The weekend before Easter, I attended a music venue at the corner of Sydenham Railway Station parking lot. The Bridge Project with guest musicians and Equus.
Not for those who like to hear every word of a song, unless you speak Turkish, Maltese or some of the Palestinian languages, these musicians from various cultural and religious backgrounds will also feature at the Canberra International Music Festival, May 10-19.
The Bridge Project was missing one of their group owing to a last-minute refusal of the promised visa to a musician who now works in Europe since he can not safely return to his own country. In keeping with this bit of bureaucratic overkill, the mood of this world music group was often one of lamentation, spiced with lively solo spots for everyone in a very long set, and graceful belly dancing in gorgeous costume.
Their music is all original with many influences from the Middle East, and aims at bringing the world into harmony through the power of melody. The Bridge Project is closely aligned with the Daniel Pearl Foundation which was founded to advance the ideals of Daniel, a Wall Street journalist beheaded while on assignment in Pakistan in 2000. Ten per cent of The Bridge Project’s music sales are donated to the Foundation. Information and blog here: www.bridgeprojecttrio.com.
The set by Equus vividly brought into imagination horsemen of the steppes, including traditional Mongolian music recalling the world of Genghis Khan, featuring talented and accomplished Mongolian musician Bukhu Ganburged. The musical journey through Arabia from the Middle East to the Gobi Desert was quite serendipitously complimented by the decor of Camelot Lounge.
Some of you may have heard Bukhu play at the Chapel by the Sea (Bondi Beach) in March. Further information on www.horsefiddle.com. Oud player John Robinson blended splendidly with the music of both groups.
