Amherst Survival Center

Tunes @ Noon with Whisper in Mid-zone
Friday, July 24th from 12-1PM

Whisper in Mid-zone is a trio with a unique musical chemistry. Bob Markey studied Indian classical music in India; Jim Matus studied jazz at Berklee School of Music in Boston; and Michel Moushabeck, who grew up in Beirut, Lebanon has performed with his classical Arabic music ensemble Layaali for over 30 years and with his flamenco ensemble Fiesta Rumbera for nearly 10 years. Could these three worlds meld together? An idea emerged: creating something that is both traditional, grounded in Indian styles, but mixed with Western harmonies and rhythms—a "mid-zone." The pieces we play are mostly improvised; they link the Indian raga form with the spontaneity of modern free jazz improvisation. They are not compositions; but they are what could be called “comprovisations.”

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

We are still looking for volunteer drivers for Thursday and Friday mornings to help do food recovery from Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.