Ancient Future Times: 30th Anniversary Concert

July 2009 Issue

Welcome to the Ancient Future Times

Email newsletter of the World Fusion Music Ensemble Ancient Future

Twitter: Matthew Montfort (MatthewMontfort) • Ancient Future Band (Ancient_Future) • Ancient-Future.Com Records (WorldFusion)

Facebook: Ancient Future on Facebook • Matthew Montfort on Facebook

In This Issue:

30th Anniversary Concert at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley 7/26/2009

Romantic Serenades in Guerneville 7/25/2009

Contest: Win Concert Tix

More Summer Soirees

Realtime Radio

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30th Anniversary Concert

CD Release Party: 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music

Sunday, July 26 at 8 pm

Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse

1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702

Tix: $18.50 in advance, $19.50 at the door

Info: Call 510-548-1761 or visit freightandsalvage.org.

Download concert poster: 7/26/09 Freight.pdf.

This triple bill features the pioneering world fusion music group Ancient Future, scalloped fretboard guitarist Matthew Montfort, and Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble. This 30th anniversary CD release party features music from three new releases celebrating 30 years of world fusion music.

‘Planet Passion’ (30th Anniversary Remastered Edition) by Ancient Future features top world music masters performing music on the theme of mythical stories of love. BILLBOARD calls the group Ancient Future “trendsetters” for their early contributions to the world fusion music movement. The version of Ancient Future performing on this bill concentrates on Arabic, Indian, and Spanish musical themes, and has performed in Spain at festivals in Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Botarell, Torredembarra, and Salou.



“If the members of the United Nations formed a world-fusion band, it might look and sound a little something like Ancient Future.” — LEO WEEKLY

‘Sangria’ by Mariah Parker with her Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble “blends 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.” — LATIN BEAT MAGAZINE



“Dazzling debut... Parker’s subtle and sensuous sounds reflect exotic flavors of India, the Middle East and Latin America.”

— PALO ALTO DAILY NEWS

‘Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar’ by Matthew Montfort is the debut solo recording by Ancient Future’s bandleader. Montfort will peform works from this improvised recording which showcases his pioneering work on the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar.



“Montfort demonstrates that even though he has considerable chops and technical prowess, he is much more interested in feeling and expression than technique. An adventurous, consistently engaging demonstration of what Montfort can accomplish on the scalloped fretboard guitar.” — ALL MUSIC GUIDE



“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.” — INDIA CURRENTS

Checkout Option Sale! 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Music for $30!

Purchase 'Seven Serenades' and you will have the option of adding the following releases for a total of $30 for all three!

Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008. 6-panel Digipak CD: $17.98. Buy 1 Now. (>audio).

Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. (>audio).

Planet Passion by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com AF-2001. (>audio.)

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

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Romantic Serenades for Guitar and Piano

Matthew Montfort: ‘Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar’ CD Release Concert

Seth Montfort: Latin Piano Serenades by Granados, Copland/Bernstein, Villa-Lobos & Montfort

Sandra Simich: Romantic Piano Music by Chopin



Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m.

Music Inside Out & Center

16375 4th Street @ Mill

(Across from the Russian River Resort)

Guerneville, CA 95446

Tix: $10. Info: 707-604-7600 or visit sfconcerto.org.

email: seth@sfconcerto.org

Download concert poster: 7/25/09 Poster.pdf.

This concert features romantic music by three performers. Pioneering scalloped fretboard guitarist Matthew Montfort is well known as the leader of the pioneering world music group Ancient Future. He has performed at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain and on tour in India with sitarist Pandit Habib Khan and tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri.

Matthew's brother, Seth Montfort won his first contest at 11 performing ragtime piano by Scott Joplin. He made his concerto debut at 16 performing Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand with the Denver Symphony. He has also made solo appearances with the Jefferson Symphony, Redwood Symphony, North Bay Philharmonic, Kensington Symphony, Diablo Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra and the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra. He has won 12 prizes in local, National and International competitions and has performed over 1,000 solo recitals.

Sandra Simich was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In the former Yugoslavia, she received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance, and studied with Marian Mika, Slava Gabrielov, and Irina Tchukovskaya, winner of the Tchaikovsky Competition. An established pianist she appears regularly as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician in California and Europe. She performed as an artist in residence at the International Peace Conference in Croatia and with The Tamalpais Trio for the International Red Cross relief efforts in Kosovo.

