By Aimee Thomas

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

By Aimee Thomas PAGE 12 / THE RETRIEVER MAY 12, 1992 Sammy loves long good-byes! Save the last dance with expert performances on the effects-washed guitar picking patt- art, and above all, sardonic or just (from MUSIC, page 11) fiddle, piano, guitars and other ern which layers brilliant colors and plain silly, masterful wit. for Aimee Thomas instruments. This is pure, tradi- textures with a haunted synth From the media satire of "Wait- percussive tones and rhythms, tional folk song for trippin' 'round expansion. Towards the end of the "real world" just yet. I'm moving ing For The Electrician or Someone to the next level of academic impassioned vocals, group chant- the campfire or fuelin' up at the ol' disc they get into strings of 16th Like Him," to the reality play of ing, and the heavy bass throb of ale house. It even feels green. note, contrapuntal keyboard lines, by Aimee asylum—graduate school. I haven't "I Think We're All Bozos On The learned enough yet (though some- the sintir. The divine spirit of Multi-instrumentalist/ composer much like much of Pinhas' solo Bus," or, from the tale of George existence seems to pulse from its and Englishman Peter Knight, work. Thomas times I don't know if my brain can Tirebiter who sells his soul to the hold any more). Though, I know core. formerly of 70s folk-fusion group And speaking of that, Pinhas' TV in order to cope with living, on Retriever Staff Writer 111 probably be swimming in the sea "Ritual Beating System," from Steeleye Span, steps out on his 1981 "LTithique" (Cuneiform) has "Dont Crush That Dwarf, Hand of debt by the time I'm finished the masterful group Bahia Black, debut solo effort, "An Ancient just be reissued as well. He really Me The Pliers," to the clever stream Editor's Note: Aimee Thomas getting "learned." melds funk, jazz and a massive, Cause" (Shanachie). His sound loves his synthesizers and min- of consciousness raging of "How has covered dance forThe Retriever native Bahian percussion ensemble. flourishes under the influence of imoogs, to say the least. This disc In an ideal world, 111 have earned Can You Be In Two Places At Once for the past two years, while serving the graduate degree which will get Notably, Wayne Shorter, Herbie classical and traditional Celtic and overflows with kind of a jazz rock When You're Not Anywhere At as a production assistant. Hancock and Bernie Worrell aug- English folk music. He's a master fusion, drenched with experimental me that mythical stimulating job All," these word/sound collage-o- with that salary which will enable ment the dense mix with glorious craftsman on the violin, viola, melodies and layers upon layers of grams will slay your senses, and Ah, my farewell article. Geez, me not only to pay back my loans, improv, creating brilliant surges, mandolin and banjo. And when the electronic synthetics, often the stuff leave you babbling with glee on the where do I begin? I'd like to thank the Academy . rather, I would but to be able to eat every day too. and a meaty music and cultural adrenalin rush of improv within of dance music. He even explores floor. Three giant steps beyond like to express my appreciation to But in this "real" world IVe com- alloy. lushly textured songs kicks all the easy listening, sugary, pseudo-jazz Monty Python. And USA-bred as Stepping into the Tanzanian way in, he lets his chops go wild: on a couple of tracks. well. all the people in all the parts of mitted myself to the fact that I will UMBC who have made my stay never have a beach house I can call realm of Africa, Virgin's Real swinging melodies, emotive, folky A brand new disc from one of But if you really want to freak here interesting and meaningful. my own. It's okay, though, cause World Records has just released, flavors, warm and inviting music. the many Erik Lindgren projects is out your friends, get Lucia Pamela's "Mambo," from Remmy Ongala & Another musician/composer Birdsongs of the Mesozoic with That includes my friends, instruc- in between bouts of stress-related- "Into Outer Space" (Arf! Arf!). This stress, I feel pretty good about what Orchestre Super Matimila. This is stirred by the Celtic tradition is "pyroclastics" (Cuneiform). This is has got to be the silliest pile of lard tors and fellow Retriever-ites (you my educational adventures have serious soukous dance music: mul- Loreena McKennitt. On "The Visit" true art rock for the ^Os: a grand I've ever heard on disc. (With the know who you are). I'd like to leave you with some- produced thus far. I'd