• World without walls

World Without Walls

Featuring Tabla Master Zakir Hussain

by Ancient Future

Track List

>audio. (Play all songs and excerpts.)

1. Lakshmi Rocks Me (Jim Hurley. 2:52). >audio. Energetic tribute to South Indian violinist L. Shankar featuring Zakir Hussain on tabla. Matthew Montfort (steel string guitars), Doug McKeehan (sythesizers), Jim Hurley (acoustic violin), Ian Dogole (udu), Zakir Hussain (tabla, kanjira). FREE MP3 (excerpt) (992K). >audio (1:01).
2. Dance of the Rain Forest (Matthew Montfort. 4:45). >audio. African and Balinese dance rhythms mix with jazz. Matthew Montfort (electric guitars, guitar synthesizers), Doug McKeehan (sythesizer), Jim Hurley (Zeta electric violin), Ian Dogole (talking drum, congas, shaker), Jack Dorsey (drum set), Gary Brown (fretless electric bass).
3. April Air (Doug McKeehan. 3:57). >audio (Excerpt. 0:53). Steel drums and piano trade licks on this contemporary jazz radio hit. Matthew Montfort (classical guitar), Doug McKeehan (piano, sythesizers), Ian Dogole (congas, bongos, shaker), Jeff Narell (steel drums), Jack Dorsey (drum set).
4. 14 Steps (Matthew Montfort. 4:30). >audio. Fourteen beat rhythmic cycle creates a funky Indian groove featuring Zakir Hussain on tabla. Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, steel string guitars), Doug McKeehan (sythesizer), Jim Hurley (acoustic violin), Ian Dogole (dumbek), Bill Douglass (acoustic bass), Zakir Hussain (tabla). FREE MP3 (excerpt) (1MB). >audio (1:07).
5. End of the Beginning (Matthew Montfort. 5:15). >audio. Ancient Celtic and Indian music reborn. Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, steel string guitar, guitar synthesizer), Doug McKeehan (piano, sythesizers), Jim Hurley (acoustic violin), Ian Dogole (udu, bass drums, sleigh bells), Bruce Kaphan (shaker), Jack Dorsey (hi-hat).
6. Turkish Taffy (Doug McKeehan. 4:55). >audio. Sweet and chewy combination of jazz and Middle Eastern influences. Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar, electric guitar), Doug McKeehan (piano, sythesizers), Jim Hurley (acoustic violin), Ian Dogole (dumbek, cymbal), Vince Delgado (tambourine). >audio (1:08).
7. Alap (Matthew Montfort. 1:10). >audio. North Indian style intro, in this case performed on a scalloped fretboard guitar, which allows for greater note bending capabilities. Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar). Doug McKeehan (synthesizer).
8. Indra's Net (Jim Hurley. 4:53). >audio. Inspired by Hindu mythology, this song was used as a soundtrack for a United Nations documentary film, Closing the Curtains of Death, about drift net fishing. Doug McKeehan (piano, synthesizer), Jim Hurley (acoustic violins, steel string guitar), Ian Dogole (talking drum, bells, chrimes, cymbal), Bill Douglass (acoustic bass).
9. Nyo Nyo Gde (Matthew Montfort. 4:00). >audio. Balinese gamelan and Chinese flute meld in this ode to attributes of a goddess. Matthew Montfort (guitar sythesizers, mandolin), Ian Dogole (kendang, kajar, ceng-ceng), Bill Douglas (Chinese flutes).
10. Gopi Song (Doug McKeehan. 7:46). >audio. Inspired by North Indian sarangi master Pandit Ram Narayan. Features Zakir Hussain on tabla. Matthew Montfort (classical guitar), Doug McKeehan (piano, sythesizers), Jim Hurley (acoustic violin), Ian Dogole (shaker, bells, chimes), Jack Dorsey (cymbals), Bill Douglass (acoustic bass), Zakir Hussain (tabla).

Featured Video

Ancient Future 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert: '14 Steps' by Matthew Montfort

Recorded June 7, 2011, at Ancient Future's 'World Without Walls' Reunion Concert at Yoshi's San Francisco. Shown: Doug McKeehan (piano), Kash Killion (bass), Ian Dogole (percussion), Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Mariah Parker (hammered dulcimer), and Jim Hurley (violin).

Quotes

World Without Walls Media Report (6.4 MB)

"World Without Walls speaks to a cultural enrichment...a melding of world culture with Ancient Future's own lush sense of melody and rhythmic drive." – John Diliberto, Jazziz (Nov 90)

"Ancient Future masterfully blends cultural music with contemporary rock and the result is superb. For those who have a taste for exquisite instrumental, you will not be disappointed with this addition to your library. Ancient Future has a great following and for just cause. It is clear that Matthew Montfort's intense studies of cultural music shines and his artistic blend of old world instruments and modern technology shatters esoteric stereotypes. Ancient Future's music is as intense as history itself, yet none less than simple pleasure to play." – Donald A. Thomas, Jr., Revolutionary Concepts (December 90)

"The matrix of panpipes in 'Dance of the Rain Forest' is what would've happened if Steve Reich were Quechua, and the dumbek in 'Turkish Taffy' is fiery enough to induce spontaneous belly dancing. Extra credit to Zakir Hussain, whose tabla playing lends legitimacy to the Indian airs. Basically this is Shadowfax with teeth." – Michael Bloom, Boston Rocks (April 91)

