Montfort will perform on both the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar, and on a Godin Glissentar, an 11 string fretless guitar based on the oud. While previously known more for his compositions for the trendsetting world music group Ancient Future, ‘Seven Serenades’ features his intimate improvisational guitar work.
As leader of the world music group Ancient Future, Matthew Montfort has devoted himself to the scalloped fretboard guitar since 1978. Featured in the December 2009 commemorative Les Paul issue of Guitar Player Magazine, Montfort is a pioneer among guitarists who have had their fretboards scalloped in order to play various forms of world music that require intricate note-bending ornaments while still being able to play chords.
Montfort immersed himself in an intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar. He has performed concerts worldwide, from the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai.
He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui. Montfort wrote the book ‘Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India,’ which has been used by many musicians to improve their rhythm skills.
Buy the album:
- In North America: Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar. Other recordings available: Planet Passion, Natural Rhythms
- In Europe: Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.
Peña Pachamama, 1630 Powell near Union
San Francisco CA 94133
Tickets: $12. Info: 415-646-0018
www.penapachamama.com
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
