April 14, 2:00 pm – Music from Brazil and Beyond
>> Guitar and Flute, featuring Zach Weiss, flute, playing the music of Brazil

May 12, 2:00 pm – Guitar and voice, Love songs and Lullabies for Voice and Guitar
>> A special Mother’s Day concert featuring Orna Arania, Classical Voice and Jill Sanderson, Jazz vocalist
>> Spanish and Sephardic Songs for voice and gtr as well as Music from the Great American Songbook

June 9 – JAZZ Guitar and the Mighty Hammond B3
>> Featuring the great Tony Monaco, Hammond B3 Virtuoso

Get Tickets Now >>

Matt Kolinski
802.497.3453
matt@hoplitemusic.com

Secondly, my latest TrueFire course, 1-2-3 Bossa Nova, hit the stands last week. 1-2-3 Bossa Nova is a great course for late beginners or early intermediate players looking to learn about the essentials of the authentic Bossa Nova sound in 3 easy steps. Check it out here and be sure to check out my other courses too!

Next up, for those interested in my classical guitar playing, please visit the new classical guitar page. I recently uploaded a clip of my live performance from Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez. More to come as well!

Lastly, be sure to check out newly uncovered recordings of myself with Joe Zawinul from 1994 when Joe assembled one of his most interesting and daring ‘Syndicates’ since Weather Report. The band features Arto Tuncboyacian on percussion voice and bottle, Paco Sery on Drums and Sansa or Thumb Piano, Matthew Garrison on Bass and Fareed Haque on Electric guitar, Classical and Sitar Guitars. As a result of this unusual instrumentation, Zawinul put together some of his most earthy and unusual music.

‘This music unfortunately was never recorded in the studio, but one great recording has come to me. Live from Koln, this radio broadcast is impeccably recorded, and represents this band about as well as it can be without transporting back in time. There is a youtube video of this band as well, but the recorded sound is OK, while ‘Live from Koln’ is an audiophile experience. [Thanks Joe for the genius, inspiration and tough love. You are missed.]

I am offering this free streaming, in the hopes that your support will maybe help this see an actual CD release someday! Of course you can’t download it or trade it as it’s not mine to give, but please give it a listen! Listen to Civilian Secret Police, a great track that we group arranged. Note the fast tremolo that I have to keep going for the entire track — what a workout!

- Fareed’

Muddle some cachaca with lime and sugar, add crushed ice and take your Caipirinha to your favorite spot on Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana beach for the sunset. Bare feet wiggling in the sand, you watch the pretty people stroll aimlessly to the sounds of live bossa nova, itself a muddled blend of samba and jazz. The long tanned legs and bikinis are captivating but you play guitar and would much rather find the band and cop the guitarist’s rhythm patterns and chord voicings. Stay right where you are mi amigo – Fareed Haque has you covered with 1-2-3 Bossa Nova.

In this accelerated introduction to bossa nova rhythm guitar for intermediate players and beyond, Fareed shows you the authentic bossa nova rhythms and chord voicings used by the Brazilian greats including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Luis Bonfa, Baden Powell and many others. Fareed breaks the style down into one versatile rhythm pattern that underlies almost every bossa nova tune and then shows you the classic chord voicings used by most bossa nova guitarists. You’ll put that all to work as you learn and play along to six etudes, each of which follows an essential chord progression found in many famous bossa nova tunes.

In the first section, Fareed drills down on the right-hand technique by dissecting and teaching it in three parts. All of the essential principles are covered including fingerings, hand and arm positions and use of the nails. Once you get a grip on the right-hand technique, Fareed reveals the key to the bossa nova rhythm pattern and steps you through several play-alongs until you nail it.

The second section is all about the essential chord voicings and moveable forms that you’ll need to take on the bossa nova songbook. You’ll learn the 6/9, minor 6th, minor 9th, dominant 13th, dominant 9th, half-diminished and diminished forms. Fareed also shows you embellishments for these forms – critical for bossa nova accompaniment.

You’re now equipped to dig in to the third section and start building a repertoire of bossa nova progressions and tunes. Fareed prepared six etudes to kickstart your progress; Gilberto’s Jam, Orphiana, No Note Samba, Mountain Bossa, Tall & Tan and Surf Samba all feature progressions commonly found in hundreds of bossa nova tunes.

So back to your Caipirinha and people watching for now. When you’re done for the night, head to the shed with 1-2-3 Bossa Nova and prepare yourself for that gig on the beach.