say I got my tiple, contrapuntal, guitar melodies (Warner Bros.), she puts music to fusion of dementia and thick layers possible exception of maybe East money's worth. But IVe still got flittering about, interlocking, then the words of Shakespeare, Tenny- of scary synths with dashes of jazz, Bay Ray's "Skrapyard," where the thing profound, or at least clever, to remember me by. My parting miles to go before I rest on my disengaging, as solos and harmo- son and traditional Celtic lyrics. pop and world music. Eccentric former Dead Kennedys' guitarist wisdom or something. I'm actually laurels. About 3200 miles actually. nies mesh over a solid groove, Her almost fairy-like, almost melodies drip onto truly tripped- performs Westview Inn lounge finally going to graduate. After six Yep, with an achin' in my heart I'm entirely anchored with reggae bass angelic vocals and dedication to out rhythms where the Phantom of music.) This reissue of a late '60s years and three different majors, leaving UMBC and stadium-city to , lines. Dr. Remmy calls for "one folksong, coupled with the exotic, the Opera meets the Simpsons and recording features the deranged you'd think I'd be gushing, over- seek poverty and enlightenment as J world" of universal love and sitar-like twang of the balalaika, they get down 'til the cows come sensibility of Pamela's rockabilly- flowing with interesting things to a graduate student in California. freedom. makes for an engaging disc. home. echo-smothered voice cawing over Cheb Mami's "Let me Rai" say about my experiences in the Who, me, an idealist (a cliche boogie piano rag-type tunes. This perhaps)? Well, I figure if I made| (Rhythm Safari) employs modern is either meant for kids, or diehard university world of academics and it this far I might have it in me to < synthesizers and a funky horn space cadets. And she says she bureaucracy. But nothing comes continue my pursuit of happiness section to turn his happy, soulful, recorded it on the moon! Yeah, it's immediately to mind (probably R&B reggae songs into a world because it's temporarily blown). and personal growth (whatever that weird. It's almost funny. But it's is) until I can't take it anymore (or dance party. Slick production. something you'll only play for I can tell you one thing IVe I run out of money). So, I'm off On another Rhythm Safari new friends. And then, only for a song learned—and will probably never to seek my fortune or fame or at release, "The Storyteller," by clas- or two. forget, thanks to the demands of least a master's degree. sical/folk guitarist David Hewitt, The moon? Psshaw. Small-mind. college life —and that's my social But before I go, I guess I can the music assumes an exotic, soo- Jazz eccentric Sun Ra alleges he security number. I'm quite sure it thing feel, due to the crafty arran- came from Saturn. And now's your will come in handy when I go to impart to you these thoughts: ' gements of a vast band, which chance to hear for yourself. Evi- apply for a job. Regardless of my question everything, stop at features a huge string section, dence Music is reissuing a huge qualifications otherwise (or lack nothing, and support your local i horns, percussion and synths. batch of his earliest, long out-of- thereof), any employer is bound to artists (and don't drink on a school be impressed by the confidence and Barefoot's latest disc, "Dance of night, unless it's absolutely neces- print material, on CD. And while skill with which I whip out my Life" (Rhythm Safari) continues to some of his compositions on personal tax-ID number; never sary and you don't drive, or forget spread the ever-expanding group's "Super-Sonic Jazz," for instance, even having to consult my wallet to wear a condom). improvisations on the celebration lean toward a somewhat more for that special card. Adios UMBC, and au revoir mes of life, music and dance. Expansive dissonant, swingin' harmonic- But, lucky me, I don't have to enfants (I'd better stop before I cry). arrangements mirror the vastness of collision, his material is not as concern myself with the silly ol' It's been fun but, uh, later on! the earth, changing of the seasons, daring as I was expecting. But we the wind, waters and mountains, have come a long way in musical with a tranquil, lush, harmonic exploration since the time of these balance. A dream state. Various mid-'50s recordings. And it seems instrumental textures are the key to that Sun Ra's masterful invention UMBC heats up for this graceful, exotic sound. lies more in his bold arrangements With a dazzling melding of pop, of the massive Arkestra.
