the Afro-Persian Experience

Kamancheh & Drums

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Kamancheh & Drums 〰️

Musicians Mehdi Bagheri & Marcus L. Miller have joined forces to create a new sound in World music. Together, the duo plays original music meant to touch the soul and move the feet.

Musicians: Marcus Miller & Mehdi Bagheri - M & M...the Afro-Persian Experience

Info:

Label: Universe Soul Records

Representation: MyS Represent

Contract Negotiation: Gia Marie Enterprises

Logistics Coordination: I M Blackwell Mgmt

Genre(s): Global Music/World Traditions/Folk

Bio:

M & M…the Afro-Persian Experience is a duo featuring Persian kamancheh master Mehdi Bagheri and artist/percussionist Marcus Miller. Based in Southern California, the group was formed in January 2016. Together, they are developing a new sound (with old roots) and a wonderful musical experience in this cross-cultural exploration.

The music consists of all original compositions created by Bagheri & Miller. It is deeply rooted in the traditions of ancient Persia and Africa. Their unique sound results from the natural contrast of their individual musical styles and the blend of tones produced by their instruments. Bagheri's improvised melodies are rooted in the Persian tradition, but take a bold step in a contemporary direction when combined with Miller's rhythms. Miller represents all that is connected to the African diaspora. Through his uniquely stylistic playing, he fuses Brazilian, Cuban, Caribbean, American, and African rhythms into a seamless groove.

The nature of the music is meditative. The goal is for each musician to meditate musically while playing. Each song is an expression of the passion they share for the music. The melodies are carried by Bagheri’s kamancheh, while Miller’s pulsating beats provide a counter melodic rhythm. There is a naturally existing harmony between the instruments played by both men. The group is known for manipulating meter and enjoys going in and out of varying time signatures.

In the short time of their formation, the group has recorded and released a debut CD in 2020 and licensed music for the independent film “My Critic”. In November 2017, the duo conducted their first public performance at First Congregational UCC in San Bernardino, CA. In 2018, the group performed a concert in the recital hall on the campus of Cal State University San Bernardino. That same year, the duo was selected as a featured artists for the Western Artists Alliance (WAA) showcase of Black Arts in LA. The following year (2019), the group performed at the St. Elmo Village music & art festival in Los Angeles and at the 13th annual Seattle Iranian Festival at the Seattle Center. Most recently, the duo was presented by the City of West Hollywood in partnership with Grand Performances as a part of the Summer Sounds 2022 season.

NIA (Purpose):

"Our project has a special significance and we believe that through it, we can shed a light on some bigger issues that we are confronted by as a society. Our project brings together two uniquely different cultural traditions and shows that no matter how different we may appear on the outside, at the core we are all still basically the same…human beings. As instrumentalists, we have both mastered our crafts and are able to convey, without words, a feeling that is not always found in much of today's contemporary music. Our music is uplifting and filled with the intangible quality of spirit. Music has the power to heal and unite. Therefore, we believe that if we can bring people together on one accord through music, then we can all better learn how to respect and accept each other and live in peaceful coexistence."