I’m the first to admit that I have no clear definition for the term “world music.” I do, however, know that longstanding band Ancient Future was and is among the true pioneers of bringing music from other cultures to the ears of those of us in the English-speaking Western world.
Since their formation in San Rafael, California in 1978 under the leadership of guitarist Matthew Montfort, they’ve been mixing and matching musical styles with often dazzling results. Their latest release Purple Spirits (Ancient Future Records, 2026) is both a triumph and a tribute. Concerning the latter, the music on the all-instrumental album honors not only late Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain on the opening track “Punjabi Jhinzaki” and renowned oboist Paul McCandless (‘East of the Sun”) but also alternative rock on “Spirit of Nirvana” and Jimi Hendrix with a Vietnamese-flavored cover of “Purple Haze.”
A bit more conventional but no less engaging are Montfort’s two pieces dedicated to flamenco guitarist David Easley, which also incorporate Indian raga modality. The mix of instruments is perfectly reflective of the creativity and ideas that went into each piece, whether familiar guitar, bass, and saxophone or the zinging sound of the single-stringed dan bau.
It’s a wonder-filled listen all around, even though the total running time of under 34 minutes goes by too quickly. But of course you’re free to hit the play button a second time and savor the whole thing all over again. Categorizing what you’re listening to is optional, but enjoying it is a certainty.
Author: Tom Orr
Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.