Recommended publications
  • Dylan Jack Quartet, the Tale of the Twelve-Foot
    befo<e the band enters and Leva establishes a powerful presence with his bow. The Xing or Five Agents series (following up Book of Water) . Sabatini, who pl ayed on Book of uu,npet is muted, Hofbauer's guitar close-miked with a tactile intimacy. When Leva water as well as numerous releases by the Eric Hofbauer Qu intet , comes to th is album switches to pizzicato the piece begins to groove, at a floating yet perceptible tem po. with overlapping associations as well , shoring up the feeling of a community of players THE MUSIC OF THF. IJI.Mf IACK QUAHTF.T is sufficiently Sabatini and Hofbauer alternate in the spotlight, with short composed breaks signalin 9 on a shared mission. ml:mU,'llimalea!ife ill2t ac:bangi! al instrumentation doesn't alter the group's core unexpected transition s to duo, trio and full quartet interplay. on "The Epitaph ' we reach the point where the Twelve -Fool Man dies or Is somehow i:!ellalJ - mfact, iil rl!Yellfsnewf2cets. Jade released Diagrams, the Quartet's debut, •The Twelve-Foot Man" might be termed co nscience, or subjectivity, that looming transcended. Jack's melodic source material for the A sec tion is lhe Seikllos Epitaph, 11 20fl. willl Todd enmel an darinet. bass clarinet and soprano saxophone. On The and unshakable presence of the self: sometimes a hindrance, sometimes simply an the oldest-known piece of notated mu sic, an ancient Greek melody carved into a We cfd:e T'll!We-fcot Man, tile group retIJms with trumpeter Jerry Sabatini instead as existential fact Parts I & II of this piece evoke the Man's presence in differing way s, cylindrical stele In the first or secon d century AD .
    [Show full text]
  • Off the Beaten Track
    Off the Beaten Track To have your recording considered for review in Sing Out!, please submit two copies (one for one of our reviewers and one for in- house editorial work, song selection for the magazine and eventual inclusion in the Sing Out! Resource Center). All recordings received are included in “Publication Noted” (which follows “Off the Beaten Track”). Send two copies of your recording, and the appropriate background material, to Sing Out!, P.O. Box 5460 (for shipping: 512 E. Fourth St.), Bethlehem, PA 18015, Attention “Off The Beaten Track.” Sincere thanks to this issue’s panel of musical experts: Richard Dorsett, Tom Druckenmiller, Mark Greenberg, Victor K. Heyman, Stephanie P. Ledgin, John Lupton, Angela Page, Mike Regenstreif, Seth Rogovoy, Ken Roseman, Peter Spencer, Michael Tearson, Theodoros Toskos, Rich Warren, Matt Watroba, Rob Weir and Sule Greg Wilson. that led to a career traveling across coun- the two keyboard instruments. How I try as “The Singing Troubadour.” He per- would have loved to hear some of the more formed in a variety of settings with a rep- unusual groupings of instruments as pic- ertoire that ranged from opera to traditional tured in the notes. The sound of saxo- songs. He also began an investigation of phones, trumpets, violins and cellos must the music of various utopian societies in have been glorious! The singing is strong America. and sincere with nary a hint of sophistica- With his investigation of the music of tion, as of course it should be, as the Shak- VARIOUS the Shakers he found a sect which both ers were hardly ostentatious.
