2025 Issues: February • April • December
December 2025 Issue
First Flamenco
• Solo Guitar Release with Music Scores!
Arts in the Age of Artificial Idiocy
• Help Human Artists Instead
Human Music Lessons
• Online and In-Person
First Flamenco
Solo Guitar Release with Music Scores!
Tres Tarantas Tres
The Tres Tarantas Tres double single is Matthew Montfort's first solo release on flamenco guitar, inspired by flamenco, Indian raga, and impressionism.
Tres Tarantas Tres Double Single Action Page: https://orcd.co/tarantas (Follow on Spotify, Pre-Add Apple, Email Subscribe). Drops 2/13/2026.
Tarantas Alap
Tarantas is a flamenco palo (form) that is toque libre (free tempo). A raga could be described as melodic recipe for a mood in Indian classical music. Tarantas has similarities to alap, the section of a raga where the mood is thoroughly explored without tempo before the tabla enters. "Tarantas Alap" is an improvised introduction to "Tres Tarantas Tres" that combines the flamenco tarantas palo with Indian alap.
Tarantas Alap Play Single: https://orcd.co/tarantasalap (Participating Digital Music Platforms). Dropped 12/12/2025.
Tarantas Alap Digital Single Links (Live Now!):
Qobuz (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz) • Spotify • Apple • Tidal • Deezer • Amazon • YouTube Music • Pandora • freegalmusic
Video: Facebook Reel (0:43) • YouTube Short (0:43)
Tres Tarantas Tres
"Tres Tarantas Tres" was inspired by tarantas and tarantos. It was also influenced by Indian classical music, and uses some slide techniques from South Indian vina music. As the name implies, the piece has its own unique compás (rhythmic cycle) of three series of three beat phrases, with both rubato and in tempo passages. It even makes a foray into impressionism à la "Gymnopédies" by Erik Satie.
There’s some similarity between flamenco palos and Indian ragas. Flamenco music is perhaps a product of the cross-cultural exchange that resulted from the Calé people migrating from India to Andalucía. Indian and flamenco dance traditions both feature complex rhythms and footwork.
Tres Tarantas Tres Pre-Save Double Single: https://orcd.co/3tarantas3 (Participating Digital Music Platforms). Drops 2/13/2026.
Sheet Music
Tres Tarantas Tres Guitar Score- $5.95 (Sale $4.95): Add Score to Cart. Buy Score Now.
"Tres Tarantas Tres" is Matthew Montfort’s first composition to be transcribed as recorded including the improvised sections. The 17 sheet music includes performance notes and three score versions: one with just staff notation, one with staff notation and tablature, and a three page version condensed for live performances.
Classical and flamenco guitarists are encouraged to record and release their own versions. Contact info@ancient-future.com to arrange for mechanical rights.
Score Video
Tres Tarantas Tres Score Video- $2.98 (Sale $2): Add Video to Cart. Buy Video Now.
Coming Soon: Punjabi Jhinzaki
Tribute to Zakir Hussain by Ancient Future
Ancient Future will release a tribute to tabla master Ustad Zakir Hussain on March 9, 2026, the 75th anniversary of his birthday. Zakir passed away on December 15, 2024, due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His passing was a huge loss to music and the world. "Punjabi Jhinzaki" exclusively features musicians who have performed and recorded with Zakir.
Arts in the Age of Artificial Idiocy
Help Human Artists Instead
Streaming algorithms and A.I. are having a negative impact on human arts. Algorithms keep streaming listeners in limited genre boxes, only exposing them to music that sounds exactly like what they are already listening to, including tracks generated by A.I. with no human composer or performer. Without qualified humans making recommendations, there's no filter for quality, only for popularity.
Very low streaming royalties have forced famous artists to tour constantly to cover expenses. The few medium size venues that managed to survive have filled their schedules with very well known musicians, reducing guarantees for all artists across the board.
Make a Tax Deductible Donation
Due to decreased funding for fine arts concerts and extremely minimal streaming payments to artists, Ancient Future now depends on donations to keep making music. With even further expected cuts to arts funding, Ancient Future needs direct support to continue operations.
