. ‘Planet Passion’ “features music that irresistibly moves both body and soul. But then, one expects nothing less from the visionary players for whom the description ‘world fusion’ was coined. Laying the groundwork for some of today’s most successful world beat acts like Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra, Vas, Dead Can Dance and even the jazz-world beat band, Shadowfax, Ancient Future has grown into a global village of 19 musicians whose rich heritage includes erotic rhythms, sensuous voices and inspired instrumentation from Africa, India, Asia (especially Bali), South America and the Middle East. The tunes included are diverse, yet equally captivating, evoking all that is most appealing about music from a global village.” — CDNOW.COM

“The crew celebrates its 30th anniversary by reissuing its 7th album in a spiffy remaster that brings its world fusion into a sharper focus for any self-respecting earbud wearer that really wants to hear the music within the music. Almost like Shadowfax without having to answer to a record label, this crew pioneers their own course through the world beat/fusion maze. A dense and delightful revamping of a 2001 journey through love across the world that still has its initial oomph.” — Chris Spector, MIDWEST RECORD

“Shamelessly beautiful, ‘Planet Passion’ is easily the pinnacle of this group’s long career.” — Bob Tarte, THE BEAT

Ancient Future

Ancient Future is the first and longest running musical ensemble dedicated exclusively to the mission of creating world fusion music. The term was coined by bandleader Matthew Montfort in 1978 to describe Ancient Future’s unusual blend of musical traditions from around the world. BILLBOARD calls the group “trendsetters” for their early contributions to the movement. Ancient Future has released seven full length studio CDs selling over 150,000 units, and is also featured on samplers selling millions of units on labels such as Putumayo and Narada.

“Ancient Future is a rare kind of band that might simultaneously aggravate purists, confound New Age dilettantes, seduce skeptics, and dazzle just about everybody else. Delicious compositions, intricate arrangements, crisp playing and impeccable production put these ambitious voyagers in a league of their own.” — Derk Richardson, SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN

Return to the Sleeping Lady

After a long absence, the Sleeping Lady is beckoning. She was silent for many years, but in late 2008, exactly 30 years from the first jam sessions of the original version of the band Ancient Future, she re-awakened just down the street from her place of last repose in Fairfax, California.

As luck would have it, Teja Gerken, the editor of Acoustic Guitar Magazine, is holding an acoustic guitar showcase Feb. 11, 2009, at the new Sleeping Lady Cafe, and has invited Montfort to perform a song or two as part of the showcase to celebrate the release of his first solo guitar recording the previous day.

So on that day, Matthew Montfort will return to the club where Ancient Future played its first concert exactly 30 years earlier. He is planning on asking her if she would like a date with a full band in the spring for old times sake.

The Sleeping Lady apparently loves a circle completed. After all, it is hard to leave the Ancient Future behind...

February 11, 2009, 9:30 pm, Teja Gerken's Acoustic Guitar Showcase, Sleeping Lady Cafe, 23 Broadway, Fairfax, CA 94930. Info: 415.485.1182

World Beat Workshop at Esalen
Got Rhythm? Get Rhythm This Spring!

Getting your timing skills in order is a great way to usher in spring, and Esalen Institute is a beautiful place to do it.

Increase your rhythmic skills by learning world rhythms! Taught by Matthew Montfort of Ancient Future, from his book Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. Book/Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Soundfiles: $52.95 Buy 1 Now

The book received rave reviews in publications such as GUITAR PLAYER, ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN, DRUMS AND DRUMMING, and the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. Material from the book has been used by many teachers and musicians around the world, including Reinhard Flatischler, founder of the TaKeTiNa rhythm training process, and Steve Smith, famed jazz and rock drummer.

Weekend of March 20-22, 2009. Starts at 8:30 pm on March 20 and ends at 11:30 am on March 22. World Rhythms Workshop, Esalen Institute, 55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920. Cost: Workshop alone: Regular Rate- $370. Friends of Esalen Rate- $320. With Bunk Bed Room: Regular Rate- $515. Friends of Esalen Rate- $465. With standard accommodations: Friends of Esalen Rate- $605. Regular Rate-$655. Standard accommodations is shared housing with two or three persons per room. Contact Esalen for other options. Reservations: 831-667-3005. Fax: 831-667-2724. Email: info@esalen.org

The workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining yet educational format for all music lovers. African polyrhythms, Balinese kotèkan and Indian cycles were chosen as the source material for the training because these three traditions in combination cover the major types of rhythmic organization used in most of the world's music. Not just for musicians and percussionists, this training can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills. No musical background is required.

Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series

[img]http://www.ancient-future.com/images/afhistory153x198.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.ancient-future.com/images/afhistory153x198p12.jpg[/img]

Digital Article on Ancient Future History (1.5 MB, streaming audio)

In December, 1978, Ancient Future went into Tres Virgos Studio in Mill Valley to begin work on the first Ancient Future record, Visions of a Peaceful Planet, which was first released in May of 1979. To commemorate 30 years of world fusion music, a 30th Year Recording Subscription Series was planned with work starting in late 2008.

