Category Archives: Musicians

Didge Project didgeridooing for quite a while in NY

Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

Courtesy of Didge Project

Didge Project, a didgeridoo awareness organization, was founded by AJ BLOCK and Tyler Sussman who left California in the summer of 2008 to challenge themselves and see the world outside of their hometown. Both were originally jazz musicians but when they encountered the didgeridoo somewhere on their trip, AJ and Tyler were transformed by the sounds of this ancient Australian instrument. They found out that the didgeridoo with its emphasis on breath and circular breathing was not just an instrument to play with but also a way of life, a path to self-knowing and self-healing. Short after arriving in NY they founded Didge Project as the head organization of many didgeridoo related projects. It has since evolved into a larger community and movement. Towards the end of 2010, the duo was introduced to drummer Chaim Tolwin. They produced two albums and performed and taught at numerous venues and festivals. Through their music, workshops and collaborations with a number of wellness practitioners and yoga teachers, they intend to build a community that connects people all around the world through the universal language of sound. AJ and Tyler currently live in Brooklyn, NY.

In the video below Didge Project perform Joga which was written by Tyler after performing in Costa Rica with Brazilian musicians in 2010. “The swift samba beats anchored by the rock steady didge pushes the flute to fly high in this playful tune.” Featuring AJ Block on didgeridoo, Tyler Sussman on flute and Chaim Tolwin on drums.”

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Interview: The Secret Chiefs 3′ Trey Spruance dreams of performing in Iran?

Date: September 13, 2011
Venue: Le Poisson Rouge (NY)

Text by Jim Hoey
Video interview and photos by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi
Interview coordination by April Centrone

For this East Coast tour, members of the Secret Chiefs 3 drove cross-country from Seattle to NYC, thanks to Hurricane Irene, and managed to get it all together with new members, despite little practice time or much sleep. Trey Spruance and his rotating cast of musicians (including April Centrone of NYC on percussion) continue the exploration of cinematic and Middle Eastern  (Persian) rhythms, mixing in all elements of western metal, surf rock, and noise, in a harmonic brew that switches and turns and blasts away at every step.

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Michel Camilo speaks about his new band and CD

Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

One of my favorite pianists of today is Michel Camilo. The first time when I got to know him was through the music documentary film Calle 54 (2004) directed by Fernando Trueba which documents the Latin music scene in NY. This year when I worked at MICHIKO STUDIOS I was so lucky to meet him in person. Before his rehearsals I had a chance to talk with him about his music and music in general. He even allowed me to watch his rehearsals with his various bands!!! What a treat! I love his technique, I love his sound, I love how he expresses himself and I love his passion to music!

Enjoy Michel’s new EPK in which he introduces to his new CD Mano a Mano. And check him out this Tuesday through Sunday at the Blue Note (NY) (more information in the music listings) where he’s celebrating the release of his new CD!

The Ebony Hillibillies – a New York subway platform institution since the late 1980s!

Date: September 7, 2011
Venue: 34th St. Hearald Square (NY) MTA station
Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

Today I was on my way to meet my wife at 43th Street and 6th Avenue. I was in a hurry because I didn’t want to keep my wife waiting outside in the rain. Just before the exit I heard some music behind me. I just turned around and saw a quartet – The Ebony Hillibillies – of interest looking guys playing a kind of acoustic, folky roots musicInstantly I took out my I phone and shot them for a couple of minutes. In a situation like this I usually would approach the band and ask for a short interview, but…my wife was waiting for me outside in the rain. Whom should I give priority my wife or this band? Of course my wife, right?

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