Western Music? Yay or Nay? Definitely Yay.

Lesson Learned: Iranians are giving various types of music a chance, thinking artistically to how they can intergrade other genres to automatically give it a new flare. It’s a nice change to see Iranians excited about music, even with government constantly on their backs. 

Description:

  In this journal article, the author Lawrence Van Gender gives insight to how It’s rare that Iranians are giving Western music a chance. However, they responded enthusiastically to a live performance in Tehran, by the 60-member Osnabruck Symphony Orchestra of Germany. In respect to Iranian law, its female musicians wore headscarves. A young musician named Sharokh Pourmaymin stated, “It was wonderful,” after the orchestra performed Beethoven’s “Leonore” Overture No. 3. Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Brahms’s Fourth Symphony. “I wish it could be repeated with other kinds of music, such as jazz, blues and rock”. Performances of Western music have been rare since the revolution in 1979, and also since the banning in 2005 by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to even play it on state radio. Even though last weeks concert received little press coverage, the Osnabruck conductor said that last week’s appearance was so successful, he would play host to a similar even next year as well! (Gelder 1)

Evaluation: 

       Throughout their strenuous struggle with government, Iranians are finally looking outside the box in regards to music. They are enjoying Western music, giving it a chance instead of shutting it down right on the stop. Not only are they enthusiastic about viewing live performance from different musical groups around the world, they are excited about involving other instruments or vocals from jazz, blues and rock. Iranians have made it far for a country whose government wants to hinder their musical abilities to fit under their censorship and rules. I found this article very uplifting, making me feel as though Iranians are taking minor steps in regards to accepting a variety of music, even when some aren’t their absolute favorite. I wish the article was longer, including information about the views of the government pertaining to this performance. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this article and the new enthusiasm of young Iranians. 

Citation: 

APA: LAWRENCE VAN, G. (2007, September 3). ARTS, BRIEFLY; Western Orchestra performs In Iran. New York Times. p. 2.

MLA: LAWRENCE VAN, GELDER. "ARTS, BRIEFLY; Western Orchestra performs In Iran." New York Times 03 Sept. 2007: 2. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Dec. 2011.

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Choo Choo! The 'A' Train is Coming Through!

Lesson Learned: Iranian’s are continuing to stand tall, despite the fact the the government is not planning to step down from their absurd demands anytime soon. Instead of just sit around, Iranian’s are making names for themselves in other parts of the world. Something that most people are too scared to do. They are looking it at a new chapter in their lives, a chapter that could either make them or break them. Why not take a chance? 

Description:

     In this article written by Nat Hentoff, he tells how he was contacted through email by someone by the name of Ehsan,who he didn’t know, wanting him to call him once he received the message. The individual had found his books in a private library in Iran, and found out how to contact him through Facebook. He wanted his permission to translate and publish his book into Persian, the two books being “Jazz: New Perspectives on the History of Jazz,” and last year “At the Jazz Band ball: Sixty Years on the Jazz Scene,” which he had just published. With enthusiasm, Hentoff assented both requests. However, like Ehsan had predicted, Iran’s censors forbid publication of the first book and when he found a copy of the second, he printed it out without letting the censors know. Ehsan, a 29 year old young Iranian man, is of Iranian dissident and jazz aficionado. His blog, “Take the ‘A’ Train,” is dedicated to spreading jazz gospel as a voice of freedom, which is hard to do in his native country where certain types of music and arts are forbidden. The contact between himself and Mr. Khoshbakht’s has bloomed into continuing internet and telephone conversations over the years. Since then, he has noticed how determined this young man has become pertaining to being a member of what he calls “the jazz family,” even under such a strict dictatorship. He named his blog after the famous Duke Ellington, stating “I love Duke, and I see jazz as that train. Living in Iran, the only notion I had of freedom was listening to these jazz people, especially Duke Ellington.” Ehsan makes it known that he has read passages of his books, and plays music from all the people that he writes about. Khoshbakht discovered jazz when he came across a compilation cassette. “What changed my life was Louis Armstrong...” he exclaimed. Jazz become his religion, it was a way of escaping realities of the outside world for him. Instead of continuing a job in architecture and urban design, he went to become a full time jazz aficionado. Since the blackout of “Western values” in Iran, he has wrote articles for newspapers and magazines on jazz, as well as making his own radio programs, allowing people to download them. Five months ago, Mr. Khoshbakht has left Iran, and has moved to London where he is now engaging in films studies but also keeping up with his blog. He arrived knowing nobody, but with the help of friends, a local bass player invited him to one of his gigs, in hopes of introducing him to several other musicians. He is continuing with his life long dream, letting nothing or no one get in his way. (Hentoff 1)

