Mustafa Stefan Dill and Sama Duo: (India world music): news, updates, writings, podcasts

the roost gig on four videos

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 06:53:52 GMT

All in all, I think it was a good performance (we could have been a tad bit more relaxed) and shows a new phase in how we approach what we do. Our aesthetic at the moment is to not play our repertoire in a standard "set list" fashion, but to spontaneously reference portions of tunes -- or not -- within the context of a performance that's approached as a purely improvised set. Interesting things happen this way :) The effect seems to be supple, tight, running from...

Sama Duo Live Next Monday!

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:02:40 GMT

We've been busy, hunkering down, enjoying the Tele, and finding new ways of doing what we do... Join us for a rare live performance on Monday Aug. 2, as part of the The Roost Series at UNM ARTS Lab! This time around we'll be doing oud and Telecaster with and drum set, seamlessly weaving between pure improvisation and spontaneous occasional flashes of Duo repertoire from the past seven years. We don't play out much these days, but we're continually evolving and morphing what we...

Mustafa and the Telecaster

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:58:27 GMT

I never thought I'd see the day when i would get a Tele, much less be swept away with it, but there it is. I'd been opening up to getting a Tele since i ran across a Tele fretless neck on ebay for cheap...i have a strat body i thought id put it on ( a lovely transparent green, and whatever it morphs to, it will probably be called the Islamocaster, lol), but as I started researching and listening and asking, it became more and more clear that those magical ( and seemingly...

solo electric set this Friday!

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:28:11 GMT

just in -- I'll be doing a solo electric set this Friday at the Orchid Chamber on the west side, 3296 Coors Blvd. NW. Headlining that evening is Coles Whalen from Colorado, and also on the bill is Earth Rise and the Rudy Boy Experiment. I'm scheduled to hit circa 10:30ish. Not only will I be doing the fretless, i will also be bringing out a new Telecaster. Just acquired one of these and...

Zakir Hussain and Masters of Percussion tonight in Santa Fe

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:25:26 GMT

Unfortunately, I can't make it this time, due to the start time, when I get out of work, and the commute, but i've seen this presentation twice before, and it's always musical, educational, and compelling (and different from year to year). He's bringing some Bengali drummers this year, so im particularly disappointed I cant get there...but everyone should try to make it!

Benefit performance for Zimbabwe Nkenya

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:57:48 GMT

Benefit performance for Zimbabwe Nkenya Sama Duo -- Some of Santa Fe's most compelling musicians are gathering for a benefit performance tonight for Zimbabwe Nkenya, a well-known musician in the area for years, who recently suffered a stroke back home in St. Louis. Proceeds will help with Zimbabwe's medical expenses. Sama Duo will be doing a set as well -- oud and percussion. i've been running the oud through the electric guitar and pedalboard set up, and im quite happy with...

New Side Project, Solo Oud Piece, Guitar Votes

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:27:37 GMT

quick random updates/news: 1) Solo oud piece inspired by and dedicated to those struggling for truth in Iran should be up in a few days. 2) Is thinking of a side music project ( like i really have the time for it lol)... Is NM ready for a taqwacore band? I'm hearing it, tunes are coming. It's time, brothers and sisters, you know it. Metal/improv/groove/ improvised poetry, VERY LOUD and VERY HOLY. Last Exit meets Hafiz. Looking for performers inspired to extreme states of...

of double cds, ouds, and reinvention

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:46:20 GMT

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,...

Prayer

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:48:14 GMT

O Allah, Hold my feet forever to Your fire Sew my eyes wide open, my vision forever gazing to Your will Burst my eardrums at every music of Your command My flayed skin a parchment for Your decrees

A Message For Youth

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:47:45 GMT

A Message For Youth I pledge to help and support you in whatever way I can in all of your endeavours and goals, because: I want your voices to be heard I want you to be empowered to make a difference, then make that difference I want teachers who don't squash individuality and creativity I want you to keep forging a responsive, transparent media I want you to consider government service and rebuild it with integrity and openness I want you remembering to become...