    [Show full text]
  • Downbeat.Com December 2014 U.K. £3.50
    £3.50 £3.50 . U.K DECEMBER 2014 DOWNBEAT.COM D O W N B E AT 79TH ANNUAL READERS POLL WINNERS | MIGUEL ZENÓN | CHICK COREA | PAT METHENY | DIANA KRALL DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 81 / NUMBER 12 President Kevin Maher Publisher Frank Alkyer Editor Bobby Reed Associate Editor Davis Inman Contributing Editor Ed Enright Art Director LoriAnne Nelson Contributing Designer Žaneta Čuntová Bookkeeper Margaret Stevens Circulation Manager Sue Mahal Circulation Associate Kevin R. Maher Circulation Assistant Evelyn Oakes ADVERTISING SALES Record Companies & Schools Jennifer Ruban-Gentile 630-941-2030 [email protected] Musical Instruments & East Coast Schools Ritche Deraney 201-445-6260 [email protected] Advertising Sales Associate Pete Fenech 630-941-2030 [email protected] OFFICES 102 N. Haven Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126–2970 630-941-2030 / Fax: 630-941-3210 http://downbeat.com [email protected] CUSTOMER SERVICE 877-904-5299 / [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Senior Contributors: Michael Bourne, Aaron Cohen, Howard Mandel, John McDonough Atlanta: Jon Ross; Austin: Kevin Whitehead; Boston: Fred Bouchard, Frank- John Hadley; Chicago: John Corbett, Alain Drouot, Michael Jackson, Peter Margasak, Bill Meyer, Mitch Myers, Paul Natkin, Howard Reich; Denver: Norman Provizer; Indiana: Mark Sheldon; Iowa: Will Smith; Los Angeles: Earl Gibson, Todd Jenkins, Kirk Silsbee, Chris Walker, Joe Woodard; Michigan: John Ephland; Minneapolis: Robin James; Nashville: Bob Doerschuk; New Orleans: Erika Goldring, David Kunian, Jennifer Odell; New York: Alan Bergman,
    [Show full text]
  • OBSERVER Vol
    OBSERVER Vol. 12 No. 14 September 24, 1969 Front Page Deserted Village Suit Marion Swerdlow Page 2 America In The 60s Geoff Cahoon Article Joan Tollifson and Bruce Warshavsky Mr. Black Page 3 Bombs Quote From Pablo Picasso Chicks Kidnapped Seale Budget Page 4 Photograph LNS/MVN Tunes Mark Barnett Page 5 Cat Of Nine Tails Welcome To The Zoo John Katzenbach Quote From Woodrow Wilson Page 6 Editorial Quote From Louis Blanc Cartoon Feiffer Letters [Questions regarding Bruce Warshavsky's and Joan Tollifson's article . .] Anita Schnee Page 7 Skiff SDS Marion Swerdlow DESERTED VILLAGESUIT jail. The legal limit for punishment for brutally harassed by a ·matron .. At I three Bard students and their Last May such an offence is actually 15 days. They least one was placed in a solitary at the college were convicted visitor were told they might make phone calls confinement cell. In the early hours of on the Central Hudson Gas of trespass only after they had entered a plea. the morning, they were taken to the and Electric Corporation property Martin allegedly advised them to plead prison's cellar and subjected to which lies directly behind Ward Manor. fingerprinting and mugshots. It is known to Bard students as the guilty, telling them that if they pleaded not guilty and were found guilty, it 'Deserted Village.' told that a copy of his face and would result in a $500 fine. On the Each was would be sent to the FBI. They basis of this, all four pleaded guilty and prints Each of these four have filed a released at seven o'clock in were given $100 fines.
    [Show full text]
  • The Singing Guitar
    August 2011 | No. 112 Your FREE Guide to the NYC Jazz Scene nycjazzrecord.com Mike Stern The Singing Guitar Billy Martin • JD Allen • SoLyd Records • Event Calendar Part of what has kept jazz vital over the past several decades despite its commercial decline is the constant influx of new talent and ideas. Jazz is one of the last renewable resources the country and the world has left. Each graduating class of New York@Night musicians, each child who attends an outdoor festival (what’s cuter than a toddler 4 gyrating to “Giant Steps”?), each parent who plays an album for their progeny is Interview: Billy Martin another bulwark against the prematurely-declared demise of jazz. And each generation molds the music to their own image, making it far more than just a 6 by Anders Griffen dusty museum piece. Artist Feature: JD Allen Our features this month are just three examples of dozens, if not hundreds, of individuals who have contributed a swatch to the ever-expanding quilt of jazz. by Martin Longley 7 Guitarist Mike Stern (On The Cover) has fused the innovations of his heroes Miles On The Cover: Mike Stern Davis and Jimi Hendrix. He plays at his home away from home 55Bar several by Laurel Gross times this month. Drummer Billy Martin (Interview) is best known as one-third of 9 Medeski Martin and Wood, themselves a fusion of many styles, but has also Encore: Lest We Forget: worked with many different artists and advanced the language of modern 10 percussion. He will be at the Whitney Museum four times this month as part of Dickie Landry Ray Bryant different groups, including MMW.