Ordering Options

Instant Download – $19

DATA-DVD – $29

The hardest part, was not the in-ear head phones, not Eyes of The World, not even all the cuties at The Park West – You try and park a 36 foot RV on a Saturday nite in Lincoln Park, definitely a feat of Truck driving prowess. Special thanks to Simon of the PW for helping me get up and tight to the curb, and Brook of KW for making sure I was comfy Onstage.

Finally home! My little home in Chile. My folks have had a sweet little house in Chile for the past 20 years. A bedroom, bath, kitchen, living room and a small courtyard with figs, grapes – a little slice of heaven. First thing I did was buy 20 empanadas (like a pita pocket but about a million times more yummy) – lunch and dinner for the next week…MMMMMMM a delicious meal…only to be found in Chile.

Met up with by best buddy and amazing jazz drummer, Alejandro Espinosa. He wants to jam, so we head to his friend’s place. Pancho ‘the frog’ has a nice pad, plenty of instruments–we start to jam. Greg [Fundis] listens to a tune and Alex plays, Alex hangs while Greg plays, slowly folks are showing up–a few fine Chilean ladies–and in a few hours beer and wine is flowing and barbecue – a real BARABACOA (none of this cooking with gasoline like we do in the US, but real wood coals) and in no time AMAZING food: sausages, beef, chicken, veggies, salad, AVOCADO, FRESH TOMATOES. ALL OF THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER MIND YOU and so much love it hurts. All hangin’ and sitting in the kitchen, stools and chairs improvised, laughter, love and swang. Thanks you all. Amazing how good the music gets when we are all happy and at peace. And when our tummelos are full!

Next, The Flat Earth Ensemble spent a week in Frutillar, Chile performing and jamming at the first international jazz festival “Jazz en la Patagonia”.

After a week hanging in Santiago, visiting friends and family, Alex [Austin, bass], Greg [Fundis, drums] Shiva Ghoshal [Chile], and I headed down to Frutillar for the jazz fest. What a trip. USA, take a step back here comes CHILE!!!

Teatro del Lago is a gorgeous state of the art concert venue and arts complex, on Lake Llanquilue just across from the volcano OSORNO and 7 other dormant volcanos. Surrounded by nature, this concert hall sits on the edge of the lake and is the latest of the fantastic creations of the ever growing, ever modernizing Chilean state.

My job, as assistant to Director NEA jazz master Paquito D’Rivera was to make sure all went smoothly–and take the blame for all mistakes!

Luckily, it all worked out. I am 1/2 Chilean and fluent in Spanish so communication was less of a problem. This first day of the fest Greg, Alex and I were in charge of a kiddie concert…for 1000 children! Greg explained and showed the kids that percussion from Africa was the root of jazz. The kids played body percussion, and groooooooooved to Greg’s lovely enthusiastic adorable American Spanglish.

Then we were off to New Orleans where I, aka “PAKI Kallaway”, sang the urdu version of Minnie the Moocher–complete with audience ”hideehideehideeho” call and response. The kids and the band had a blast. Each night the trio set up the jam session, and I got to play every night with Paquito’s groups as well as with the Flat Earth Ensemble. A special welcome to newest FEE family member Shiva Ghoshal AKA “ The Repeater”!

The jam sessions were especially revelatory. Teatro del Lago, the ‘Theatre on the Lake’ is a state of the art performance facility, usually dedicated to classical performances. This was their first jazz fest. The administration was lovely and very helpful, yet there was certainly a learning curve for all:

Staff: “WHO will play in the jam session????”
Fareed: “Uh, who ever shows up to jam”
Staff: “What songs will you play??”
Fareed: “Uh, whatever we all know?”
Staff: “When will you rehearse”
Fareed: “Huh?? Who?”
Staff: “What instruments will be needed???”
Fareed: “Boing!”

But in the end all went amazingly. With Paquito Drivera and band watching and a sold out house at the jam session, the great Freddie Cole gets up to sing a tune with us, which he calls “My One and Only Love” in C, thankfully I know it, and looks at me and we hit! To the shock and joy of all present, we swing, SWANG! This tune, and audience and staff are on their feet–digging the true spontaneity of JAZZ. NO rehearsal, no special effects, just respect, talent, tradition and LOVE. Nothing like it. Nothing better.

