Hejira features original compositions by Don Baragiano representing an eclectic musical blend which bridges diverse cultures from; Middle Eastern, Russian, African, Eastern European and other ethnic styles to classical and jazz … mix in a bit of blues, rock, and flamenco … all on top of a strong multinational earthy beat.
Instrumentation includes guitar, violin, balalaika, African Talking Drum, dumbek, jembe, zils, calabash (gourd), bass, keyboards, digital guitar synthesizer & more.
Don Baragiano’s musical influences include The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Leo Kottke, the Who, Ravi Shankar, etc. After many guitar lessons and high school music theory classes Don studied Classical/Jazz guitar at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music & at Northern Kentucky University’s Music Department. While working for the US Treasury Department in Saudi Arabia on a 2 year assignment he was granted a private audience with their top musician Hamzah Mohammed Al Bashir. Don’s musical training and life-love of ethnic cultures have resulted in this enticing World Music fusion project Hejira, founded in seattle in 2001. He later moved to the Ithaca, New York area.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