    [Show full text]
  • Of ABBA 1 ABBA 1
    Music the best of ABBA 1 ABBA 1. Waterloo (2:45) 7. Knowing Me, Knowing You (4:04) 2. S.O.S. (3:24) 8. The Name Of The Game (4:01) 3. I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do (3:17) 9. Take A Chance On Me (4:06) 4. Mamma Mia (3:34) 10. Chiquitita (5:29) 5. Fernando (4:15) 11. The Winner Takes It All (4:54) 6. Dancing Queen (3:53) Ad Vielle Que Pourra 2 Ad Vielle Que Pourra 1. Schottische du Stoc… (4:22) 7. Suite de Gavottes E… (4:38) 13. La Malfaissante (4:29) 2. Malloz ar Barz Koz … (3:12) 8. Bourrée Dans le Jar… (5:38) 3. Chupad Melen / Ha… (3:16) 9. Polkas Ratées (3:14) 4. L'Agacante / Valse … (5:03) 10. Valse des Coquelic… (1:44) 5. La Pucelle d'Ussel (2:42) 11. Fillettes des Campa… (2:37) 6. Les Filles de France (5:58) 12. An Dro Pitaouer / A… (5:22) Saint Hubert 3 The Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir 1. Saint Hubert (2:39) 7. They Can Make It Rain Bombs (4:36) 2. Cool Drink Of Water (4:59) 8. Heart’s Not In It (4:09) 3. Motherless Child (2:56) 9. One Sin (2:25) 4. Don’t We All (3:54) 10. Fourteen Faces (2:45) 5. Stop And Listen (3:28) 11. Rolling Home (3:13) 6. Neighbourhood Butcher (3:22) Onze Danses Pour Combattre La Migraine. 4 Aksak Maboul 1. Mecredi Matin (0:22) 7.
    [Show full text]
  • Roarshock Page
    ROARSHOCK PAGE www.roarshock.net Volume 10, Number 7 San Francisco July 23, 2017 ften, if not always, it seems some chaos occurs with the other, and then reads across the resulting page. in late July. ROARSHOCK PAGE this time “Cut and paste” took on new meanings in the digital O turns focus to the cut-up method long lines of age. Meditative “cutting” manipulation of electronic inquiry for this publication. text used as a composition process in a number of pieces in ROARSHOCK PAGE since this publication resumed in 2012 (and just briefly before the world strangely end- ed on 12/21/2012). While elements of the source materi- al MAYBE partially, or entirely, random, a great deal of conscious editing goes into many or most cut-ups with perhaps intent @ direct streams of consciousness in more definite courses. While considering cut-up as a literary technique always remain informed that other works in art medium achieve similar results, even not necessarily composed via the cut-up routine. Revolution 9 by The Beatles could be an audio example, with bits from The Firesign Theatre, and the curious radio pro- gram Over the Edge by Don Joyce. In the 1980s the Neo Pagan Society, Troll Empire, various associated groups, individuals, hangers on, hangers up, hangers down, loosely shared edits of tapes with cut-in cut-out seg- ments of other recordings. Cassette tapes circulated through the postal service and could take weeks or months to go around. Not yet the capacity for instant sharing with a far flung crew, or instant memes like to- day, as younger folks usually look upon me in tolerant kindness and say, glad you made it to the New Days.