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Contest: Win Tickets to CD Release Parties:

• Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m., Romantic Serenades for Guitar and Piano featuring Matthew Montfort: 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party, Seth Montfort: Latin Piano Serenades by Granados, Copland/Bernstein, Villa-Lobos & Montfort, and Sandra Simich: Romantic Piano Music by Chopin, Music Inside Out & Center, 16375 4th Street @ Mill (across from the Russian River Resort), Guerneville, CA 95446. Tix: $10. Info: 707-604-7600, email: seth@sfconcerto.org. Download concert poster: 7/25/09 Poster.pdf.


• Sunday, July 26, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party for 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Fusion Music featuring the band Ancient Future, Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702. Tix: $18.50 in advance, $19.50 at the door. Info: Call 510-548-1761. Download concert poster: 7/26/09 Freight.pdf

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! Then send a short email to info@ancient-future.com describing what you learned about music from reading the notes, along with which concert you can attend. Best short answer wins a pair of tickets and will be quoted on the Ancient Future web site next to the digital liner note download link.

Digital Liner Notes (1.7 MB)

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More Summer Soirees

• Saturday, August 15, 8 p.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Joe Fajen (tabla, percussion), The Cozmic Cafe, 594 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667. Tix: $10 adv, $12 door. Info: 530-642-8481. Download concert poster: 8/15/09 Cozmic Cafe.pdf.


• Tuesday, August 25, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party 'Sangria' featuring Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble, Yoshi's Jazz Club, 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA 94607. Tix: $15 Info: Call 510-238-9200 or visit yoshis.com. Download concert poster: 8/25/09 Yoshi's.pdf.

Concert Posters (pdf, click to download):

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Realtime Radio

• Friday, July 17, 11 p.m., Rhyshenda Owens interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Esoterica,' KPFZ 88.1 FM, Lakeport, CA 95453.


• Sunday, July 19, 11 p.m., Dean Suzuki interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Discreet Music,' KPFA 94.1 FM, streaming live online at www.kpfa.org, Berkeley, CA 94704.


• Thursday, July 23, 11 a.m. Rebroadcast of Rhyshenda Owens' interview with Matthew Montfort on 'Esoterica,' KPFZ 88.1 FM, Lakeport, CA 95453.


• Wednesday, July 22, 12:30 p.m., Sunshine interviews Matthew Montfort on 'Sunshine ... In the Afternoon,' KZSU 90.1 FM, streaming live online at kzsulive.stanford.edu, Stanford, CA 94309.

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Ancient Future Times: Summer Soirees and Premo Press

June 2009 Issue

Welcome to the Ancient Future Times

Email newsletter of the World Fusion Music Ensemble Ancient Future

Twitter: Matthew Montfort (MatthewMontfort) • Ancient Future Band (Ancient_Future) • Ancient-Future.Com Records (WorldFusion)

To subscribe, use the form below. Follow instructions thereafter, and make sure to ONLY check the geographic area where you live. We need this information so that we only send you information about concerts in your area. It doesn't refer to types of world music that you like.

Please enter your email address:

In This Issue:

Premo Press for 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar'

Contest: Win Concert Tix for Open Secret, San Rafael, 6/19/09, & Don Quixote's, Felton, 6/25/09

Summer Soirees

Realtime Radio

Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series Update

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Premo Press for 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar'

>audio



Ancient-Future.Com 2008. Digipak CD- $17.98: Buy 1 Now

This Week – Friday: CD Release Concert, Friday, June 19, 7:30 pm, Open Secret, San Rafael, CA

“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. Friday's show lets Montfort show off his skills away from Ancient Future, while celebrating the release of his debut solo CD, 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.' Samples on YouTube and MySpace. $12. 7:30 p.m. Open Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. 415-457-4191, www.ancient-future.com.” – David Rubien, Datebook (Pink Section), SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

Monthly Music Feature in Audiophile Magazine

“Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar, Montfort’s first solo outing, is a relaxing series of pieces in which the guitarist sustains his ideas with arrangements that include wind instruments, violin, and voice. The best tunes, such as "Guari the Golden" and "Lilalit," are meditative, and allow Montfort to develop improvisations around a central theme. He doesn't dazzle with quick notes or flashy virtuosity, but lets the music play out in a more considered, deliberative manner. Seven Serenades has a cumulative effect that pulled me in. "Purple Raga," Montfort’s tribute to Jimi Hendrix, is an enjoyable reminder that Hendrix, too, was influenced by Indian and Middle Eastern music. The recording is exceptionally clear and intimate.” – Joseph Taylor, GOOD SOUND! - The Experts on Affordable High-Performance Audio