Ancient Future enjoys a fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. InterMusic SF is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations made through InterMusic SF on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Donate Online Via InterMusic SF
Another way to help is to become a supporter of the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings. Supporters receive downloads soon after they are finished, well before the release dates.
Human Music Lessons
Online and In-Person
The prevailing wisdom when Ancient Future was in formation was that humans would evolve to have bigger brains and smaller bodies. The opposite has happened. The audience for high level art music began to shrink with cuts to music education decades ago as audiences who have any musical knowledge became rarer. Artificial Intelligence is already causing people to not exercise their brains. We are ushering in an age of Artificial Idiocy and Artificial Insanity.
Widespread adoption of music education could help to stem some of the negative effects of A.I. Ancient-Future.Com has a huge educational section, and lessons are offered in real time. Check out the options below!
Zoom Lessons
Matthew Montfort started teaching online in 2010. But when COVID forced a switch to online lessons for his in-person students, it became apparent that there are many overlooked advantages to online lessons. First of all, they are much more convenient and environmentally sustainable, cutting out unnecessary travel. Second, having a camera close to the student's hands helps with identifying technical issues that can be overlooked with in-person lessons. Third, it's very easy to record lessons for later practice and review.
Online lessons are available on weekdays. Here's a starter pack that's on sale now!
45 Minute Private Lesson. 4 pack. Sale $234. Buy 1 Now. A set of four 45 minute private lessons via Zoom or other video conferencing service.
In-Person Guitar Workshops
Wednesdays, Starting January 7, 2026, Beginning Guitar Class, 6:40 to 7:10 PM, Intermediate Guitar Class 7:15 to 8:15 PM, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425.
Beginning and intermediate guitar classes with Matthew Montfort are held on Wednesday evenings at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance. One private lesson slot is available on Wednesdays. Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
April 2025 Issue
New Music Releases!
• Hendrix and Nirvana Covers Plus East of the Sun with Paul McCandless
Free Concerts and Classes
•Ancient Future at Himalayan Fair and Free Music Workshops
New Music Releases!
Purple Nirvana by Ancient Future
Purple Nirvana is an EP featuring the first ever popular cover songs by Ancient Future and historically related originals showing unique influences from world music traditions: "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.
Purple Nirvana Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenirvana (Participating Digital Music Platforms)
Purple Nirvana EP Links:
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-nirvana-ancient-future/oeysiuv85swnc (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz)
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1QMOhPvugLsiTVJRIg6QaZ
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1789397899
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DSJXVYQW
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/410350049
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/694639451
YouTube Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC-gzCNHugA&list=OLAK5uy_mNRwU8xg8sH-N8JtwKDp7TMU_gVFAy2gM
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/ancient-future/purple-nirvana/ALkJP3pz77ZtkvJ
Soundcloud GO: https://soundcloud.com/ancient-future-band/sets/purple-nirvana
KKBox: https://www.kkbox.com/tw/tc/album/8pRzjN8svmYiMTV5NY
freegal music: https://www.freegalmusic.com/album/825336203105/2
Web Page: https://www.ancient-future.com/purplenirvana.html
One-Sheet (166k .pdf with audio/video links): https://www.ancient-future.com/pdf/purple_nirvana_1sheet.pdf
Track List:
1. Spirit of Nirvana (Extended Intro) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:55). Featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer.
2. East of the Sun by Ancient Future (Montfort. 4:28). Trio version featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer. YouTube Video.
3. Purple Nam (Glissentar & Đàn Bầu Duet) by Ancient Future (Montfort. 1:18). Featuring Matthew Montfort
(Godin glissentar, fretless bass) and Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu) with Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) and Mariah Parker (keys). YouTube Video.
4. Purple Haze (Vietnamese Đàn Bầu Style) by Ancient Future (Hendrix. 3:25). Featuring Matthew Montfort
(Godin glissentar, fretless bass), Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu), and Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) with Mariah Parker (keys).
5. Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:42).