    [Show full text]
  • Downloadable Past Issues, Going out and A&E Features
    Our Hidden Neighborhood Mary’s 29th Treasure Notes Playing Here! Year NN Page 13 Page 13 Page 16 OCT SOUTHEAST EXAMINER 2018 southeastexaminer.com “Your Neighborhood News Source” Vol 29 No 10 Portland, OR In-depth Look at the Metro Housing Bonds BY DON MACGILLIVRAY income housing. A no vote would defeat the Metro bond measure and there would not be any The Metro bond measure on the No- additional funding for affordable housing vember ballot will authorize $653 million from Metro, thus keeping property taxes in general obligation bonds to fund afford- unchanged. able housing in Washington, Clackamas, The significant reduction of housing and Multnomah counties. It is Measure 26- construction during the Great Recession 199, titled Metro Housing Bonds. and a rapid increase in new residents has Property owners in these counties worsened a severe shortage of housing for will pay an estimated tax of $0.24 per low-income residents in Portland. $1,000 of assessed value annually. For the Between 2010 and 2016, the median homeowner in the Metro area with an as- income for a renter increased 19 percent, sessed value of $240,000, the tax will be while the average rent increased 52 per- Dave Hillman by a picture of Mt. Tabor in Israel $57.60 per year. cent. Demand for affordable housing con- If the voters approve, Metro will is- tinues to outpace supply, especially for sue bonds to finance the building of afford- those on limited incomes, working fami- Mt. Tabor Visitors Center able housing through purchase, rehabilita- lies, seniors, and the disabled.
    [Show full text]
  • Sciences Ha Ve Shortfall of Women
    , The Dail~ Guardian ",hen ! that Volume 38, Number 8 University of California, San Diego Tuesday, October 2, 1979 II the Ir the hat's ,.---~------- But Overall Enrollment is Up I lied " up Ilers. Sciences Ha ve Shortfall of Women By Barry Meepol campuswide, as a result of increaled female lnere will be Ijttle change in a two year-old UCSD Upper Division Enrollment - enrollment at the University. study which found no increase in the percenlage Men, Homen & Total - Fall Quarter During the seven-year period of the study, of female majors enrolled in pure and applied total female enrollment rose seven percent, science fields and other areas historically from 33 percent in 1970 to 40 percent in 1977, dominated by men, says Robert StarKey, 0001 an increase comparable to nationwide figures. I 0 UCSD analytical studies officer, . I Total Paralleling the improved overall The report, made from 1970 to 1977, I representation of women in upper division compared enrollment tren(Js by major and sex I 0 majors, female enrollment in the math-science God' in a study similar to one conducted at UC 30aol disciplines increased seven percent, from 22 to onn, a Davis. I 29 percent, and in the humanities from 51 lYe re Another study will probably be made here I percent to 58 percent. A rise slightly above the I within the next few months, Starkey says, but campus average was also found in the social I * • * :aged "it looks like there's no great change from the 20001 • ~len sciences, which rose nine percent-from 39 eked.
    [Show full text]
  • Artsmart AZA Press Release 2015-16
    TANDY BEAL & COMPANY • tandybeal.com• [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2015 MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Radakovich (734) 775-0269 AZA – Music of Morocco! Saturday, Dec 12th Dec 12, 2015 Tandy Beal & Company’s ArtSmart Family Concert Series continues with highly acclaimed musical group…AZA! Introduce your family to the Arts! Tandy Beal & Company's ArtSmart Family Concert Series features award-winning artists in circus, music and dance and offers high-quality, interactive and affordable monthly concerts for families in downtown Santa Cruz! For December’s ArtSmart concert, we feature highly acclaimed musical group, AZA! AZA unites traditional Tamazight (Berber) music, indigenous to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, with the global influences of its diverse members. Evocative of Saharan- African blues, yet with an original style that truly defies categorization, AZA’s stirring performances feature deep, danceable rhythms, intricate string melodies, and soaring, soulful vocals. Visually dynamic and engaging performers, AZA has been inspiring international audiences for nearly seven years. Founding members Fattah Abbou and Mohamed Aoualou are Berbers native to the High Atlas mountain region of Morocco, where they played and studied music for over twenty- five years, and are recognized as master musicians. Mohamed plays guitar, oud, percussion and is a prolific songwriter with a gripping vocal style that helps define the dynamic energy of AZA. Fattah began playing at the age of seven and now plays banjo, lotar, oud, sintir, ribab, percussion and sings. He has received multiple grant awards for traditional arts and the preservation of indigenous culture. AZA’s endeavors are not limited to music.