Matthew Montfort- Future Fingers Between the Frets

“Like the harp guitar, the scalloped-fretboard guitar is another variation on the world's most well-known instrument. Matthew Montfort, the founder and leader of the world-fusion group Ancient Future, has been playing the instrument since 1978, when luthier Ervin Somogyi carved out the wood between the frets so that, according to the notes on the back cover, "the pads of Montfort's fingers touch only the strings, reducing friction while he bends them to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar." The appearance of the guitar isn't all that different, but the sound does indeed lie between a guitar and a sitar. On his first solo album, Montfort plays six of his own compositions, three of them in a solo format. "Celtic Raga" draws parallels between ancient Celtic and Vedic traditions. Didjeridu player Alan Tower provides droning accompaniment on a couple of tracks, including "Purple Raga," which was inspired by Jimi Hendrix.” – by Paul -Emile Comeau, DIRTY LINEN

Play List: Music Reviews by Bill Binkelman

“As founder of the pioneering world fusion band Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort was instrumental in shaping that genre. For his first solo album, he casts the spotlight on the unique musical characteristics of the scalloped fret board guitar, an instrument with a highly different "personality," which is revealed through Montfort’s considerable talent. This type of guitar sounds quite different—notes can be "bent" and the music acquires an exotic, sensual characteristic. Some tracks feature Montfort going solo, while on others he’s joined by artists on santur, didgeridoo, or violin. Many of the CD’s seven tracks carry an East Indian flavor, but "Michelle’s Star" has a breezy folk-like feeling and "Celtic Raga" pulses with the lively spirit of Irish-pub music. The closing "Lilalit" is a 14-minute solo tour de force!” – Bill Binkelman, NEW AGE RETAILER

Syndicated Review

“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. Traditional Indian music is a strong influence on instrumentals like "Purple Raga," "Gauri the Golden," and "Lilalit," which is not to say that this is a traditional Indian album in the Ravi Shankar vein. Instead, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar is best described as world fusion; Indian music is an influence, but it isn't the disc's only influence -- and Montfort also draws on everything from Spanish flamenco to blues to folk-rock. Celtic music is an influence on "Celtic Raga," which successfully combines Irish-Celtic and Indian elements. 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

Seven Soul Serenades

“When I first heard this album in a quiet room late at night I thought of my mother. That was the week of Mother's Day. Mom passed two years ago. I'd been thinking about her off and on through the day, but it was a busy day. "Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar" has a technical name so I didn't expect it change my mood and slow down my thoughts. This CD slowed me down with a drone sound like throat singing played on a didjeridu with a deep roar swelling up as thought it were coming from the earth. I was not thinking of a didjeridu when the guitar and violin began to play. The drone continued quietly swelling and subsiding as the guit-box started to meander into sound. The music was emerging from that calm and undulating force beneath the surface. This album had given me a still moment, slowed my racing thoughts, and let me feel what my spirit was doing.

Matthew Montfort has the faith to believe in the beauty of disparate and rich cultures singing in harmony. He believes there is a place common to mankind for the combined voices of disparate cultures. Worlds do not collide as we are taught to expect. They coalesce when these musicians play. As the sound of this music rises, it comes together. Everything that rises must converge.

When I first heard this album, it got to me. I thought I would write a review in a couple of hours. It was beautiful, and the music moved me. Then the process of World Fusion, and the subtleties of the scalloped fretboard guitar began to fascinate me. Mr. Montfort was very generous with his time, and those afforded me an opportunity to explore with a recognized authority the intricacies of how music is created. My initial reaction to the music hasn't changed. This is an album of beautiful guitar music. I don't need to understand it to feel it. Whatever process went into the making of this music, it works just great. This music takes me to a private place. I can get there listening to a Raga, but "Seven Serenades" feels more familiar to me. These songs change the quality of my thought when I listen intently.