Well, some work DID happen in December 2008 on a recording featuring several Ancient Future members and a famous gipsy singer! Several more supporters subscribed to the 30th Year Recording Subscription Series. Thanks go out to the following people: Cliff Sears, Alan Moore of Musicians for Peace, and Leslie Lawton.

Because of all the current activities surrounding the new releases, spring is a great time to start work again on the next recording. In the meantime, the money does need to be raised to pay for it. To that end, there are four supporter packages available. You can be a virtual fly-on-the-wall during the recording process through the Recording Newsletter Package ($10). This is the way to get the secret stories involving famous singers and studio antics that no one else gets, plus you get a 30% discount on the final release. Buy 1 Now

The Download Supporter Package ($25) includes the newsletter plus downloads of archival recordings and new music as it is recorded. Buy 1 Now

The Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package ($50) includes all of the above plus an exclusive limited edition CD. Buy 1 Now

Finally, the Honorary A & R Representative Package ($75) includes all of the above plus a DVD with video and hi-rez audio. Buy 1 Now

Recess Shuns Recession: Playing Tag

Here's something to provide some fun and games for those who have suddenly found themselves with a little more time and less money. Here is how the game goes. Simply go to the links for each release below, and review and tag the releases with appropriate keywords. You can use your real name when you sign on, or make up a cool pen name.

Send your real name/pen name and address to info@ancient-future.com. The entries with the best tags and reviews get a free copy of their choice of one of the releases below.

Tag Seven Serenades

Tag Sangria

Tag Planet Passion

Ancient Future Times: Sept 2008: Channeling Change

ancientfuture — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:39:03 UT

Ancient Future Times
September 2008 Edition

This is the email newsletter of Ancient Future, the world's longest running musical ensemble dedicated to the mission of the creation of world fusion music and to increasing awareness and understanding of world music traditions.

In This Issue:
Listener Sponsored World Fusion Music Program Update
Pre-Releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records
Former Dead Kennedy Frontman Jello Biafra Reviews CD
Free CD Contest

============================================
Listener Sponsored World Fusion Music Update
by Matthew Montfort

============================================

_______________
Support Report
_______________

We are very sorry if you tried to support Ancient Future's Listener Sponsored World Fusion Music program (http://www.ancient-future.com/donation.html ) after its announcement and your credit card was denied. It wasn't you, it was a poor choice in web hosting companies. But the good news is that we have now switched to faster servers, upgraded to the latest shopping cart, and since getting everything working in mid-August, we've raised $675. We'd like to thank the following initial supporters:

Leslie Lawton: Download Supporter Package
Musicians for Peace: Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package
Mettagraphics: Logo Link

______________________
Crucial Creative Cause
______________________

In December, 1978, Ancient Future went into Tres Virgos Studio in Mill Valley to begin work on the first Ancient Future record, Visions of a Peaceful Planet, which was first released in May of 1979. To commemorate 30 years of world fusion music, a 30th Anniversary Recording Series is planned with work starting in late 2008.

A special download supporter area will be unveiled in December where the work files for the project will be posted as it is being created. Even before new recordings are made, supporters will have access to files from our archives of live concerts and radio performances that are not currently available commercially. They will help serve as examples of possible directions the recording could take.

To fund Ancient Future's 30th Anniversary Recording Series, a subscription system model is being employed. It is a bit like making a "people's label" to fund the recording. There are four supporter packages available. You can be a virtual fly-on-the-wall during the recording process through the Recording Newsletter Package ($10). The Download Supporter Package ($25) includes the newsletter plus downloads of archival recordings and new music as it is recorded. The Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package ($50) includes all of the above plus an exclusive limited edition CD. Finally, the Honorary A & R Representative Package ($75) includes all of the above plus a DVD with video and hi-rez audio.

Recording Subscriptions

_____________________
Contribution Solution
_____________________

A World Fusion Music Fund has been set up by Octave Alliance's Green Music Network, the nonprofit organization for social change through music started by Ancient-Future.Com artist Alan Tower, and is now accepting tax deductible donations to sponsor world fusion music concerts by Ancient Future.

Contribute

______________
Links Listings
______________

For just $100 a month you or your business can be a Link Sponsor of Ancient-Future.Com and will be thanked with a text link to your web site from Ancient Future's popular home page and the World Fusion Music Links Page.

Sponsor Link

___________________
Channeling Change
___________________

I know it can be difficult to support a cause in times of economic hardship. Being a musician, I'm not without practice coping with economic uncertainty. What I have done lately may be of help to others as well. I quit my favorite vice: coffee. I'm channeling the change I'm saving to help fund Ancient Future, and this week I even splurged and donated to a political campaign. You know, the one for hope and change in the USA. It was my investment in the future. It will be easier to make positive changes through music if society is pointing in a better direction.

Of course, my political donation can effectively be erased by people making donations to the other side. You know, the folksy down-to-earth campaign to support wars, big oil, and tax breaks for the rich. The great thing about contributing to the world fusion music process is that your contribution is not erased by other people contributing to something else. Whoever wins the US election, this sort of work can be of help in creating more understanding between people. Your support can help insure the survival of Ancient Future and the virtuoso world fusion music movement.

