Archives: April 2008
Tue Apr 29, 2008
Three Videos From Hunab Hookah
While the sound quality is from the camera -- and the lighting dark -- we have three videos from the last gig at Hunab Hookah, including oud and fretless guitar/ drum set performances:
Viraha (electric version) - The introductory section of a performance of "Viraha", adapted to fretless electric and drum set (see a previous video for the tabla /sarod version).
This is a good example of the free jazz/modern improvisation element Jefferson and I also bring to the table ( to see more on where this idea is coming from, see "The Next Phase" post on this site.
In other words --this is not your auntie's alap :)
Her Words Bring Me To Life Again - Haven't posted an oud video , so here it is -- a meditative cover of a Sufi piece by the Ibn Arabi Ensemble of Morocco. Jefferson does a lovely subtle solo near the end featuring his multi-cajon (hard to see, but you can hear it).
Opening Improv - Todi Thaat - Completely unstructured,we opened the Hookah set with this brief improv, based on the Todi thaat but not any specific raga.
We will be back next Friday at Hunab Hookah May 9 - we look forward to seeing you there!
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Sat Apr 12, 2008
repertoire explored; the quest for tone
After two Hookah gigs, the explorations continue as Jefferson and I drill down in late night rehearsals, trying to find what works and what doesnt...It all works to a degree, but works better? Existing sarod/tabla repertoire goes through various trials to test its adaptability to the fretless/drum set combination: a new groove or tempo, or abandoned altogether.
How to improvise on it, even on pieces that adapt well, is a whole other level. The grammar of the dialogue, the nature of the conversations change with the new textures available. Form and shape are also shifting under the influence of new timbres. New pieces are also emerging and developing as well.
Should have video up from the last Hookah gig next week - footage is in the hard drive, waiting for CD burns from the miniCD recording for better sound than whats on the videotape.
One of the more elusive aspects has been nailing down a good fretless tone. Havent been happy with the Roland AC-60 for this application, so ive dusted off the all-tube Peavey Delta Blues... much much better, but perhaps way too loud! May need it modded.but i love the presence and depth of the tube response, and the primordial earthy low end of the 15" speaker.
We'll sound pretty different at the next Hookah gig on May 9th.
These Hookah gigs are good for us, and its a great chance to see the evolution of the group in progress - We're laying bare the experience of the music's evolution, so its an exciting time to see the group.
Should have video up from the last Hookah gig next week - footage is in the hard drive, waiting for CD burns from the minidisc recording for better sound than whats on the videotape.
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