"Long before the phrase 'world music' became ubiquitous, Matthew Montfort and his group Ancient Future were boldly melding Asian and western music. Over the years they've carved out a respectable niche for themselves in the netherworld of alternative music; 'World Without Walls' just might kick them into the mainstream. Guitar synthesizer shows up in a couple of places, most notably on the exotic 'Nyo Nyo Gde.' In order to maintain a live feel, no quantization was used. The results are spectacular. There are enough ear treats to please just about anyone. From the soaring 'Lakshmi Rocks Me' to the beautiful scalloped fretboard guitar work on 'Alap', and the exquisite 'Nyo Nyo Gde,' 'World Without Walls' is well worth hearing." – Mark Nelson, MIDI Guitar (Spring 91)

"For all that there are electric instruments on the latest Ancient Future disc (such as synthesizers, drum kits, electric guitars and violins), one comes away with an impression of acoustic fusion mixed with World Beat rhythms. Joining the more traditional instruments are a scatter of Chinese flutes, dumbeks, udos, tablas and the like which make for a fascinating array of sounds and take the music a little further than what one might usually expect from a New Age recording. And these are the real things, not samples. Ancient Future's Matthew Montfort also lends his guitar playing to David Michael's new disc, 'Edge of the Sky.' Both albums are beautifully produced. Ancient Future adds a little more punch to the proceedings. Both Ancient Future and David Michael & Friends offer an abundance of riches." – Charles de Lint, Dirty Linen (April 91)

"Ancient Future makes ancient musical traditions of the world accessible to western ears. Ancient Future has found a winning mixture of sound to please the popular listener. World Without Walls envisions a civilization that values and respects all cultures. The wealth of World culture has yet to be uncovered. World without Walls is a great step in this direction. It makes me think of Ancient Persia, Middle Eastern cultures, Islamic Art, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." – Kathleen Lawson, New World (April 91)

"In this recent release Ancient Future has manifested in musical form the ideal expressed by the title of the album. Though it's is a mostly upbeat album, there are a few contemplative pieces that lend a nice balance. Gopi Song is a lush and beautifully tender ballad. A delightful album that can be listened to in many different contexts. It would be great for driving, dancing or to be carried away on an inner journey to places of joyful splendor." – Geoffrey Mays, Heartsong Review (Spring/Summer 91)

"Ancient Future, one of the first proponents of world music, is back with its first release since 1988. Each piece involves a complex mixture of musical traditions, including jazz, electronic, and exotic instruments. You will hear influences from many countries, all creating the texture of a musical world without walls. 'Music is meant to break down walls between people,' said the group's founder Matthew Montfort. 'The more people listen, the more tolerant they will be of each other.'" – Carol Wright, NAPRA Trade Journal (Spring 91)

"This recording breaks down many walls. It's a bridge from ancient musical traditions to modern music culture, from folk tradition to modern customs. The scalloped fret guitar, sitar, congas, dumbek, tabla, African talking drum, and other exotic instruments are combined with the synthesizer in a way that expands contemporary composition. The music flows in driving rhythms, fast, and fashioned after popular patterns. But it has the soul of Indian and Middle Eastern music. Lakshmi Rocks Me soars with acoustic violin backed by Zakir Hussain's renowned tabla playing. Dance of the Rainforest begins with a short gamelan prelude. Then it sways into a world fusion waltz. It's a playful metaphor celebrating the rainforest. Ancient Future takes great inspiration from Classical Indian music and transforms it somehow into the energy of world fusion. This music wakes you up. It's refreshingly new without a hint of nostalgia." – Kathleen Lawson, Well Being Journal (April/May 91)

"Worldbeatnik Alert: Ancient Future have a jazzy side that keeps things interesting, sorta like a more energetic version of Oregon. Their latest cross-cultural exploration, WORLD WITHOUT WALLS mixes Celtic, Arabic, and Asian modes to create a soundtrack for your next mind vacation, to plagiarize a phrase." – J. Poet, Ward Music Monthly (June 91)

"This is a wonderful collection of original tunes that reflect the influence of many cultures, most notably that of India, as well as the nuances of the Orient. The artists are a seasoned group of professional musicians who produce a seemingly effortless fusion of Eastern melodies and meters with Western instrumentation and a jazzy groove. The song Turkish Taffy is a great example; the melody line definitely inspires visions of old Istanbul, while the tune builds up a swinging groove that climaxes in a fiery electric guitar solo at the end that would please fans of rock guitarist Santana. The opening tune, Lakshmi Rocks Me, is another cooker which moves along with passion and grace worthy of the goddess' presence. Virtuoso violin playing by band member (and composer) Jim Hurley, Zakir Hussain on tabla and assorted Indian percussion instruments give the tunes an authenticity and driving force. A delightful album." – Heartsong Review, Spirit of Change (Winter 91-92)

"Ancient Future was one of the first groups to explore the idea of World Fusion music. Their first two releases, in '80 and '81, remain classic examples of the treasures to be found in combining the musical forms and rhythms of India with westernized themes. The later efforts explore more innovative terrain, as group leader (and Bay area resident) Matthew Montfort has now absorbed South American, Balinese, African & Tibetan influences. Their most recent effort, the aptly-titled 'World Without Walls,' showcases Montfort's scalloped, steel-string & classical guitars with spirited support throughout the ten pieces. There is the lyrical piano/steel drum interplay of 'April Air,' the acoustic sensitivity of '14 Steps', the fluid electric violin and busy bass on 'Dance of the Rain Forest,' and the dazzling sound of Zakir Hussain's tabla playing which adds zest to the lively opener 'Lakshmi Rocks Me' and two other selections. The polished sound of Ancient Future has come a long way over the past decade without forsaking the roots and basis of their world music explorations." – Lloyd Barde, Common Ground (Spring 1993)

"As the title suggests, 'World Without Walls' combines lively, tight melodies, mixed with ethnic textures. The pace is fast, the breaks are clean, and the combination of instruments makes this recording very original. Features Zakir Hussain on tabla. Alive & Inviting." – Joseph Meyer, The Mystic Trader (October 93)