The next night, Freddie and I chatting about the good old days on the south side of Chicago–clubs like The Other Place–music 7 nights a week, 7 sets a night. Hungry? Order a catfish sammich on white bread from the kitchen. John Logan, Vonsky, Curtis Robinson, swinging. That night Freddie sings, “On the South side of Chicago”. He told me later he sang that inspired by our conversation. I’m probably the only one who tears up. Thank you Freddie Cole. Maestro.

Now we are heading back to USA, our hearts full. Thank you Teatro del Lago, thank you Paquito, Thank you Jazz.

How we are used to relying on the system. Here there was no system. Just officials telling me, “ok we get you forms, not to worry!” So I was starting to really worry! I didn’t know the name and address of the hotel. Immigration won’t let me thru until I tell him the name of hotel. Oh, I’m in the only 5 star hotel in Kinshasa. Our promoter had said someone was going to meet us and walk us through custom–not to worry–but I cant remember the name. He needs the name of the hotel.

Luckily I speak enough French.

Just when it seemed that I was going to have to come up with some serious “airport tax”, I ask them to see if someone is out there waiting for me. They sent a runner–seems like they had tons of runners available, like 10 people for each job–and sure enough, in a few minutes ‘Bernard’ showed up. “Are you Farrrrred? Ok ok come with me.” And just like that I was through.

Strange though, Bernard did not offer to help with bags, had no helpful hints or friendly conversation, and walked fast so I had to race to keep 3 paces behind him. We walked out to parking lot where a beat up van with driver was waiting. I followed him to back of van, thinking it was time to put bags in back of van. Oops, no, Bernard is just takin’ a piss! So sorry. Hospitality!

So we are off to Kinshasa. It’s night, the 8 lane road is a dirt road. Packed with traffic. And potholes. You’ve never seen such potholes! It was an obstacle course. Traffic routinely had to head over into the opposing lanes just to navigate huge 5-foot potholes. Dusty dirty, noisy. Fires lit everywhere, overturned trucks on fire… Mad Max for real. But still LIFE … MUSIC! EVERYwhere! African groovy music singing and high tricky guitars cranking from everywhere. People walking with bundles on their heads and music. Dust and music. Food and music!

… and just like that we stopped. Bernard and driver just pulled over and told me to get out. And get my bags. Oh shit! I’m thinking, this is it, kidnapped within minutes of my African experience. Luckily or unluckily they just were transferring me to another car, where happy Ashaf drives me on into town. Not sure why or how this was all supposed to work, but all I could do was be cool and hope for the best.

Ashaf was nice, chatty and offered me drugs and women in the first few minutes of the ride. Eventually we hit the paved road–oh the luxury–and we arrived at the hotel. Nice decent hotel; luxurious probably back in the 70s but still fine, just fine. Phew. The promoter is there to meet us, and, after asking how I am feeling, wonders if I can meet with the folks who have arranged a private concert for me. I head up to shower and shave and change. Back down in 15 to meet the nicest folks, who take me out to eat at the restaurant where I will be giving my solo concert. Whoa. A few streets and pot holes later we enter a walled compound. Barbed wire and guards and the most luxurious beautiful stylish Italian restaurant I could not have imagined. WOW. And the food and wine and service and and and…. friends and safety and good things. Here of all places.

After a day of logistics, everything takes a long time in Africa, so be patient and calm–it will work out, probably. And this time it did. Good sound system arranged after I insisted and maintained a slightly uptight attitude. And they came through with a lovely little PA and set up for our concert and jam session.

My concert was packed and all had a ball! I was able to really stretch and play my faves. La Catedral, Recuerdos, some of my own tunes, some Sor with improvised cadenza, some Turina and then we turned the cats loose and had a good old fashioned jam session.

After a few days rehearsal we gave our final concert – a celebration concert with Singer Mama Africa, 2 balaphonists, 2 sanza players, 4 percussionists, 6 horns, drums, bass, Corey Wilkes on trumpet, myself on guitars and our leader Ernest Dawkins on Alto. What a glorious mess! However, with long rehearsals and good vibes, it all worked magically. Groove unites! And wow what a groove to work with these musicians.

Thanks to all the incredible musicians and our hosts, The Congo is amazing and I hope to return soon to teach some jazz and perform. I am writing this as I sit on a plane to Santiago, Chile where I will serve under my mentor Paquito D’Rivera as assistant artistic director of the first international jazz festival in Frutillar, Chile. In addition to performing with Paquito, leading a children’s concert and leading jam sessions, my group The Flat Earth Ensemble will perform the headline concert Saturday night.