6. Spirit of Nirvana (Radio Edit) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:32).
East of the Sun (Trio) Live Video
Apple Music Video: https://music.apple.com/us/album/spirit-of-nirvana-feat-matthew-montfort-mariah/1784353723 (4:31).
In advance of sharing a bill with master Malian hunter's harpist Mamadou Sidibe on February 28, 2010, Matthew Montfort was inspired to compose a piece weaving in a West African 3 against 2 cross rhythm on the last two beats of a five beat groove. On April 4, 2010, his as yet unnamed piece was performed live on Please Stand By on KPIG, and an audience member called in suggesting the name "East of the Sun." The name stuck, and it was recorded on April 1, 2011 along with a cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," linking the two in Ancient Future history. This video from the recording session features live basic tracks by Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Mariah Parker (santur), and Benjy Wertheimer (tabla).
East of the Sun (Studio Version with Paul McCandless, Oboe)
by Ancient Future
This full studio version of "East of the Sun" features Paul McCandless (oboe), an important early musical influence on the founders of Ancient Future. He joins Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitars, fretless bass), Benjy Wertheimer (tabla), and Mariah Parker (santur).
East of the Sun Save Stream: https://orcd.co/eastsun (Participating Digital Music Platforms)
East of the Sun Digital Audio Sales Date: Friday, April 25, 2025, celebrating the completion of the studio guitar overdubs April 25, 2013. Preorder Date: March 24, 2025, the 78th birthday of woodwind virtuoso Paul McCandless.
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/east-of-the-sun-ancient-future/pnfo87fth0sta (Preorder in Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz Now!)
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1799893318 (Preview and Preorder Now!)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DZ6FXRMQ
Paul McCandless (Oboe)
Track List:
1. East of the Sun (Studio Version with Paul McCandless, Oboe) by Ancient Future(Montfort. 5:10).
The basic tracks for "East of the Sun" were recorded live as trio, which is the B side of Ancient Future's Spirit of Nirvana double single. But the intention was to release a full ensemble version, and on January 16, 2013, Paul McCandless added his oboe overdub. Matthew Montfort laid down his guitar overdubs for the studio version on April 25, 2013, and completed the piece with a fretless bass overdub on July 3, 2013. The first mix was made available to supporters of the fan funded Archive of Future Ancient Recordings on February 11, 2014. The final mix for public release was completed on February 25, 2025. Sadly, in 2017 Paul McCandless was diagnosed with a health condition that led him to retire from performing on oboe, although he has kept a busy performance schedule on his many other wind instruments. This recording is very special because McCandless was an important early musical influence on the founders of Ancient Future.
Free Concerts and Classes
Berkeley & Cloverdale
- Saturday, April 19, 2025, 7 PM, Open Mic with Matthew Montfort (solo scalloped fretboard guitar) and Matthew Montfort's Intermediate Guitar Class Student Recital, Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Cloverdale, CA 95425. Free.
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 6:30 to 8:45 PM, Matthew Montfort Music Workshops, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Free in-person guitar, theory, and improvisation workshops with Matthew Montfort. Facebook Event. Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
- Sunday, May 18, 2025, 2:30 PM, Ancient Future, Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave., North Berkeley, CA 94709. Free. Donations accepted.
- Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 7 to 8:30 PM, Counting Rhythm and The Beats of Bali Workshops, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
Feb. 2025 Issue
Ancient Future Times: Arts Alive in 2025
Purple Nirvana
•Hendrix and Nirvana Covers Plus Originals
Himalayan Fair Returns
•Ancient Future Performs
Free Music Workshops
•World Rhythms and All Styles of Guitar
Keep the Arts Alive in 2025
•Make a Tax Deductible Donation
Purple Nirvana
Hendrix and Nirvana Covers Plus Originals
Purple Nirvana is an EP featuring the first ever popular cover songs by Ancient Future: instrumental versions of "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana showing unique influences from world music traditions. Also included are the historically related Matthew Montfort compositions "East of the Sun" and "Purple Nam."
