Thursday, December 10, 2009

Got Rhythm? Develop Your Inner Rhythm by Studying World Music at Esalen New Year's Day 2010


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12/10/2009

Contact: Ancient-Future.Com Records

1-888-823-8887

info@ancient-future.com


Welcome the New Year with a World Music Workshop at Esalen, Big Sur



Got Rhythm? Develop Your Inner Rhythm by Studying World Music

World Music Workshop by Ancient Future Leader Matthew Montfort


Weekend of January 1-3, 2010

8:30 p.m. 1/1/2010 through 11:30 am 1/3/2010

Schedule
: Friday, 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 10:00pm

Sunday: 9:30 am – 11:30 am


Esalen Institute

Highway 1

Big Sur, CA 93920

Cost: Workshop alone: Regular Rate- $385. Friends of Esalen Rate- $335.

With Bunk Bed Room: Regular Rate- $530. Friends of Esalen Rate- $480.

With standard accommodations: Regular Rate-$670. Friends of Esalen Rate- $620.

Reservations: 831-667-3005. Registration Form: www.esalen.org/assetts/RezForm.pdf.

Fax: 831-667-2724. Email: info@esalen.org.

Download event poster: 01/01/10 Esalen Workshop.pdf (628 k)

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This workshop retreat beginning on the first day of 2010 is a wonderful way to start the new year with improved timing skills in a spectacular setting. Matthew Montfort is the author of Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India. The book, which is the basis for this world music workshop, 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.


The workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining yet educational format for all music lovers. 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. Not just for musicians and percussionists, this training can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills. Melodic aspects of the traditions will also be explored through vocal chanting and ensemble performance in a supportive setting. The workshop is open to all levels, and no musical background is required. Very simple to play percussion instruments will be provided, and participants are free to bring any percussive or melodic instruments they enjoy playing.


About Matthew Montfort


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 was interviewed in the December 2009 Les Paul issue of Guitar Player Magazine 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, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar. 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.


Rhythm Training Materials


Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities


Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilities Book



Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort. Book/Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Soundfiles:$52.95 (SALE! Normally $69.95): Buy 1 Now.


Quotes


"You've heard Afro-Pop, sitar, gamelan and world music for years. But do you know what they are and how they work? Better yet, would you like to play those twisted cross-rhythms and melodies? In Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilities, Matthew Montfort, a founding member of the world music band Ancient Future, has put together the book for people who want to dig into world music with both hands. The first section of the book covers traditional music of West Africa, Bali and India with theories and exercises. Wherever possible, Montfort has provided beat counts alongside the standard musical notation so even if you can't read music, you can still learn the rhythms.The last section of the book mixes patterns from different cultures, demonstrating the powerful music these simple exercises can generate." – Richard Kadrey, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE


"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."DRUMS AND DRUMMING


"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."GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE


"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."ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN


Melodic Training Materials


Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar


Seven Serenades CD Cover


Matthew Montfort (>audio)


Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. (AF 2008). $17.98: Buy 1 Now.

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.


Free Educational Liner Notes


Seven Serenades Digital Liner Notes


Download 18 pages of educational liner notes from Seven Serenades including sheet music and in depth explanations of melodic concepts utilized in world music. Digital Liner Notes (1.7 MB).


Online Raga Lesson


Hendrix Raga Article


Now on GuitarPlayer.Com: "The Music of Jimi Hendrix Applied to Indian Raga" by Matthew Montfort


Quotes



Download the 65 page report of media placements for Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar. Complete reviews, photos, and links to online reviews. MediaMatthewMontfort.pdf (3.9 MB).


"A true guitar wizard." – Jello Biafra, ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS


"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


"Matthew’s playing is always impeccable, filled with subtle emotion and even wanderlust. I don't know of anyone who plays quite like Matthew. His mastery of the scalloped fretboard guitar seems unequaled. For a richly rewarding journey into the magic of acoustic world fusion music, look no farther than 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.'" – Steve Ryals, FRESH TRACKS


"Leader of the world-music band Ancient Future since 1978, Matthew Montfort has adapted many string instrument styles – from sitar to zither – to his guitar. His special scalloped fretboard allows him to tweak the strings in unique ways, but his virtuosity is a lot more than technical." – David Rubien, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE


"It isn't every day that acoustic guitarists make their instrument sound a lot like an Indian sitar, but that is exactly what Matthew Montfort accomplishes on the instrumental 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' Through it all, Montfort demonstrates that even though he has considerable chops and technical prowess, he is much more interested in feeling and expression than technique. This 56-minute CD is an adventurous, consistently engaging demonstration of what Montfort can accomplish on the scalloped fretboard guitar." – Alex Henderson, ALL MUSIC GUIDE


"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

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Official Ancient Future iPhone App Released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11/30/2009

Contact: Ancient-Future.Com Records

1-888-823-8887

info@ancient-future.com


Official Ancient Future iPhone App



The official Ancient Future app for the iPhone or iPod Touch is now available. This app helps Ancient Future fans keep up with the world fusion music ensemble's activities while on the go. The rich features and unique content in this app include the ability to sample the latest Ancient Future music, access links to free downloads not available on iTunes, check out the latest Ancient Future videos and photos (including iPhone app exclusives), read blog posts, and get regular bulletin updates including progress reports on the band's ambitious new fan supported recording project, A.F.A.R. - the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings.


Ancient Future is the first and longest running musical organization dedicated 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, which seeks to show how people from different cultures can grow by learning from each other.


Ancient Future has released seven full length studio CDs selling over 150,000 units: Visions of a Peaceful Planet, Natural Rhythms, Quiet Fire, Dreamchaser, World Without Walls, Asian Fusion, and Planet Passion. Over one million legal mp3 files from three of these releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records have been distributed commercially on sites such as iTunes. Ancient Future is also featured on samplers selling millions of units on labels such as Putumayo and Narada.


Over the years, Ancient Future has expanded its musical vision through collaborations with master musicians from more than two dozen countries, cultures, and musical traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large multinational music ensemble with many smaller ensembles within it, enabling Ancient Future to realize its core mission of creating world fusion music. Through cross cultural exchange, Ancient Future has created a musical world without borders.


Side effects: In rare cases, the Ancient Future iPhone app may cause temporary temporal displacement of the psycho-acoustic variety. If you experience a psycho-acoustic temporal displacement lasting longer than four hours, enjoy your vacation.


Download the official Ancient Future app for the iPhone or iPod Touch:


Available on the iPhone App Store


Link Code:


http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=329391927&mt=8&partnerId=30&siteID=ibjSM6AV2mI-cIK6NaMPJQv908N04uzRSg