'Monday Makam' is here!

As we settle into the month of July, I'm excited to share with you another movie. This one, however, is the first of a new weekly series I'm doing that will combine short flute improvisations on the ney and bansuri with thought provoking quotes, inspirational sayings and positive affirmations. I'm calling it 'Monday Makam'! It will inevitably include 'raga', too, but that didn't quite have the same ring to it..! The 'sister series' to this project will be called 'Tuesday Taksim'. These ideas are closely related, but, who knows... maybe I'm just buying a 24 hour window of time to ensure weekly posts!



"Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible" (via Deepak Chopra; not sure of source)

What is 'makam'?
'Makam' is a concept from Near and Middle Eastern music that basically means 'a system of melody types'. Each 'makam' sets forth a set of rules for composing and performance including interval structure and melodic movement. Some 'makam' can have identical intervals, but be distinguished by their very different melodic direction and development.

(I can still hear my ney teacher saying,"It's funny...as soon as you start learning 'makam' structure, you'll find yourself wanting to destroy 'makam' structure..!")

The concept of 'makam' is closely related the the concept of 'raga' from the musical traditions of India. In both 'makam' and 'raga' there is an hierarchy of pitches and intervals that have more than just a particular relationship to each other - they have generations of associations tied to them and can stir deep emotions from the listener.

What is 'taksim'?
'Taksim' refers to an improvised introduction to a composition in Near and Middle Eastern music. The improvisation usually follows the modal outline of the 'makam' the following piece is composed in. This is also an element of classical Indian music called 'alap'. Again, the 'alap' precedes the composition and serves to prepare the listener by introducing the notes, intervals and trademark gestures of the music to follow.


My personal evolution with these instruments and traditions has led to a blended style that sips from these ancient art forms, yet forever filters them through the ears and heart of a Westerner. The result is a style that often startles 'purists' by not playing totally within the lines, and a sound that calls to the virgin ear with the exotic reverberations of the unfamiliar.

As I continue to explore these instruments and take them into new territories, I am excited to share the journey and offer little tidbits of 'music and word' that help me find balance in a rather hectic world....

I hope you enjoy the new video series...!

Peace,
J