M&M…the Afro-Persian Experience

In January 2016, musicians Mehdi Bagheri and Marcus L. Miller formed a musical alliance that would lead to the formation of M&M…the Afro-Persian Experience. This duo brings together the music traditions of the Persian and African cultures. Inherent to both cultures are some notable similarities that have helped to pave the way for this musical exploration.

Much of the music associated with both the Persian and Afro-American cultures is heavily based on improvisation. Both Jazz and traditional Persian music have similar harmonic modal concepts and share some  similar rhythmic motifs. The duo has just begun to unlock the door to the musical possibilities that exist. This is the first time a project of this kind has been done. That's a hard thing to say in 2020, but it is a fact. The creation of a new style and sound in music is something that both musicians seek to develop further. 

The music is blend of cultures, ideas, and sounds. Bagheri plays the kamancheh and Miller plays a hybrid percussion kit. Because of the nature of the instruments, the music is rooted in the sound of ancient Persia and the African diaspora. The two musicians often use their instruments to communicate with one another and exchange rhythmic motifs. 

Both Bagheri and Miller are virtuoso musicians on their instruments respectively. Bagheri is regarded internationally as a Master Kamancheh player, while Miller has developed a very unique style of drumming and a one of a kind percussion kit. Together they are two brilliant improvisers and innovators who have the rare ability to create something out of nothing [musically speaking]. 

This collection of songs showcases the quintessential nature of the ensemble. From the first note struck on the kamancheh to the last drum roll, each piece is a structurally improvised moment that the duo calls collectively their Meditation. All of the compositions are written by Bagheri & Miller. The first piece starts with the sound of Bahgeri’s kamancheh stating the melody. Respectively, Miller’s commencement, establishes the rhythm.  When the kamancheh joins the groove, the harmony begins. The second, third, & fourth pieces illustrate the group’s interpretation of odd meter. Much of the duo’s music is written in an odd meter just to make it more interesting.

The music is very meditative. It is meant to soothe the soul and move the feet…Meditative Groove music. It is a pure expression of musical love. In the music is always a feeling of the Spirit. Without it, there is no soul. The music covers a range of rhythmic motifs. Many are traditional Persian based, but enhanced with the flavors of the African diaspora. Miller infuses the grooves from Brazil, West Africa, the Caribbean, Cuba, and North America seamlessly with Bagheri's exotic melodies. The resultant mix is a blend called the Afro-Persian Experience.

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M&M…the Afro-Persian Experience

Mehdi Bagheri - Kamancheh, vocals               Marcus L. Miller (Universe X) - Percussion Kit  

Executive Producers: Mehdi Bagheri & Marcus L. Miller

[Tracks 1-4] Recorded at Studio Red Redlands, CA (Roy Wood - engineer)

[Tracks 5-8] Recorded at The Lab  Redlands, CA (Marcus L. Miller - engineer)

Post Editing at Sunset Studios Redlands, CA (Scott Vance - engineer)

Post Production Final Mixing & Mastering at Baran studio Iran (Ramin Mazaheri - engineer)

Artwork Layout and Design by Parisa Daneshvar & Mona Goudarzi

CD Design & liner notes by Marcus L. Miller

Photography by Parisa Daneshvar

Special thanks to Scott Vance at Sunset Studios, Roy at Studio Red, and Ramain Mazaheri. Shout Outs to Tamica Washington-Miller, Nelan-Ay, & Veritus Miller. Parisa Daneshvar, Mohsen Mabudian, Michelle Vercoski, Erwin & Lula Washington, Jean Claude & Katia Hage, Chris Hart at Remo, Leigh Ann Hahn, and all of our families, friends, fans,& supporters.  

Marcus endorses & plays Remo World Percussion & drumheads, Istanbul Mehmet cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks.

www.marcusmillerdrums.com - www.mehdibagherimusic.com - www.reverbnation.com/afropersianexperience

Manufactured by Universe Soul Records 

Distributed CDBaby

© 2020 Neanve music, Mehdi Bagheri Music

(Miller, SESAC) (Bagheri, ASCAP) 

All Rights Reserved

*The tracks on this album will be uploaded to a flash drive and shipped to you. To ensure the highest quality, the digital tracks are 24 bit/48 Hz .wav files. Your ears and system will appreciate the audible difference.