On April 8, 2018 I had the privilege of playing an opening set for Edensong’s pre-tour show! It was a great night, and wonderful to reconnect with my former bandmates, and see just how much they’d grown and evolved – their lineup even includes a koto player now! Kento was kind enough to send me 2 videos from my set that night, so now I can share them with all of you 🙂
Under the Desert Sun
Under the Desert Sun is something I composed while playing in the subways many, many years ago. It was initially inspired by an Indian morning raga I had learned, and also incorporates elements of Ashkenazi Jewish music (the main line was my own play on Ravel’s Kaddish), a musical quote from Gladiator, and an improvisatory middle section that has always been left up to whatever I’m feeling and listening to in the moment.
Most recently, I’ve been trying to channel the feel of a kamancheh – an instrument that features in Persian and Iranian music. At other times, I try and incorporate more of a Metallica-influenced heavy metal aspect into it.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Medley
This Pirates of the Caribbean melody is something I put together while playing in the subways a few years ago. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 has long been one of my favorite movies, and this medley too has been a mainstay in my performing over the years.
So nice to finally have some new videos up! 🙂