    [Show full text]
  • Oakland Folkharmonic & Teslim
    CAL PERFORMANCES PRESENTS ABOUT THE ARTISTS Sunday, February 24, 2013, 11am & 3pm oakland folkharmonic founder of Class V Music, an ensemble dedicat- Wheeler Auditorium ed to providing music on river rafting trips. She The Oakland Folkharmonic is Shira Kammen has performed and taught in the United States, and Kaila Flexer’s new string ensemble featur- Canada, Mexico, Europe, Israel, Morocco, First Stage for Families ing the two of them plus Kyla Danysh and sis- Latvia, Russia, and Japan, and on the Colorado, ters Rachel and Danielle Taylor on a variety of Rogue, Green, Grande Ronde, East Carson, and stringed instruments, including violin, viola, vi- Klamath rivers. elle, and tarhui. The repertoire of this ensemble Oakland Folkharmonic & Teslim ranges from traditional modal music of Greece, Violinist Kyla Danysh, a Turkey, and the Middle East to medieval mu- Berkeley native, is a litera- sic and original compositions by Ms. Flexer, cy teacher and musician Ms. Kammen, Ross Daly, and Kelly Thoma. who has been playing the violin since she was four. Kaila Flexer (violin, tarhui) is a violinist, com- She studied classical and poser, and music educator. In addition to per- Klezmer music through- forming and recording with Teslim, Ms. Flexer out her childhood and ad- also performs with Shira Kammen and three olescence, and was a mem- other fiddlers in the Oakland Folkharmonic. ber of the University Ms. Flexer founded and produced Klezmer Opera and Orchestra at Mania!, a much-loved annual Bay Area event UC Santa Cruz. As an adult, Ms. Danysh has for over ten years (1989–2002), and currently explored her passion for improvisation with the produces Pomegranates & Figs: A Feast of Jewish Son Jarocho and Son Huasteco traditions of Music.
    [Show full text]
  • The Pennsylvania State University
    The Pennsylvania State University The Graduate School College of the Liberal Arts CONNECTING NORTH AND SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA THROUGH LITERATURE, FILM, AND MUSIC A Dissertation in Comparative Literature by Ziad Bentahar © 2009 Ziad Bentahar Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy August 2009 ii The dissertation of Ziad Bentahar was reviewed and approved* by the following: Thomas A. Hale Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of African, French, and Comparative Literature Dissertation Advisor Chair of Committee Thomas O. Beebee Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature and German Reiko Tachibana Associate Professor of Comparative Literature, Japanese, and Asian Studies Gabeba Baderoon Assistant Professor of Women‘s Studies and African and African American Studies, and affiliate faculty member of Comparative Literature Jonathan E. Brockopp Associate Professor of History and Religious Studies Mildred Mortimer Professor of French, University of Colorado at Boulder Special Member Caroline D. Eckhardt Professor of Comparative Literature and English Head of the Department of Comparative Literature *Signatures are on file in the Graduate School iii ABSTRACT An unresolved issue in African literary studies is whether North and sub-Saharan Africa are disconnected from one another, or whether they share elements that can further our understanding of the cultures from which they emerge. Since the mid-twentieth century, due to growing interest in Islam and the Arab world on the global scene, the Arab side of North African identity has been given paramount recognition. More often than not, North Africa is considered part of the Middle East rather than an integral member of an African community, although in spite of shifting political winds in recent years, the literatures that have emerged from North Africa have been firmly embedded in African literary traditions since antiquity, and share strong links with their sub-Saharan counterparts.
    [Show full text]