American and Arabic musicians make exciting music that shows how cultures can work together in this ensemble variation of the trendsetting world fusion music group Ancient Future. In concert, this ensemble inspires audiences to dance with its uptempo fusion of American and Arabic music and dance grooves.

On the Planet Passion CD, Arabic violin virtuoso George Lammam adds an element of romantic fire. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, he is well-known in the Middle East as well as the US, having performed with the most well-known singers of the Middle East. He is on the faculty of the Near East Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino. Scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort is the leader of Ancient Future. He has performed concerts world wide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona. He is the author of the book "Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilites" on the rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India. Salah Takesh was born in Azerbaijan, Iran. One of the world's finest Arabic percussionists, in his long career in music, he has worked with the top Arabic musicians and dancers in Europe and the Middle East. He is also on the faculty of the Near East Music and Dance Camp. Doug McKeehan started his piano studies at age five, and began his first professional work at the age of twelve. He studied music at the Oberlin Conservatory, Kent State University, and the University of Otago (New Zealand). He has toured Europe twice and spent considerable time in India studying with notable Indian music teachers such as Pandit Ram Narayan, Ustad Kursheed Khan and Pandit A.G. Bhattacharya.

Featured Songs

Stream Planet Jammin' Concert Set 1. Courtesy of WorldFusionMusicRadio.Com. The Arabic Fusion variation of Ancient Future recorded this live in concert on 6/6/2003.

Stream Ancient Future Arabic Fusion Repertoire. Courtesy of WorldFusionMusicRadio.Com. Studio recordings of the repertoire played by this band variation of Ancient Future.

El Zaffa (Montfort. 4:26) (>audio. Free trial eMusic.) Original composition based on the Egyptian wedding procession rhythm (elzaffa). From Planet Passion. (Ancient-Future.Com AF-2001) CD/Gift Card, $17.98: Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.

Turkish Taffy (Doug McKeehan. 4:55). Sweet and chewy combination of jazz and Middle Eastern influences. >audio (1:08). From World Without Walls (Sona Gaia/MCA 163) CD- $44.98 (Very limited remaining stock: out of print): Add 1 to Cart. Buy 1 Now.

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