Celebrating 38 Years of World Fusion

Ancient Future Times: Performances Celebrating 38 Years of World Fusion
February 2017 Issue:

Ancient Future Performs Live on KPFA, 94.1 FM, Feb. 9, 10 PM PST
•World Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort, Tabla Virtuoso Vishal Nagar, & Pianist/Santurist Mariah Parker
Trinity Chamber Concerts Presents Ancient Future Feb. 11, 8 PM
•38th Anniversary Show at Trinity Chapel, Berkeley
'Indo Latin Jazz Live In Concert' by Mariah Parker
•New CD Release on Ancient-Future.Com Records
Save the Dates: San Francisco International Arts Festival
•Guitar-Sitar Jugalbandi, June 1; Mariah Parker, June 3; Global Guitar Summit, June 4

---

Ancient Future Performs Live on KPFA, 94.1 FM, Feb. 9, 10 PM PST

World Guitar Pioneer Matthew Montfort, Tabla Virtuoso Vishal Nagar, & Pianist/Santurist Mariah Parker

Ancient Future will be performing LIVE on Derk Richardson's "The Hear and Now" on KPFA 94.1 FM on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 PM PST. Listen on your radio, or stream it live from the link below. Afterwards, it will be archived for two weeks.
https://kpfa.org/program/the-hear-and-now/

---

Trinity Chamber Concerts Presents Ancient Future Feb. 11, 8 PM

38th Anniversary Show at Trinity Chapel, Berkeley

Celebrating the exact 38th anniversary of their first concert, the trailblazing world music group Ancient Future will perform as part of the Trinity Chamber Concerts Series in Berkeley on February 11, 2017.
Blending ancient world music traditions from fiery flamenco to resonant raga with the contemporary colors of jazz and rock, this variation of the world fusion music group Ancient Future features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort, renowned Indian tabla virtuoso Vishal Nagar, and composer/pianist/santurist Mariah Parker performing new music and favorites from the band's eight ground breaking recordings.
Ancient Future is the first and longest running musical organization 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, which seeks to show how people from different cultures can grow by learning from each other. Their first concert was February 11, 1979, at the original Sleeping Lady Cafe in Fairfax, California.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, 8 PM
Trinity Chamber Concerts
Trinity Chapel
2320 Dana Street between Bancroft Way & Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
Tix: $20 general, $15 senior/disabled/student. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Info and reservations: 510-778-1719 or email info@trinitychamberconcerts.com. Press Release. Facebook Event.

---

'Indo Latin Jazz Live In Concert' by Mariah Parker

New Release on Ancient-Future.Com Records

Indo Latin Jazz Live In Concert by Mariah Parker (Ancient-Future.Com AF-20142).
Released Jan. 20, 2017, Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert captures the magic of the concert debut of Mariah Parker's 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.
"A collection of smartly imagined original tunes that touch on range of cultural influences. You'd expect nothing less from a cast a master musicians whose credits range from Wynton Marsalis to Sun Ra to Bolivian pan flute maestro Gonzalo Vargas. The cultural mix changes from song to song and often within the song. Reeds master Paul McCandless starts the opening track, 'Affinity Minus One,' with a passage that lightly but firmly references Indian classical music before shifting into a more Coltrane-y mood later in the song. Guitarist Matthew Montfort similarly does a brilliant sitar imitation at the start 'Close Passage' before dialing back to a more natural timbre. The group makes its boldest cross-cultural stand with 'Sangria,' which combines McCandless's Indian-flavored musings on oboe and bass clarinet, yet more of Montfort's sitar evocations and Rice variously suggesting flamenco and salsa with his percussive flourishes. Plus Parker playing the santur, a dulcimer of Persian origins. On paper, it looks like a recipe for disaster, but the musicians pull it off with aplomb. So who cares if the zeitgeist is turning to xenophobia and isolationism—viva multiculturalism!" – David Becker, AllAboutJazz.Com

---

Save the Dates: San Francisco International Arts Festival

Guitar-Sitar Jugalbandi, June 1; Mariah Parker, June 3; Global Guitar Summit, June 4

Ancient-Future.Com Records artists will perform three different concerts as part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival at Fort Mason. Save the dates for these three unusual performances!