Purple Nirvana Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenirvana
The preorder date for Purple Nirvana is Friday, February 14, 2025. On that day in 1990, Nirvana was famously photographed flipping off at KUSF, a San Francisco radio station with a long history of playing Ancient Future. On that day in 1968, the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed at Regis College in Denver, Colorado, 7.5 miles from the residence of the then 10 year old Matthew Montfort.
Purple Nam & Purple Haze (Vietnamese Đàn Bầu & Glissentar Style)
by Ancient Future
Digital 45 featuring "Purple Nam" followed by Ancient Future's cover of "Purple Haze."
Purple Nam & Purple Haze Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenamhaze
Digital Mini-45 Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4yFoh1Jc5O93qcIGc61qoi
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1763467873
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DDJ8QNFH
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/381931033
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-nam-purple-haze-ancient-future/x5dg3bb2hy6ha (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz)
Check the press release for more digital retailer links.
Track List:
1. Purple Nam (Glissentar & Đàn Bầu Duet) by Ancient Future (Montfort. 1:18).
Featuring Matthew Montfort (Glissentar, fretless bass) and Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu) with Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) and Mariah Parker (keys). Rubato call and response between Glissentar and đàn bầu fusing Vietnamese music and Indian raga.
Purple Nam Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplenam
Purple Nam Track Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZKN5hO2gzcE2O0zyoHDvM
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1763467825
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/381931031
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DDJ8DC9M
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-nam-ancient-future/yuy54459zl2ub (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz)
Video (Live in Studio):
Purple Nam (Glissentar & Đàn Bầu Duet) Official Music Video by Ancient Future. Video from the "Purple Nam" recording session featuring Matthew Montfort (glissentar), Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu), and Mariah Parker (keyboard), and Abbos Kosimov (doyra, shakers). Videographer: Michael Braden Producer, Editor: Matthew Montfort
Facebook Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/599230089637153 (0:43)
Apple Music Video: https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/purple-nam-feat-matthew-montfort-bui-huu-nhut-abbos/1768814322 (1:24).
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/9IynbJgznv8 (1:40).
2. Purple Haze (Vietnamese Đàn Bầu Style) by Ancient Future (Hendrix. 3:25).
Featuring Matthew Montfort (Glissentar, fretless bass), Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu), and Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) with Mariah Parker (keys). Instrumental version of "Purple Haze" performed on Vietnamese đàn bầu (monochord with whammy bar), Glissentar (11 string fretless guitar), Uzbek percussion, and keyboards.
Purple Haze Save Stream: https://orcd.co/purplehazeaf
Purple Haze Track Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3P16Z6gycABlEA57AvqJMM
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1763666579
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/382124838
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DDLJKHPJ
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/purple-haze-ancient-future/cix8thev2mq5a (Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz)
Video (Behind the Scenes in Studio):
Killer Trash Can Ending to a Purple Haze by Ancient Future. Video of the spontaneous inspired banter that took place after a "trash can ending" take. Featuring Matthew Montfort
(Glissentar) and Bui Huu Nhut (đàn bầu) with Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion) and Mariah Parker (keys).
Videographer: Michael Braden Producer, Editor: Matthew Montfort
Facebook Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/956869405969822 (0:39)
Spirit of Nirvana
by Ancient Future
Hi-Res Cover Art (1.1 MB)
"Spirit of Nirvana (Double Single)" is a cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" paired with "East of the Sun," an original composition by Matthew Montfort that was recorded the same day.
Save Stream: https://orcd.co/spiritofnirvana (At Participating Digital Music Platforms Now)
Ancient Future will celebrate Kurt Cobain's birthday (February 20, 1967) by offering their "Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit)" cover as an Instant Grats (iTunes & Amazon pre-release download) starting February 20, 2025. The instant grat date for "East of the Sun" is Friday, February 28, 2025. In advance of sharing a bill with master Malian hunter's harpist Mamadou Sidibe on February 28, 2010, Matthew Montfort was inspired to compose a piece weaving in a West African 3 against 2 cross rhythm within a five beat groove. On April 4, 2010, his as yet unnamed piece was performed live on Please Stand By on KPIG, and an audience member called in suggesting the name "East of the Sun." The digital audio sales date is April 4, 2025, in recognition of that impactful live KPIG radio performance.
