Characteristics of World Fusion - Essay Example

World Fusion Introduction World fusion music is a term that was first introduced in 1978 by the group leaders of ‘AncientFuture’ (Hadden, 87). Evidently, it was a description of the unique mixture of musical traditions from around the world that was synonymous with the band’s music. According to Mathew Montfort, the author of “Ancient Traditions—Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through The Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India,” he defines it as music consistent of a variety of musical ideas from the world’s traditions. World fusion music is a variant definition of the term world music. To this end, Dr. Robert Brown, an ethnomusicologist from the Center of World Music, used world music in reference to all the traditional music available throughout the world which is inclusive of Cajun and Balinese music. On the other hand, Montfort incorporated the term fusion as a distinguishing term of the contemporary sound by ‘Ancient Future,’ from the traditional music that inspired it (Broughton, Simon, Trillo, and Ellingham, 56). World fusion music has been largely influenced by the cross cultural interaction of people all over the world that resulted into the exchange music. For example, Flamenco music is believed to be the result of the cross-cultural interaction between Cale and Andalucian people. Evidently, composers of cross cultural music are driven by the conscious efforts to exhibit the significance of learning and appreciating music from different cultures. The subsequent sections will delve into characteristics of the genre, instruments, culture, religion, prominent composers, aspects of notation, performance venues, and other aspects related to world fusions music. Characteristics of World Fusion World fusion music delves into the realistic musical background within various traditions. To this end, world fusion can be seen as a process involving different stages. The first stage of world fusion music entails the experiences that are evident when musicians drawn from different cultures and devoid of knowledge of each other’s traditions attempt to establish a common ground. In this regard, there are usually mixed results characteristics of great moments and instances of searching (Broughton and Burton, 76) The second stage is characterized with many musicians studying different music types in search of knowledge and inspiration and consequently applying the information acquired to create their art. In this regard, this stage is synonymous with the conception of ‘Ancient Future’ in 1978. The final stage is evident when master musicians drawn from different cultures create world fusion following years of learning from each other and created an understanding of each other traditions. Evidently, the third stage world fusion music is evident in the “Planet Passion” record produced by Ancient Future. In this regard, whenever master musicians drawn from different cultures perform together, there are a host of benefits which arise. To this end, the musicians achieve growth as they learn new forms and techniques which further enriches their music. World fusion is equally a blending of different musical genres that complement each other and consequently enrich knowledge in the global music. Furthermore, there is also a blend in tempo, rhythm, dynamic and style. To this end, world fusion entails a cross cultural music collaboration of indigenous, western classical and folk tunes which result into a unique musical blend. Other musical characteristics of world fusion entail modal and none Western scales, complex rhythmic patterns and melismas (Broughton, Simon, Ellingham, and Trillo, 192). Furthermore, the thematic messages synonymous with world fusion music include exploitation of indigenous people, conservation and political undertones concerning war. The rhythmic characteristics synonymous with world fusions music is evident from the messages normally conveyed. The conveyance of the rhythmic stories reverberates with the daily experiences of life. The rhythm is conveniently portrayed from the West African polyrhythmic tapestries music, to the Middle-Eastern music and Eastern European music, as well as the Indian classical music that displays mathematical brilliance and creative grace. Instruments A key characteristic of world fusion music is its exotic sounds which are not indigenous in the Western world. To this end, world fusion music incorporates a blend of music derived from different percussion instruments such as the Middle Eastern darbuka, conga drums, the African xylophone and the Wes African djembe. They are further blended with Irish and Scottish instruments such as bagpipes, bodhran, the ubiquitous fiddle, Spanish flamenco guitars, and even Australian didgeridus. Prominent