Ancient Future Guitar-Sitar Jugalbandi, June 1, 7:30 PM, Chapel

Jugalbandi is a classical North Indian musical duet (meaning literally "tied together"). The guitar is not often used in the music of India. However, Matthew Montfort has studied sitar and is a pioneer of the scalloped fretboard guitar, an instrument combining qualities of the South Indian vina and the steel string guitar. This jugalbandi works well because Matthew Montfort is a guitarist with knowledge of sitar, and Pandit Habib Khan has been described as the “Jimi Hendrix of the sitar” by L'Orient le Jour, Beirut's French language newspaper. They will be accompanied by tabla master Ferhan Qureshi.

Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Chamber Jazz Quintet, June 3, 6 PM, Gallery 308

According to Latin Beat Magazine, "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." Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal says they "fuse Latin rhythms with influences from South America and India with a dash of straight-up American jazz… an intoxicating blend of East and West. Like all the best jazz bands, this group is as disciplined as it is innovative."  This chamber variation of the ensemble with its emphasis on strings will explore new compositions as well as rearrangements of existing work.

Global Guitar Summit, June 4, 3 PM, Chapel

This Global Guitar Summit presents three international acoustic guitar virtuosos who will perform solo and ensemble pieces. The summit features American scalloped fretboard guitar and world fusion music pioneer Matthew Montfort, master Italian guitarist and musicologist Giacomo Fiore, and German fingerstyle guitarist extraordinaire Teja Gerken. The music performed will include new arrangements of classical works, Celtic music, Indian classical, contemporary compositions, popular songs, and much more.

Ancient Future 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert to Stream Live on ConcertWindow.com October 16 at 8 PM PDT

Ancient Future Concert to Stream on ConcertWindow.com

'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert Streams Live October 16 at 8 PM PDT

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 lineup of the pioneering world music group that performed on Ancient Future's influential World Without Walls and Asian Fusion recordings. They will perform their fourth reunion concert after a 15 year hiatus on Wednesday, October 16, at 8 PM at the Freight and Salvage, located at 2020 Addison Street in Berkeley.

Online tickets are available now for $5 at concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future. 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. ConcertWindow.com includes a show time count-down clock, or a site such as timezoneconverter.com 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.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 8 PM PDT
Streaming Live at ConcertWindow.com
Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
Tix: $18.50 in advance, $20.50 at the door, or $5 for live stream at concertwindow.com/shows/ancient-future.
Info: Call 510-644-2020 or email info@freightandsalvage.org
Facebook Event.

'World Without Walls' Reunion Video of 'Indra's Net' Released in Celebration

Live Medley of 'Alap' and 'Indra's Net' Recorded at Yoshi's, San Francisco, 6/7/11


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 http://youtu.be/fCVQZLBS43c. Inspired by Hindu mythology, 'Indra's Net' was used as a soundtrack for a United Nations documentary film, Closing the Curtains of Death, 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, 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 (http://youtu.be/Ro0VAo7a9BY) and 'Turkish Taffy' by Doug McKeehan (http://youtu.be/e0YyuM7YTIo).

'World Without Walls' by Ancient Future on Capitol Records

Hi-Res Square Cover Art (3 MB)

Featuring Tabla Master Zakir Hussain

(Sona Gaia/MCA 163): CD - $24.98 (collectable signed copy): Buy Link. audio.
Press Audio Downloads: Lakshmi Rocks Me (Jim Hurley) MP3 (excerpt, 976k). audio.
14 Steps (Matthew Montfort) MP3 (excerpt, 1 MB). audio.

As its name suggests, World Without Walls 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. World Without Walls 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.


Tabla master Zakir Hussain

Ancient Future Band Biography

Sepia photo for print (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).

BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for contributing to the emerging movement known as world fusion music, 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.
In the years since the initial CD release of World Without Walls, 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.