I think master improvisor and composer Yousef Lateef's statement about the music of Lester Young applies to this album. "[S]ome sounds make us hear someone’s character." When I hear an improvisor, I hear what that musician has to offer. John Coltrane said it best: "When I've heard a man's music, I've heard that man."” – Billy Sheppard, BILLYSBUNKER.COM

Condensed for this newsletter. Read the whole reviews: www.ancient-future.com/pdf/MediaMatthewMontfort.pdf

src="http://www.ancient-future.com/images/logorecboxredline.jpg" border="0" width="200" height="32" alt="Ancient-Future.Com Records Logo">

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. (>audio).

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. (>audio.)

Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. (>audio).

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

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Contest: Win Tickets to CD Release Parties:

• 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. Download concert poster: 6/19/09 Open Secret.pdf.


• Thursday, June 25, 8:00 p.m., Acoustic Guitar Double bill featuring Matthew Montfort ('Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party) and the William Coulter Trio with Barry and Shelley Phillips, Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018. Tix: $15. Info: 831-603-2294. Download concert poster: 6/25/09 Don Quixotes.pdf.
  

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! Then send a short email to info@ancient-future.com describing what you learned about music from reading the notes, along with which concert you can attend. Best short answer wins a pair of tickets and will be quoted on the Ancient Future web site next to the digital liner note download link.

Digital Liner Notes (1.7 MB)

Contests open to subscribers only. If you are not already receiving this newsletter, please subscribe before entering:

Please enter your email address:

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Summer Soirees

• 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. Download concert poster: 6/19/09 Open Secret.pdf.


• Thursday, June 25, 8:00 p.m., Acoustic Guitar Double bill featuring Matthew Montfort ('Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party) and the William Coulter Trio with Barry and Shelley Phillips, Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018. Tix: $15. Info: 831-603-2294. Download concert poster: 6/25/09 Don Quixotes.pdf.


• Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m., Romantic Serenades for Guitar and Piano featuring Matthew Montfort: 'Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar' CD Release Party, Seth Montfort: Latin Piano Serenades by Granados, Copland/Bernstein, Villa-Lobos & Montfort, and Sandra Simich: Romantic Piano Music by Chopin, Music Inside Out & Center, 16375 4th Street @ Mill (across from the Russian River Resort), Guerneville, CA 95446. Tix: $10. Info: 707-604-7600, email: seth@sfconcerto.org. Download concert poster: 7/25/09 Poster.pdf.


• Sunday, July 26, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party for 3 Releases Celebrating 30 Years of World Fusion Music featuring the band Ancient Future, Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), and Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702. Tix: $18.50 in advance, $19.50 at the door. Info: Call 510-548-1761. Download concert poster: 7/26/09 Freight.pdf.


• Saturday, August 15, 8 p.m., Serenades by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, glissentar), Joe Fajen (tabla, percussion), The Cozmic Cafe, 594 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667. Tix: $10 adv, $12 door. Info: 530-642-8481. Download concert poster: 8/15/09 Cozmic Cafe.pdf.


• Tuesday, August 25, 8:00 p.m., CD Release Party 'Sangria' featuring Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble with featuring Mariah Parker (piano, santur), Paul McCandless (woodwinds, horns), Matthew Montfort (guitars), Kash Killion (bass, cello), Duru Demetrius (Latin percussion), Debopriyo Sarkar (tabla), Yoshi's Jazz Club , 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA 94607. Tix: $15 Info: Call 510-238-9200 or visit yoshis.com. Download concert poster: 8/25/09 Yoshi's.pdf.

Concert Posters (pdf, click to download):

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Realtime Radio

• Friday, June 19, 1 p.m., Avotcja Interviews Matthew Montfort on La Verdad Musical, KPOO-FM 89.5, streaming live online at www.kpoo.com, San Francisco, CA 94115.


• 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.

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Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series

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

To commemorate 30 years of world fusion music, a 30th Year Recording Subscription Series is in the works. To support music of a high standard of musicianship and recording quality in the current state of the music business, we need direct support from you.

We've been so busy promoting the three 30th anniversary CD releases and concerts that there hasn't been much time to raise money for the next Ancient Future CD. The 30th anniversary promotion is now winding down, and so it is time to devote energy to the fundraising process.

We need to raise 10% of the goal to begin recording, so please consider subscribing. 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. Thanks go out to the following people who have already subscribed: Vincent Martel, Cliff Sears, Alan Moore of Musicians for Peace, and Leslie Lawton.