Evaluation: 

     This article was a kind of hard article to follow, jumping from one thing to the next. I had to read the article over several times to fully understand some sentences. Other than that, I found the article very interesting. I personally enjoyed how the article opened up with how Mr. Khoshbakht contacted the author all the way from Iran, just with the help of Facebook. It’s amazing how determined he was to get his voice heard whatever way possible! Like other articles I have read, the Iranian youth continues to not let the government control their futures. Like Khoshnbakht, they are leaving Iran to start a better life, not constricted and banned from doing what they please. I love stories like these, making me so thankful to be able to live in an area where I have the freedom to do the simplest things, which sometimes I take for granted. If you want to read a story that’s inspirational, this is the article for you!

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They Are Not Gonna Stop Us..

Lesson Learned: Young artists in Iran are still feeling the rathe of government. However, they are continuing to show that they are going to continue to thrive. Music is their life, and they are willing to risk it all. 

Description: 

     In this journal article written by Colin Meyn, members of the alternative rock band O-hum appeared at a rock concert in Tehran, Iran. They wore jeans and t-shirts, rocking out with their mop tops. The lead singer may his way around with his bright red guitar, as young girls screamed and boys climbed to the stage to body surf the crowd. Hundreds of Iranians packed the Russian Orthodox Church, a site that it not government controlled, to hear O-hums Persian Rock. Their rock involves a blend of Western and Iranian music that their lead singer and guitarist co-created. O-hums songs involve lyrics of Hafez, a 17th century Persian Poet, adding soft Middle Eastern string instruments, drum beats and electric guitar, making this music distinctly hard rock and roll. O-hum, which means “illusions”, was the forefront of the Iranian underground scene, building a voice that went against Iranian government censorship. A concert which was held in 2001 in Iran, is one of 0-hum’s first and last. Amir Hamz, who is of Iranian descent, has recently involved O-hum and seven other Iranian groups in his documentary, Sounds of Silence. This film, which was shot in 2004, has been screening at international festivals for the past year. In his film, he features artists who have turned to the internet to distribute the music that Ayatollah Khomeini banned in 1979, stating “It destroys our youth who become poisoned by it.” Despite his word, the government didn’t begin cracking down until 2001 as bands like O-hum found their success.  Since the revolution, artist have struggled to find their way. These restrains have caused artists and bands to break apart. “I agree that nobody could waste his time and energy with something so unsure and unstable,” lead singer Sharbaf stated. Nonetheless, Iran’s underground music scene has more followers than ever. Performers are performing on a new stage: the internet. In the upper middle class areas such as northern Tehran, the indy and electronic rock scenes have attracted young audience. They resorted to creating websites, blogs, as well as turning to sites like Youtube and Myspace. This is great for a country who is web savvy. Once the government tightened its grip on the internet, that’s when the country’s art became to bloom, gaining more international attention, allowing the artists and activists to thrive. Artists are preserving Iran’s culture by exploring the past to help the present and plan for the future. Namjoo, another artist stated, “The future is connected to the present. By writing, playing and composing songs, by recording and performing them in public, we make that future.” (Meyn 1)

Evaluation:

      This journal article tells the reader about the band O-hum, exhuming their story so that outsiders can easily see what is going on. The author takes the reader step by step as to what O-hum was then in their popular stage, and what they are now since the crack down on music by government. Other groups besides O-hum are still continuing to do what they love, keeping a positive attitude despite the negativity going on around them. Even though several groups are breaking apart due to frustration and unstableness, many artists are using this criticism to help them grow by branching out to  blogs, furthering their efforts involving the internet, and using other websites like Youtube and Myspace to attract a young audience. They are thriving for the future, one step at a time. 

Citation:
MLA: Colin Meyn. "Rocking Lolita in Tehran." In These Times 32.1 (2008): 41. Print.
APA: Colin Meyn. (2008). Rocking lolita in tehran. In these Times,32(1), 41.
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Rap Saves the Day!

Lesson Learned: People all around the world go through hardships everyday of their lives. However, instead of dealing with their problems in a negative way, they are using music as a positive reinforcement to help them coup with their problems. 

Description: 

     In this journal article, Soroush Lashkari, the god father of Iranian rap, try to meet with his fan whenever he can. Whether its on the streets, park, and even in a studio if he can find one. He performs under the name of Hichkas, meaning “nobody”.