Quotes

World Without Walls Media Report (13.9 MB)

Below are just a few of the rave reviews for the reissue of World Without Walls:

"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." - Chris Spector, MIDWEST RECORD (July 2011)

"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." - Stephen Bocioaca, WORLD JAZZ NEWS (July 2011)

"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 ." - Jorge Sergio Iglesias, Articmist.org, (Aug 2011)

"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 http://www.youtube.com/ancientfuture 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." - Mark S. Tucker, FOLK & ACOUSTIC MUSIC EXCHANGE (Sept 2011)

"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 YouTube 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." - Jack Montgomery, Amplifier, BOWLING GREEN DAILY NEWS (Sept 2011)

"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." - Charles de Lint, SleepingHedgehog.com (Nov 2011)

"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." - Fred Trafton, GILBRALTAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK (Nov 2011)

First Video from Reunion Tour Supporting 'World Without Walls' by Ancient Future on Capitol Records

Live Version of '14 Steps' from Ancient Future's 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert at Yoshi's SF, 6/7/11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY

July 26, 2011, Radio Add Date Announced for the Digital Release of this Classic 1990 Recording by Ancient Future featuring Tabla Master Zakir Hussain

Radio Can Download Broadcast Quality Tracks

http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture

Hi-Res Square Cover Art (3 MB)

On June 7, 2011, the exact lineup of Ancient Future that performed on the band's influential World Without Walls and Asian Fusion 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 World Without Walls recording. It is available now for download purchase at all major digital retailers such as iTunes and Amazon.com MP3 Store.

As its name suggests, World Without Walls by Ancient Future 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 World Without Walls one of Ancient Future's most accessible and broadly appealing releases ever.

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 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro0VAo7a9BY.

Digital promo including audio is now available to the media upon request. Reviewers should contact Ancient-Future.Com Records at info@ancient-future.com. Radio programmers are encouraged to visit http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture for broadcast files. The radio add date is July 26, 2011, for reports to the CMJ New World and Zone Music Reporter charts.

Tabla master Zakir Hussain

Ancient Future Band Biography

Sepia photo for print (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).

BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for contributing to the emerging movement known as world fusion music, 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.

In the years since the initial CD release of World Without Walls, 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

Digital Release Specifications

World Without Walls 1 Sheet (864 k, streaming audio)

Original Release Date: June 7, 2011

Label: Capitol Catalog

UPC: 5099908369956

Radio Add Date: July 26, 2011

Radio Promo Service: http://airplaydirect.com/music/AncientFuture

Reviewer Promo Service: info@ancient-future.com

Copyright: © 2011 Narada Productions, Inc

Genres: International/World/Jazz/General

Total Length: 44:26

Credits: 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).

Track List: (>audio. Listen to songs and excerpts.)

1. Lakshmi Rocks Me (Jim Hurley. 2:52). Sample MP3 (excerpt) (992K). (1:01).


2. Dance of the Rain Forest (Matthew Montfort. 4:45).


3. April Air (Doug McKeehan. 3:57).


4. 14 Steps (Matthew Montfort. 4:30). Sample MP3 (excerpt) (1MB). (1:07)


5. End of the Beginning (Matthew Montfort. 5:15).


6. Turkish Taffy (Doug McKeehan. 4:55).


7. Alap (Matthew Montfort. 1:10).


8. Indra's Net (Jim Hurley. 4:53).


9. Nyo Nyo Gde (Matthew Montfort. 4:00).


10. Gopi Song (Doug McKeehan. 7:46).

Quotes

World Without Walls Media Report (6.4 MB)

"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." - John Diliberto, Jazziz (Nov 91)

"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." - Donald A. Thomas, Jr., Revolutionary Concepts (December 90)

"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." - Michael Bloom, Boston Rocks (April 91)

"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." - Mark Nelson, MIDI Guitar (Spring 91)

"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." - New World (April 91)

"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." - Carol Wright, NAPRA Trade Journal (Spring 91)

"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." - Kathleen Lawson, Well Being Journal (April/May 91)

"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." - J. Poet, Ward Music Monthly (June 91)

"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." - Heartsong Review, Spirit of Change (Winter 91-92)

"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." - Lloyd Barde, Common Ground (Spring 93)

"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." - Diane Darling, Green Egg (Spring, 94)