Track List:
1. Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit) by Ancient Future (Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic. 5:42). Featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer.
2. East of the Sun by Ancient Future (Montfort. 4:28). Trio version featuring Matthew Montfort, Mariah Parker, and Benjy Wertheimer.
Spirit of Nirvana (Streaming Edit) Instant Grats Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025. Pre-release downloads on Apple iTunes & Amazon (click Amazon far right three-dot menu). Early downloads count on April 4, 2025 release date charts. East of the Sun Instant Grats Date: February, 28, 2025. Spirit of Nirvana Digital Audio Sales Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Save Stream: https://orcd.co/spiritofnirvana (Participating Digital Music Platforms)
Spirit of Nirvana Double Single Links:
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1784353723 (Preview & Preorder Now)
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DPY1Y75S (Preorder Now)
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/spirit-of-nirvana-ancient-future/mjq3i6yb30zab (Preorder Now in Hi-Res 24-Bit/96 kHz )
Check the press release for more digital retailer links on April 4, 2025.
Himalayan Fair Returns
Ancient Future Performs
Ancient Future has performed at the Himalayan Fair in all but a few years where weather or schedules did not align. It is great to be invited to be part of the 42nd iteration of this wonderful community event.
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 2:30 PM, Ancient Future, Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave., North Berkeley, CA 94709. Free. Donations accepted.
Free Music Workshops
World Rhythms and All Styles of Guitar
A series of free introductory in-person music workshops taught by guitarist and Ancient Future bandleader Matthew Montfort will be held starting in the spring of 2025 at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance in downtown Cloverdale, California. After the series is complete, ongoing classes will be offered tailored to the individual goals of workshop participants. Because of student recitals, the previously announced February workshops were postponed and several free workshops were added.
In the meantime, one private lesson slot is available on Wednesday evenings at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance, and online lessons are available on weekdays. For more information on private lessons, send an email to lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
Guitar Workshops
Free In-Person Beginning and Intermediate Guitar Workshops
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 6:30 to 8:45 PM, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Free in-person guitar, theory, and impovisation workshops with Matthew Montfort. Facebook Event. Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
World Rhythms Workshop
Counting Rhythm and the Beats of Bali
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 7 to 8:30 PM
Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425
Sign up: lessons@matthewmontfort.com.
Learn how to count rhythms, from whole notes to 16th notes. Then practice the hypnotic music of Bali featuring interlocking rhythms with syncopated 16th notes. Not just for percussionists, this workshop can help any musician, singer, dancer, or music lover improve their rhythmic skills. No musical background is required. Very simple to play percussion instruments will be provided, and participants are free to bring an instrument.
Rhythm Training Materials
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort. Book/Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Soundfiles: $52.95 (SALE! Normally $69.95): Buy Link.
"You've heard Afro-Pop, sitar, gamelan and world music for years. But do you know what they are and how they work? Better yet, would you like to play those twisted cross-rhythms and melodies? In Ancient Traditions--Future Possibilities, Matthew Montfort, a founding member of the world music band Ancient Future, has put together the book for people who want to dig into world music with both hands. The first section of the book covers traditional music of West Africa, Bali and India with theories and exercises. Wherever possible, Montfort has provided beat counts alongside the standard musical notation so even if you can't read music, you can still learn the rhythms. The last section of the book mixes patterns from different cultures, demonstrating the powerful music these simple exercises can generate." – Richard Kadrey, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
Keep the Arts Alive in 2025
Make a Tax Deductible Donation
Ancient Future enjoys a fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. InterMusic SF is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations made through InterMusic SF on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Due to decreased funding for fine arts concerts, venues closing due to low ticket sales, and extremely minimal streaming payments to artists, Ancient Future now depends on donations to keep making music. With the expected further cuts to arts funding, the arts will need even more direct support now.
Donate Online Via InterMusic SF