In Memoriam: Bassist T.M. Stevens

Text by Dawoud Kringle

The world of music was saddened to learn of the passing of bassist Thomas Michael Stevens / T.M. Stevens (a.k.a. Shaka Zulu).

Born in New York City on July 28, 1951, Stevens studied biology in school, but at the suggestion of his professor decided to drop out to focus on music. He honed his skills by playing in after-hours clubs around the city. He soon became established on the scene and began working as a session musician who excelled in a wide range of genres.

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Saudi Arabia Music Scene Report: A Music Culture Shift

Text by Dawoud Kringle

An unprecedented cultural change is happening in Saudi Arabia. After decades of rule wherein the Saudi dynasty has attempted to institute their interpretation of Shari’ah, big changes are happening.

The documented history of music in the Kingdom goes back around 120 years. Between 1903 and 1905, the first record was made by the Dutch consulate in Saudi Arabia. It featured voices singing songs accompanying the Hajj rituals, and singing songs together that appeared to be related to social rituals.

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MFM and the IMA Present: “Music Is Essential” ZOOM Webinar #16 w. Hamid Najafi Speaking on Introducing TuneForte – a New Live Music Streaming Platform.

Date: Thursday, February 15th, 2024
Time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm (ET)
Venue:  ZOOM
Ticket: $5
Please register and pay here:  https://mfmassociation.thrivecart.com/zoom-webinar-16/

Webinar description:

Hamid Najafi will introduce his gig platform Tuneforte specifically designed by musicians for musicians which uses AI, VR, and other technologies to make streaming a live concert easy, engaging, enjoyable, accessible to all musicians, and above all, profitable. He will discuss its features and benefits to the musicians performing, and the viewers of, online live concerts. The purpose of the platform is to make watching a live music concert online a viable alternative (but not replacement) to attending concerts in person helping musicians and venues to expand their audience and increase revenue. He would love to hear the attendees’ thoughts on how he can make this a better tool for you as a musician.

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Kaveh Haghtalab

Kaveh Haghtalab, A Closer Look at an Iranian Musician in New York

Interview by Dawoud Kringle (DK)

Kaveh Haghtalab

Photo by Yasi Omrani

DooBeeDooBeeDoo NY interviewed Iranian musician Kaveh Haghtalab (KH) (https://doobeedoobeedoo.info/kaveh-haghtalab-an-iranian-musicians-perspective-of-nys-music-scene/). This is part two of that interview, where we delve deeper into Kaveh’s experiences and work as a musician.

DK: You’ve been involved with several bands in New York since you moved here in 2012, one of which is SoSaLa. How did you become involved with them?

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