Composers Ancient Future The ‘Ancient Future’ music band is regarded as the pioneers of world fusion music. Evidently, the leader of the group Mathew Montfort is credited with coining the term during the group’s inception. In this regard, he viewed it as blend of different cultures with musical ideas. The music band was created in 1978 and is hailed as the world’s pioneer and longest running music ensemble that was dedicates toward the composition of world fusion music. In this regard, their first composition is a unique and exciting fusion of sounds and rhythms from all over the world. It combined contemporary rock and jazz with the exotic rhythms of Indian, African, Balinese, South American and Middle Eastern percussion, the exquisite Asian melodies and the rich European harmonies (Hadden, 87). The pioneer members of the Ancient Future band sought for inspiration beyond their traditional roots. In this regard, they studied with the master musicians from various world music traditions such as Made Gerindem, a Balinese gamelan director, and Ali Akbar Khan, a North Indian sarod master (Woodworth, 98). To this end, they employed their knowledge of world music in creating a contemporary and unique musical blend which gained respect from the indigenous cultural pundits. The Ancient Future musical composure has been described as technical brilliance synonymous with gypsy like fire. Furthermore, according to India Currents, their music exhibits the continuous benefits that Indian music bestows to world culture (Hadden, 98). Evidently, the musical vision of Ancient Future has expanded through collaborations with musical masters. To this end, the ensemble of Ancient future has grown to 28 performers from across the world. Moreover, it has affiliate ensembles within it that has enabled Ancient Future to achieve its core vision of world fusion music. Consequently, the collaboration and cross cultural exchange has enabled Ancient Future to achieve a world rich in musical innovation and tradition. The Ancient Future music group also performs traditional cultural music originating from the master musicians that showcase their performances with the band. This consequently offers an educational experience to the audience and entertainment to people in reference to the global traditions and reflects on how such traditions provide extra value to contemporary culture. Deep Forest Deep Forest music group is another prominent composer of world fusion music. In this regard, the group was formed by two French musicians known as Eric Mouquet and Michel Sanchez. They are credited with composing a new genre of world fusion known as ethnic electronic. Evidently, it mixed electronic sounds with ethnic chill out beats or dance beats. In this regard, their music has been characterized as a “world music filled with ethno-introspective ambience.” Michel Sanchez innovatively crafted the notion of mixing contemporary music with the chants of Baka Pygmy after listening to their on-sight recordings. In collaboration with Eric Moquet, the formed the group Deep Forest and produced a self titled album in 1992. The album was nominated for a Grammy in the same year and its hit single was titled ‘Sweet Lullaby.” The song was inspired through an indigenous song from the Solomon Islands. The Deep Forest album was largely dance driven and the samples were edited and digitised to a high extent. The second album by Deep Forest was titled “Boheme.” The album was a shift from the forest sounds and delved in Eastern European sounds consistent of upbeat Gypsy and Hungarian chants but ironically sad music. Furthermore, the chants were extended phrases instead of brief. In addition, they were samples CD’s drawn from Transylvania, Russia and Hungary. To this end, the album Boheme won a Grammy award for Best World Music Album in 1994 Enigma Enigma was a group created by a Romanian musician known as Michael Cretu, Frank Peterson and David Fairstein in 1990. Evidently, Cretu was not only the producer but also the composer of Enigma albums with his ex-wife Sandra oftenly providing the vocals. . In 1999, Cretu produced the pioneer Enigma record that was known as “MCMXC a.D.” under the nickname “Curly MC.” The Enigma album was characterized by Gregorian chants and ancient world culture that resulted to an irresistible and unique music. The second album known as “Cross of Changes” incorporated new age elements as well as old world aspects that came out as radio friendly pop. Genres of World Music World fusion music is characterized by the fusion of various genres and styles. Evidently, each culture has their unique indigenous music genres which are blended with electronic sounds. Most of the genres that constitute world fusion include Caribbean music, African music, Celtic music, North American music and Middle Eastern