April 2009 Issue
Welcome to the Ancient Future Times
Email newsletter of the World Fusion Music Ensemble Ancient Future
Twitter: Matthew Montfort (MatthewMontfort)
Ancient Future Band (Ancient_Future)
Ancient-Future.Com Records (WorldFusion)

Share on Facebook
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To subscribe, use the form below. Follow instructions thereafter, and make sure to ONLY check the geographic area where you live. We need this information so that we only send you information about concerts in your area. It doesn't refer to types of world music that you like.

Please enter your email address:

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

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by Matthew Montfort

>audio

Ancient-Future.Com 2008. Digipak CD- $17.98: Buy 1 Now.

Free Digital 1 Sheet (552 k, streaming audio)

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)

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. (>audio).

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. (>audio.)

Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. (>audio).

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!

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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!

Digital Liner Notes (1.7 MB, Subcribers Only)

Contests open to subscribers only:

Please enter your email address:

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Future Ancient History: 30th Year Recording Series

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

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, Buy 1 Now). 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, Buy 1 Now) includes the newsletter plus downloads of archival recordings and new music as it is recorded. The Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package ($50, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus an exclusive limited edition CD. Finally, the Honorary A & R Representative Package ($75, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus a DVD with video and hi-rez audio.

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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 Sept 2008: Channeling Change

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.

To subscribe, use the form below. Follow instructions thereafter, and make sure to ONLY check the geographic area where you live. We need this information so that we only send you information about concerts in your area. It doesn't refer to types of world music that you like.

Please enter your email address:

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

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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 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, Buy 1 Now). The Download Supporter Package ($25, Buy 1 Now) includes the newsletter plus downloads of archival recordings and new music as it is recorded. The Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package ($50, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus an exclusive limited edition CD. Finally, the Honorary A & R Representative Package ($75, Buy 1 Now) includes all of the above plus a DVD with video and hi-rez audio.

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.

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.

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

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Pre-Releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records

Available exclusively through the Ancient Future catalog until the Internet release on October 14, 2008, and the general release on CD January 20, 2009.

 

Sangria by Mariah Parker (Ancient-Future.Com 2017) Pre-Release Signed CD- $24.98: Buy 1 Now. This debut recording features Mariah's original compositions that draw musical inspiration from Brazil, Cuba, Spain, and India. Her Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble includes musicians from the bands Ancient Future, Oregon, Sun Ra, and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters. The CD is not yet in stores, but the first 50 signed and numbered copies are available now. (Read more).

Waterwheel (Mariah Parker) (>audio). Beginning with a bowed bass solo, the fluid tabla in circular 7/8 time takes us flowing around the wheel.

Review

"With her music and her soul, Mariah Parker transcends musical categorization and gives us a window to an ideal world. Her music is uplifting, peaceful yet passionate, and always evolving. The collective spirit of the players on Sangria shines through, enveloping you with exotic texture and inventive play, but what captivates us is Parker’s gift for melody. Although instrumental, her pieces speak and sing to us, sometimes whispering, sometimes asserting, and always giving us great pleasure." – Rebeca Mauléon (Bay area pianist, composer and educator at the forefront of Latin Jazz)

Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2008). Pre-Release Signed CD- $24.98: 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 more characteristic of the sitar. The CD is not yet in stores, but the first 50 signed and numbered copies are available now. (Read more).

Soul Serenade (Matthew Montfort) (>audio). This improvisation in E minor captures the feeling of the initial emergency drive-by serenade that inspired this recording.

First Review from a Seemingly Unlikely Source...

"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 front man turned spoken word activist, politician and owner of Alternative Tentacles Records)

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CD Contest

A free copy of Mariah Parker's Sangria will be awarded to the contestant who submits the best idea to promote or improve the Listener Sponsored World Fusion Music program. To enter, send your idea to info@ancient-future.com. Best idea received by October 1, 2008, wins the CD. Include your shipping address in case you win.

The winner of the Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar CD from last issue's contest was Peter Scherr, a musician in Hong Kong who suggested that Ancient Future contact the State Department about performing overseas. This had been tried, but the Bush appointee in charge of the Cultural Programs Division didn't respond to queries about world fusion music. Hopefully, in spite of the recent divide and conquer/Trojan horse/Wizard of Oz surprise vice-presidential selection amplified by the dark force compliant/ratings hungry corporate media spin machine, reason will in the end prevail and the next administration will put a greater emphasis on sanity in international relations.

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