One of the fascinating things about Sama Duo is that Jefferson and I are always pushing our own envelopes, always redefining what the Duo can do. We're restless in that way. No sooner do we define and explore a method and language for one set of instrumentation, then we take a look at some previous reincarnation, revisit it with fresh perspective. As Moe Hamzeh of Lebanese punk band the Kordz says, music can't be lazy." It's a creed we share as well, whether it's in music's execution, content, approach, intent or meaning.
After we tracked the CD at the end of August and then sifted and did the first round of edits in Sept /Oct (though there was a bit of vacation time in there as well), we hit the Adobe with an electric set, very fresh and exuberant. I also brought the oud along, and were pleased with the acoustic parts of the set (though I didn't quite have the sound gear optimized, thouhg that's solved now).
We haven't been too pleased with the acoustic tracks (on oud) we layed down for the release, however; we found some nice takes of the two slower ones, but everything else just wasn't happening. With a new oud in tow ( best one i've ever owned), rested and regrouped, rehearsals since I came back from vacation at the end of October have been strictly with oud and percussion. New repertoire is developing, new ways of working and shaping the material are coming to the fore.
We did a test run set at the Montanita Co-op in Albuquerque last week, and will do an oud/percussion set at the Santa Fe Montanita Co-op (913 West Alameda, near st. Francis, 505-984-2852) this Sunday at 3 p.m. This marks the first Sama Duo bona fide performance in our old stomping grounds in quite a while, and we're looking forward to it!
Another outcome of this development has been the decision to make the originally planned release a double length project. It will be fashioned as two CDs worth: one acoustic, and one electric. This allows each dimension of what we do to breathe a bit more, to offer a more in depth and detailed representation of the Duo's scope and range, without shortchanging either mode to make it 'fit' in one regular release length. It pushes back the release date somewhat, as we're not ready to track the acoustic stuff quite yet. I'm anticipating probably February or March, realistically, before all lose ends are tied and all is in place, ready to download and purchase. We will release them together.
Are we being epic, detailed and diverse, or just overly ambitious and long winded? you'll have to decide for yourself , lol :)
We'll keep you posted, and hope to see all our Santa Fe buddies Sunday.