The next adventure awaits in COLD MOUNTAINOUS Patagonia!

Show Dates and Details:

Thursday, March 29th – Skyway Theater @ Barfly
711 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN, US
Ozric Tentacles + MathGames!
Doors open at 8 pm. Must be 18+ to enter.
$10 per person.
Click here for tickets >>

March 30th – The Canopy Club
708 South Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801
Ozric Tentacles + MathGames!
Doors open at 8pm. Must be 18+ to enter.
$10 in advance. $12 at the door.
Click here for tickets >>

About Ozric Tentacles:
Ozric Tentacles is a rock band from England, whose music can be described as psychedelic or space rock.
Its music is a highly psychedelic mixture of thumping basslines, sound effects and keyboard and guitar work. Many of the Ozrics’ songs are in unusual time signatures and/or unusual Eastern-influenced modes. There are also moments of straightforward funk-influenced grooves and strong influences from jazz fusion, dub/reggae and ambient music styles. These features are mixed with electronic elements, including densely layered psytrance- and techno-influenced synthesizers. There is a strong influence from dub and ambient music, with many quiet relaxed tracks that balance the frenetic, intense material. The Ozrics use a wide range of instruments in their performances: electric and acoustic guitars, flutes, recorders, and xylophones.

Fareed’s talents are uniquely suited to the Moog guitar, or maybe the Moog guitar is uniquely suited to Fareed’s talents. The guitar allows him to play a chord with three of the strings and while that chord sustains indefinitely Haque can play a jazzy run on the other three strings. The advanced instrument allows the jazz great to play with more than one voice at a time. Fareed may have a powerful ally in the form of his Moog guitar, but he was willing to lay it down and switch to one of his two acoustic guitars when the moment called for it. He also added his own beats to Fundis’ with vocal tabla rhythms.

Fundis’ electric drums can sound like they are bouncing off the moon before reaching the audience’s ears or they can pierce through the air like lasers at the speed of light. Greg does a great job of balancing the styles of acoustic jazz trap drumming with electric percussion. His acoustic solos are clean and articulate, using the digital pads to spice his rhythms. He has a connection with Austin that creates a playground for Haque.

Read the full review >>

MathGames is taking a few months off from the road to finish up the Studio CD, Mathtronica. Our last all night sessions at IV Labs were rippin’! Thanks to ROLLIN WEARY FOR MAKIN IT ALL SOUND SO FAT. We recorded two new tunes including Greg’s first MG tune!

We have one last session scheduled for mid January, and plan to record our little acoustic suite – Digital Country and Digital Cowboy, two pieces based on the Fibonacci Series and our tribute to Dr. Who…as well as a few other new things…

January and February have a few shows in the midwest, especially note Fareed’s Birthday show January 28 at Martyr’s, with guests Mos ‘Scoscious and The Hue! We will also head into the studio to finish up albums by Ann Violet and April Aliosio. Ann is a lyric and melody driven pop singer songwriter. Ms. Aliosio’s record is – well – we call it Tantric Bossa Nova…

Online Guitar Lessons

January 9-12, Fareed is heading down to Florida to:

1. bask in the sun?
2. hunt for alligators??
3. eat good food???
4. record two new courses for TrueFire????
5. all of the above

If you guessed all of the above…YOU ARE CORRECT!! The two courses will complete the ‘Survival Guide‘ series. We’ve already had the Jazz Comping Survival Guide. Now its time for the ‘Be-Bop Survival Guide’ and of course its companion, the ‘Modal Jazz Survival Guide.’

News & Notes

After the recording in Florida with TrueFire, its time for more classical music! Fareed returns to Chicago and performs Haydn, Teleman, and Coste with Dempster ProMusica Jan 22 in Evanston, IL.

In February, MG starts a residency TBA in Chicago… so keep an eye out for that. We have tons of new music to learn before we are ready for the road again.

April hits with B3 master, Tony Monaco! After successful shows at JavaJazz and The Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Fareed, Greg, and Tony will hit with two nights at the Jazz Kitchen and two nights at the Greenmill.

Then in May, MathGames heads to Europe for a few guitar festivals. Also, keep an eye out for Fareed Haque and the Flat Earth Ensemble, as well as a reunion with Fareed’s mentor, Paquito D’Rivera, in Chile.