Monthly Archives: October 2010

VISION: Margarethe von Trotta’s lush portrait of renowned 12th century nun Hildegard von Bingen, stars Barbara Sukowa!

Movie Has U.S. Theatrical Premiere Wednesday, October 13 at Film Forum (NY)!!!

About VISION: (2010, 111 mins.) Directed and Written by Margarethe von Trotta.  Produced by Markus Zimmer.  Cinematography: Axel Block.  Music: Chris Heyne. With original compositions by Hildegard von Bingen. Cast: Barbara Sukowa (Hildegard von Bingen), Heino Ferch (Brother Volmar), Hannah Herzsprung (Richardis von Stade), Lena Stolze (Jutta), Alexander Held (Abbot Kuno). France / Germany.  In German with English subtitles.  A Zeitgeist Films release.

Continue reading →

Music listings – 10/11 through 10/17

1. Tavitjan Brothers Trio

Date: Monday, October 11, 2010
Time: 9pm
Venue: Nublu (62 Ave C)
Ticket: $10
Genre: piano trio Jazz

Tavitjan Brothers Trio from Macedonia: with more than 300 concert performances across Europe, USA and Balkans, the music range of these superb musicians starts from mainstream jazz to fusion, ethno and electronic elements in a modern manner with accent on virtuosity of each musician involved. They have performed on numerous international festivals and concerts worldwide and received a number of international music awards.

Their original music and performance was highly estimated by several world wide critics including Jazz Times Magazine, Jazz dimensions, All about Jazz, Concerto etc. Personnel: Diran Tavitjan–piano; Garo Tavitjan–drums; Dragan Trajkovski–bass
Continue reading →

Angels Of Persepolis vs. Rah Rah?!

Reviewed by Piruz Paltow


Artist: Mehran
Title: Angels Of Persepolis
Label: Mehran Publishing
Cat.#: 884501269117
Genre: nu flamenco, world, classical, jazz, traditional Persian

Many artists have made the connection of Persian and Flamenco music and Flamenco guitarist Mehran‘s, who’s last name is Jalili, latest effort proves to be another worthy one. The common formula of Spanish rhythms with Persian melodies has always been a great recipe and this well-produced recording was obviously well-thought during its creation. The apparent inspiration of this recording was the recent political activities in Iran and this recording honors the bravery of the citizens that stood up to the oppression of its current regime. With tasteful melodies and introspective Dark Side of the Moon-influenced introductions throughout the record, Mehran’s music transcends the standard world cross-over tag.
This recording features quality musicianship and heartfelt arrangements of each song. Some choice cuts are “Yare Dabestani” and “Ahriman” both well mixed with great guitar tone and percussion sounds that makes this recording worthy of a good listen and also stands as relaxing atmosphere music.

Music Player

Continue reading →

An introduction to the Godfather of Afrobeat drumming – Tony Allen.

Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

Fela Kuti once stated that, “without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat.” Which is very true! After watching the two videos below you will find out why.

Nigeria’s most famous and respected drummer, composer and songwriter  Tony Oladipo Allen (born1940 in Lagos, Nigeria), who was one of the co-founders of the music genre called  Afrobeat (music), was the musical director of Fela’s band Africa ’70. He recorded over 30 albums with Fela and Africa ’70!!!

About this video: rare early footage (shot by Ginger Baker) featuring Fela & Afrika 70 performing in the rainy southeastern town of Calabar, shortly after the the Nigerian civil war!!

Continue reading →

The Yoshida Brothers challenging the boundaries of Tsugaru Shamisen music!

Date: August 3, 2010
Venue: Highline Ballroom, NY

By Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi and Jim Hoey

The Japanese shamisen in the west has a number of images associated with it: the delicately robed geisha entering a quiet chamber, seating herself before the patron, and setting the instrument gently on her body, plucking strings with the bachi (plectrum, or pick) and singing before moving on to other diversions; there’s also the image of the blind shamisen player in black and white films playing for money on a doorstep or in a Yakitori-ya (a tiny Japanese restaurant specializing in yakitori, or skewered grilled chicken meat) with yakuza nearby harassing them or while the manic, soft, or melodic strains of the instrument ring out as background music and the patrons grow wild with drink, passion and despondency before succumbing to oblivion.

Continue reading →