and Asian music. Caribbean music is synonymous with Jamaica and is evidently one of the most popular music genres in the world. The major styles in Caribbean music include dancehall, ska, reggae, chutney, meno, soca, calypso and rocksteady. African music is synonymous with ancient indeginous music as well as prominent musical composers that innovatively craft new sounds. To this end, the major styles of African music that are incorporated into world fusion include Rai from Northern African country of Algeria; African music starter CD’s such as ‘Raise your spirit higher by Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Jeli kora players such as Mamadou Diabate,m Toumani Diabate, Mory Konte, Alhaji Bai Konte, and Tata Dindin Jobarte. Others include desert blue playlists such as ‘Savane’ by Ali Farka Toure, “Abacabok” by Tartit, ‘Cler Achel’ by Tinariwen, ‘Hunger’ by Hans Zimmer featuring Baaba Maal, ‘Challaban’ by Hassan Hakmoun and Zahar, ‘Jaman Moro’ by Afel Bocoum, ‘Ezeref’ by Toumast, and ‘Moussoulou’ by Oumou Sangare (Broughton, Simon, Trillo, and Ellingham, 183). Asian and Middle Eastern music genres are consistently unique form those of the West since they are characterized by different modes and scales. They equally exhibit various rhythmical feelings. To this end, the major genres of Asian and Middle Eastern music incorporate in world fusion include Bhangra, Tuvan throat singing, classical Indian music and Gamelan. North American genres of music are characteristic of a rich source of traditional ethnic music that are either indeginous or brought by immigrants. To this end, the various world fusion elements from North American music include polka, Hawaiian slack key guitar, zydeco and Cajun music starter CD’s. Performance of World Fusion Music The highlight of world fusion music performance has been global live concerts. In this regard, the pioneer musical group of world fusion, Ancient Future, set the trend through its worldwide shows. Its live show performances were characterized by virtuoso instrumentalists who delivered stunning live shows complete with intricate, subtle and elegant melodic elements. To this end, the famous venues of their performances included Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, Sangeetha Indian Music Concert Series in St. Louis, and Hult Centre for the Performing Arts. Other venues which world fusion music groups have performed also include nightclubs. For example Ancient Future had a unique performance in Atlantis, a nightclub located in Beirut city of Lebanon which had a bar that doubled up as an aquarium and also Piranha tank at the middle. World fusion music performances are also synonymous with festivals such as the Sand Habour Jazz Festival, California WorldFest, Oregon Country Fair, Festival Internacional de la Guitarra, Northwest Regional Folklife Festival, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, California Worldfest, Summer of Love in Golden Estate Park, Asian/Pacific Festival of Fortune and San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival (Broughton, Simon, Trillo, and Ellingham, 204). Other Aspects Related to World Fusion World fusion has grown to play pertinent role in education. In this regard, countries such as Canada have incorporated world fusion into music education programs as well as school curriculum. Evidently, world fusion music are employed as effective learning tools in order to understand racial tolerance, cross-cultural appreciation, teaching non-musical subjects and assisting in the maintenance of traditions. To this end, there are many world fusion literature books, videos and recordings that can be accessed from primary to tertiary levels of education. Conclusion World fusion music has achieved the immense success in it composition, lyrics and performances worldwide. In this regard, the unique blend evident in world fusion has transcended across cultures and enables the learning and appreciation of different world cultures. To this end, world fusion has increased knowledge pertaining to the various musical instruments, genres and styles of the traditional and contemporary world of music. Hadden, Skip. World Fusion Drumming: Rhythmic Concepts Using the Beat, the Body and the Brain. n.a: Alfred Music Publishing, 2001. Print. Broughton, Simon, Richard Trillo, and Mark Ellingham. World Music Volumn 2 Latin and North America Caribean India Asia and: Pacific the Rough Guide. n.a: Rough Guides, 2000. Print. Broughton, Simon, and Kim Burton.World music: the rough guide. London: Rough Guides, 1994. Print. Broughton, Simon, Mark Ellingham, and Richard Trillo. World music: the rough guide. New ed. London: Rough Guides ;, 1999. Print. Woodworth, G. Wallace. The world of music. Cambridge, Mass.: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1964. Print. Read More