It isn’t often Iranian artists visit the United States to perform. The hostility between the two nations has often, and regrettably, prevented cultural exchange (although clearly it is more than that—American musical performers seem distinctly unlikely to be invited to play in the Islamic Republic). Nonetheless Iranian musician/songwriter, Mohsen Namjoo will be in Los Angeles at Walt Disney Concert Hall for one show—June 20, 2010.
Namjoo’s latest album, OY, is currently available.
Namjoo has also been dubbed, the “Bob Dylan of Iran” (presumably by a critic with a very limited imagination at the New York Times…I remember them saying the same thing about Steve Forbert in 1980). His music, to the American ear, seems exotic but remains accessible with Iranian folk music mixing with rock, blues and more. There is something universal and appealing in his music that deserves more than some quit, simple comparison to a nearly 70 year old Western performer who, while clearly great , is also drastically different both musically and lyrically.
But it does say something that the New York Times mentions you at all. And Namjoo earned their interest with an ever-increasing international buzz which included a performance at the Venice International Film Festival (the only artist to do so).
He did the music for a couple of films—one being the documentary Sounds of Silence and the Iranian film, A Few Kilos of Dates For a Funeral.
After the show in L.A. a U.S. tour is in the offing. Details to come.
For more information head to the Mohsen Namjoo website, www.mohsennamjoo.com .
Namjoo’s latest album, OY, is currently available.
Namjoo has also been dubbed, the “Bob Dylan of Iran” (presumably by a critic with a very limited imagination at the New York Times…I remember them saying the same thing about Steve Forbert in 1980). His music, to the American ear, seems exotic but remains accessible with Iranian folk music mixing with rock, blues and more. There is something universal and appealing in his music that deserves more than some quit, simple comparison to a nearly 70 year old Western performer who, while clearly great , is also drastically different both musically and lyrically.
But it does say something that the New York Times mentions you at all. And Namjoo earned their interest with an ever-increasing international buzz which included a performance at the Venice International Film Festival (the only artist to do so).
He did the music for a couple of films—one being the documentary Sounds of Silence and the Iranian film, A Few Kilos of Dates For a Funeral.
After the show in L.A. a U.S. tour is in the offing. Details to come.
For more information head to the Mohsen Namjoo website, www.mohsennamjoo.com .
RSS Feed