Tag Archives: Jeff Greene

Jeff Greene captures the essence of the Azerbaijan psyche: the Azeri Mugham!

Text and photos by Jeff Greene 

Baku, modern and ancient

The city of Baku, the capitol of Azerbaijan, located below the Caucasus Mountains on the edge of the Caspian Sea, is a fascinating blend of east and west, old and new. In the late 1800s, numerous “oil barons’ mansions” were built alongside the existing ancient Islamic walled city in a strange mixture of architectural styles that mixed European classical, Art Nouveau with Persian eclecticism. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union 20 years ago, Baku has experienced another oil-fueled building boom of modern skyscrapers. But nothing seems to capture the essence of the Azerbaijan psyche the way that traditional Mugham music does. 

The two Jeff's with the staff of the conservatory

The two Jeff's with the staff of the conservatory

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TriBeCaStan new live footage!

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TriBeCaStan are: John Kruth – mandolin, mandocello, banjo, flute, harmonica, Irish whistle
Jeff Greene – marimba, yayli tambor, mandolin, hurdy gurdy, flutes
Todd Isler – drums
Dave Dreiwitz – bass
John Turner – trumpet
Kenny Margolis – accordion
Ibrahim Gonzalez – conga, percussion
with guests:
Matt Darriau – clarinet, alto sax, bagpipe, kaval
Steve Turre – trombone, conch shells

Performing live in Soho Jan 7, 2011

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The Uighur Dolan Maqam called the Chinese Desert Jazz!

Text and photos by Jeff Greene

Late last year, there was an article on the front page of The NY Times about the planned demolition of large sections of the ancient silk road city, Kashgar, in western China.  I decided I should go before it was gone.  An Uzbek friend had invited me to his arranged wedding in Samarkand, and I figured that was all the excuse I needed to go to Central Asia.

Dolan geycheks

 

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Music listings – 9/6 through 9/12

1. The O’Farrill Family Band w/Arturo O’Farrill, Adam O’Farrill, Zack O’Farrill, Ivan Renta & Shawn Conley

Date: Monday, September 6, 2010
Times: 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Venue: Dizzy’s Club – Jazz at Lincoln Center (Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor New York, New York 10023)
Ticket: $20
Genre:
Latin Jazz

Arturo O’Farrill who is the son of  Arturo “Chico” O’Farrill is the leader and pianist of the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. Under his direction the group recorded the Grammy-nominated album Noche Involvidable in 2005, and Song for Chico in 2008. He was also a professor of jazz at The University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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