Kantara’s origins lie in the Maghreb city of Tunis, where lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Brennan Gilmore met oudist and composer Riadh Fehri in 2005. Two strangers from half a world away brought together by circumstance found something shared in the rhythms and recollections of their past. Together the two have worked to create a unique synthesis of two distinct musical traditions, those of Appalachian bluegrass and old-time and traditional Tunisian music. The intersection of these two traditions leads to a third path, not yet walked, where the melodies of the Scots-Irish seeking a new life in the Americas meet the musical tradition of Iberian Muslims expelled during the reconquista of Spain and Portugal.
Each brought new members into the fold – Brennan introduced fiddle player Ann-Marie Simpson and bass player Zach Blatter, long-time collaborators from the U.S., while Riadh rounded out the group with renowned Tunisian percussionist Lassaâd Hosni and vocalist Amel Boukhchina.
Around twilight in the lonesome valley and in the high desert of North Africa, the beat is set, the cadence is called; the voices of the mandolin, the oud and the fiddle are tuned as one. From the dark hollows of the Blue Ridge and down into the wadi, beside mountain brooks to the banks of the Mejerda, Kantara’s music travels down the years, echoing the ways of two traditions while striking out on a new course toward that which is unknown, yet mysteriously and reassuringly familiar.
Hey hunnie, guess what!!! The much anticipated Music Video for my hit single "Bad Girl" is finally done! Watch it now at www.youtube.com/cherylmartinez and let me know what you think! I appreciate the luv & comments;-)
And don't forget i'm offering a FREE download of the Bad Girl song at www.cherylmartinez.com/fanclub for a limited time only! Tell your friends to go cop that joint, and feel free to add the song & post the video on your page!
Hey hun i just wanted to remind you that I have 9 Ringtones and 18 Wallpapers for all of my friends to download for FREE!!! More at www.cherylmartinez.com/music.html Let me know if you pick any of them for your phone!:-) Lotz of Luv!<3 -MSA
Hey hun i just wanted to remind you that I have 9 Ringtones and 18 Wallpapers for all of my friends to download for FREE!!! More at www.cherylmartinez.com/music.html Let me know if you pick any of them for your phone!:-) Lotz of Luv!<3 -MSA
Hey hunnie, if you or anyone you know wants to be in my music video for my new single "Bad Girl" just fill out the casting form at www.cherylmartinez.com/casting.html We are shooting it in NYC on April 19th and we need male/female dancers, models, extras, drag queens, a police officer, a dj, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, & MORE!
Go to www.myspace.com/cherylmartinez to get the FREE Ringtone & Wallpaper for "Bad Girl" & be sure to add it to your page if your feelin it!!!
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to add me to your friend list.
After reviewing your page I can see a lot of enthusiasm and excitement in your Page. I like what I hear and see. I hope all is well and good with you. Keep in touch and God bless
Aslama et Bonne Annee Kantara et a tous, Decouvrir ma Music et pour ce qui aime ecouter la musique "Oriental-Lounge", sur myspace a telecharger Gratuitement tous les 3 Albums, bonne ecoute!
I just put two songs from my new album on my profile. Would appreciate if you gave them a listen and tell me what you think. If you like them, leave a comment or you can preorder the album and become part of the booklet!
Thanks for adding me here as well; I was intrigued by Ian Anderson's description of your music on Ms. Calhoun's page. I listened to "Kantara" and absolutely loved the eclectic mix of styles ... the song is melodically flowing and rhythmically driving, slightly exotic and yet somehow familiar. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I will be sure to come back and listen to more of your music as I'm able. Great stuff! - Chip QNP
