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...

What can we do?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:46:43 GMT

What can we do? Sometimes, young people ask me this as they grapple with the global challenges. I have no answers, only thoughts: It starts small, it seems to me; simply do your best. Try to activate hearts, one heart at a time, along your path. Pray that wisdom and Allah's love enters the hearts of those who put the planet in harm's way. Leaders everywhere have lost the love in their souls, and while we oppose their deeds, ask God to restore their hearts. Keep...

Sama Duo in Taos Wednesday

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:49:05 GMT

We've had a good break and vacation for both of us, after tracking the CD at the end of August then doing some rough edits; we still have to decide on the best takes and perhaps do a little further trimming -- we can run long -- but it's all underway! In the meantime, we are back at the Adobe Bar in Taos, 125 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, this Wednesday - Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Special thanks to Rima...

oud test videos

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:58:53 GMT

One of the things I did as we were tracking was to test run solo versions of two new oud pieces in front of the Flip cam. I find this helpful to get used to the pieces in a performance or recording setting, and overcome a litle 'new material anxiety'. i actually thought, after a couple of nights of trying, that i had a reasonable handle on the material so i did a little editing form the final takes and posted them on...

CD tracked

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:04:10 GMT

we did it -- the new release is 'all in the can', as they say... We tracked it all in just six sessions at the rehearsal space, direct to two-track - no overdubs or mixing ( though there will probably be some editing , etc). We checked the mic placement with mastering engineer Cass Anawaty, who gave it the go ahead, and away we went. Now comes the task of sorting and selecting through takes, etc. As Subho put it to me when I arrived in Kolkata with mountains of music for the...

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