Author Archives: Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

MFM PODCAST EPISODE 9: Mark Deutsch discusses the artistic and professional processes and aspects of his pursuit of a unique musical vision

In this episode of the MFM Speaks Out, Dawoud Kringle interviews California based musician, improviser, composer, and inventor of the Bazantar Mark Deutsch about his personal evolution from contrabass and sitar virtuoso to designing an unprecedented musical instrument, his artistic and spiritual philosophies on music, and the struggles of being an innovator and iconoclast. Mark started as a “go to guy” on both bass and sitar, before immersing himself in the Bazantar. He produced The Fool, his first recording of the Bazantar, and recently, The Picasso Tunings; a four CD release of music utilizing a set of tuning systems and templates for composition and improvisation that has no historical precedent. In 2019, after releasing The Picasso Tunings, he embarked upon a solo tour of the US, traveling cross country, and introducing his music to a wider audience. He is presently at work upon a new composition based on the I Ching (“The Book of Changes;” a Chinese book of divination dating back to the 10th century b.c.).

CD Review: Mark Deutsch (NY): Virtuoso Musician, Inventor, and Visionary

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Covid 19 – A Moment of Crisis and Opportunity

It’s up to us to steer things in a direction of fairness and balance for all people and an unprecedented evolution of musical and artistic expression. 

By Dawoud Kringle

As I write this beginning paragraph, I just finished watching a documentary about New York City between 1977 and 1981. It hit home with me because I moved to New York City in 1983 and experienced (survived) the latter part of this era.

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MFM PODCAST EPISODE 7: Stephen Johnson Discusses Issues Facing Musicians Today

In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Dawoud Kringle interviews guitarist Stephen Johnson; Polydor recording artist formerly of Victorian Parents, and Son of John, and presently with Future350), musical director of the Movita Dance Theater, and the co-founder and head of the MFM Hudson Valley Chapter.

Some of the topics discussed will include the changes in the music scene in Johnson’s native Staffordshire UK, Cork County Ireland, and the US, the changing issues facing musicians today (especially in the pandemic), the need for community and solidarity, and the founding of MFM’s first chapter outside New York City.

The following music featured in this episode is provided courtesy of Stephen Johnson. Continue reading →

MFM Endorses Musicians Public Event “For Our Courageous Workers a City-Wide Symphonic Fanfare”

MFM endorses this public musicians event on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 7pm.

For Our Courageous Workers a City-Wide Symphonic Fanfare was conceived by Frank London, Hajnal Pivnick and Dorian Wallace.

Composers Frank London (of The Klezmatics), and Hajnal Pivnick and Dorian Wallace (of Tenth Intervention) have joined forces on this effort to bring the city together in a communal music project to honor the efforts of those risking their own health for the benefit of all.

Co-sponsors to date include The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Make Music New York, HONK NYC, MFM, ALJA; and are being updated regularly. For more information, detailed instructions, and a downloadable score that does not require the ability to read music, go to ​http://www.tenthintervention.com/workers

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Interview: Koubeh – Revoicing Iranian Folk Music in Brooklyn

Interview by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi 

Since early 2000 a talented diaspora of a number of Iranian-born musicians have been producing sumptuous sound landscapes here in New York that both incorporate tradition and go beyond it incorporating jazz, blues, alternative rock, chanson, flamenco, heavy metal and electronica.

Well known bands, such as HYPERNOVA and KIOSK moved to New York which was the right artistic location and space to make music without the pressure to get a permission from the Department of Culture in Tehran which required pre-approval of all public performances and CD releases.

KoubehOne of the newer bands coming out in 2019 is Koubeh based in Brooklyn, New York.

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