"The time has definitely come for world fusion music. Ancient Future is one step ahead of the game; on their side is the philosophical parallel between global consonance and world peace." - SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL

World Rhythms News 11: West African Rhythm

ancientfuture — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:36:53 UT

World Rhythms
Issue 11. West African Bell Pattern

Welcome to the World Rhythms News, an infrequent newsletter dedicated to world music education. This issue covers a West African bell pattern.

West African Rhythm

In West Africa, societies such as the Yoruba, the Eve, the Akan and the Ibo possess a music rich in rhythmic vitality. It is a music of multiple layers of rhythms. While European classical music has developed complex harmonies of tones, African music has developed a complex interweaving of contrasting rhythmic patterns. The African musician often strives for the occurrence of at least two different rhythms at once, and it is precisely this juxtaposition of opposing rhythms that creates the vital spark of African music.

Eve Bell Pattern with Clap

The Eve people of West Africa often use what could be called nonsense syllables for lack of better words to remember a resultant rhythm. Here, the syllable dzi (pronounced "jee" ) is used for the four hand claps, and the syllable GO (pronounced "ga" ) is used for the bell. Where both parts coincide, the syllable is that of the clap. The Eve think of the resultant rhythm as ending on the first beat of the bell and therefore starting in the second note of the bell pattern. This brings up a principle in African music, which is the tendency for a second pattern to regard the first note of a background pattern as the place to end a phrase rather than to begin one. The African musician unifies his time with the last beat he plays rather than the first. This exercise was adapted for this newsletter from the book, Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities: by Matthew Montfort. , Exercise V B-2, page 33.

bell:
|: GO * GO * GO GO * GO * GO * GO :| GO
clap:
|: dzi * * dzi * * dzi * * dzi * * :| dzi
resultant:
|: (dzi)* GO dzi GO GO dzi GO * dzi * GO :| dzi

In the above example, "*" stands for an eighth-note rest in 12/8 time, the syllables "GO" and "dzi" each stand for an eighth note, "|" stands for a bar line, and "|:" and ":|" are repeat signs.

A resultant is the sound created when two different rhythmic parts are played together. A musician must keep in mind this resultant rhythm while playing, to insure that the parts interlock properly. The first "dzi" of the resultant pattern is left out of the first cycle, shown in the notation by in parenthesis. The resultant phrase does not start until the syllable "GO," ending on the first beat of the cycle, as follows:

GO dzi GO GO dzi GO * dzi * GO |dzi

Tap the bell part with the right hand while tapping the clap part with the left hand, and simultaneously recite the syllables, alternating between the syllables for the bell part, clap and resultant. The following chart may be helpful in visualizing your hand alternation:

R * R * R R * R * R * R

L * * L * * L * * L * *

Eve Bell Pattern MIDI File. This MIDI file is a performance of the bell pattern against the clap. Listen for each part separately:
http://www.ancient-future.com/midi/bellclap.mid

Resultant Pattern MIDI File. This MIDI file is a performance of the resultant pattern created by the bell pattern and clap. Therefore, it does not start on the first beat of the cycle, for the reasons stated above:
http://www.ancient-future.com/midi/bellresu.mid

The Book

For home study of West African rhythm, a good resource is the book “Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India.” The above rhythms are from the audio guide tracks to this "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort, leader of the popular world fusion music ensemble, Ancient Future. The book takes the student on a musical voyage through the traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. A must-have for all students of world music:

Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. By Matthew Montfort. Mill Valley: Panoramic Press, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2. Spiral Bound Book, $29.95: Buy 1 Now: http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html

The exercises are now also available in a companion audio format to supplement the book for those who don't read music well:

Ancient Rhythms--Future Grooves: MIDI Percussion Groove Tracks from the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India PLUS Complete 2 CD Set of Audio Guide Tracks . By Matthew Montfort. Kentfield: Ancient Future Music (2005). Companion 2 Volume Enhanced Audio CD set with MIDI Soundfiles, 27.95 (SALE! Normally $39.95): A complete 2 CD set of audio guide tracks PLUS a CD-ROM presentation of MIDI files based on the book Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilities. Buy 1 Now: http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html

This two CD/CD-ROM set of audio tracks and MIDI files helps reinforce the material in the book and insures practicing correctly and in rhythm. Volume I and covers the exercises in the West Africa and Bali chapters of the book. Volume II covers the exercises in the India and Future Possibilities chapters. The General MIDI sound files of the exercises in the book can be used with a web browser for playback, or can be loaded into a MIDI sequencer for greater control. The CD-ROM even includes MIDI maps of West African, Balinese, and Indian percussion sound assignments enable custom re-mapping to your patches and instructions to turn your sequencer into a tabla machine using VSTi plug-ins and included tabla samples.

All compositions, recordings, video, and text in this article are ©, Patent 2007 Ancient Future Music. All rights reserved.