Queens Head, Monmouth
Sun 8 Sept
After collaborating at the African music festival Mwalimu Express in October 2018, EIRA/Snow and Yazid Fentazi are back, this time in Wales. EIRA/Snow draw on Scandinavian, Celtic and Middle Eastern musical culture, all the while staying within the field of contemporary music. Meanwhile, Fentazi’s contemporary style of African fusion comprises, in his own words, “a blend of traditional with modern music.”
At Mwalimu Express, the trio performed Gaita Gallega, with Lyndon Owen on the bag pipes, Caractacus Downes on the double bass and Yazid Fentazi on the oud. The song performed had aspects of the Armenian folk dance Pomporee and was performed as part of the bands “Maurice El Medioni” film.
They are known for using a mass number of instruments, such as a Hungarian tarogato and Turkish mey, to allow thick textures and timbres to run throughout their music. Improvisation is also a big part of the band’s identity, with their music looking to relax, challenge and please. Monmouthshire-based Owen, who plays reed instruments, electronic instruments and percussion instruments, and Downes, who plays the double bass and reed instruments, will be treating the Queens Head to a night of harmonious melodies.
Admission: free. Info: 01600 712767 / www.queensheadmonmouth.co.uk/listen (TS)