East meets (Middle) East

Sup guys, sorry again for the lack of posts. In a blogger's block, I guess. Well, I figure most readers here are acquainted with Tuvan undertone singing and its wonders. And while I could post something from more traditional acts, like Chirgilchin or Huur Huun Tuur, I preferred Sedaa for its Persian blend. "Blend" probably isn't the most appropriate word to address religion in Middle East, but it better demonstrates my fascination at it. Zoroastrianism in Iran (Persia), Buddhism in Afghanistan, Orthodox Christianity in Turkey... there is so much beyond Jewish-Islamic "dualism" to learn and appreciate, and music sure is a good starting point.

Lloyd Miller, Dr. and wheatgrass juice advocate

I could spend a considerable amount of time writing about Dr. Lloyd Miller and many of his anecdotes, like the time he was scheduled to play at Woodstock but didn't make it due to helicopter logistics -- he was paid, though --, and his rant on E natural, but what for? The brah is a fucking living legend, having devoted his entire life to eastern music, particularly Persian -- from where the "Dr." came. Devotion is such that he completely despises any "modern" genres such as Rock, Hip-Hop, Electronic, etc, despite having recorded with The Heliocentrics in 2010 (terrific album, btw). A well-deserved statement for someone who, it's said, can play close to a hundred of different instruments. This treat -- which is not the East-West release -- is an early compilation of several singles and EPs. We salute you, doc.

pw: spooked