Some say that his outer appearance makes him look more like a religious zealot than an icon. His attire consists of a conventional dress and black beard, basically making him blend in with his surroundings. He began his journey with rap music by initially listening to rap music on satellite TV about 5 years ago, and along with some guidance of his friends, he has started recording his own songs. To get his songs out to the public, he started asking passers-by: “Have you listened to Farsi rap?”. Selling about 20 CDs a day was start, but now you can find his music through websites and even Bluetooth phones. He believes Iranian rap has a promising future, hoping to have a concert abroad in the United States someday. Hichkas is still trying to persuade studios to let him perform, but his popularity is keeping him motivated to strive for more. At 22 years old, he is forced to keep a low profile after Iranian government launched a campaign against rap music. Recently his band members have been sent to jail, and when released were warned to stop their music because it offends the conservative structure of society. Even though Hichkas doesn’t use swear words, he does in fact talk about social injustice, gap between rich and poor, street fighting and international pressure on Iran pertaining to the nuclear program. In one of his songs called “The Law”, he states: “It’s tough on the street.. the weak die.. the strong remain aloof.. open your eyes and let me explain the law.. We live in a police state where the constitution is trampled upon. Let me should that I’m the victim of this Jungle!.. Don’t handcuff me!”. Hichkas himself has spent much of his time with some of the violent street gangs, but explains that he has never used drugs to help warn young about the dangers of life on the streets. He doesn’t plan on talking about involvement in the street due to the fact that one of his friends, a fellow rapper, has gone through it. Hichkas is taking a better path in life, and instead of fighting out on the streets, he is dealing with is problems by rapping. (Bozorgmehr 1)

Evaluation: 

     This article has to be one of the most inspiring pieces I have read. The author navigates the reader through the life of a Iranian rapper, trying to make it big by starting out small and working his way up. His story touches a soft spot, taking your emotions for a ride. He exhumes his struggles by basically having to hide from Iranian government eager to put an end to his love, rap music. The sources in this article make it easy for the reader to determine what this article is all about, and how the love of music continues to thrive in the souls of the Iranian youth. Hichkas is an authentic artists, using music to paint a picture of what is going on throughout his life. It’s amazing how music allows individuals to express themselves but still make them differ from other artist around the world at the same time. 

Citation:  
MLA: in Tehran, By Najmeh Bozorgmehr. "Iranian Rappers Serenade the Sound of Sirens." FT.com (2008): 1. Print.
APA: in Tehran, B. N. B. (2008). Iranian rappers serenade the sound of sirens. FT.Com, , 1.
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The Internet Can Change Anything, Even The Life of An Iranian.

Lesson learned: The little things Americans sometimes take for granted, are shining a light on the younger generations around the world. 

Description:

      This article exhumes the amazing story involving Amir Amiri, 22, who has liberated the musical ambitions of young Iranians in ways he could of never imagined. He left the strict Islamic nation, picking up his belongs and relocating to Canada. “Canada is kind of a heaven for me. My whole life I wanted to be a my musician” Amiri explained after leaving Iran that summer. A chance only the Internet involving the Banff Centre could fulfill. In the last six months, he has had a successful session at the centre, fusing with artists from around the world, which he hopes will lead to a CD release. In his time here, he has also learned the various complexities of English and wester musical notations. Amiri plans on applying for the refugee hearings this summer so he doesn’t have to travel back to his homeland of Iran, where strict rules are put on citizens who want to play music and not just sing it. The centre director, Isobel Rolston, calls Amiri’s music “groundbreaking”, and exhumes that he “fits in perfectly”. Other directors exhume that it’s not uncommon for artist to come there and make a new life, drawing an average of 2,000 artists, actors and musicians from up to 60 countries. Once arriving in Banff, Amiri played his instrument for two days and nights, savoring his new musical freedom. Amiri continues to make his mark in the music industry by making his debut through the city parks and recreation areas, involving instruments which he could of never experienced if he still lived in Iran. (Marshall 1)

Evaluation: 

     This felt as though this website article adding a great touch of introducing a new artist to the reader, telling them of his start and where his life is going after leaving Iran. I know it’s sort of like every other article, explaining how a young Iranian is finally getting the chance to explore the world outside of the sheltered walls of Iran, but this article is different. In my opinion it was a good article, easy to reader and sort of inspiring if I was a someone in a different country not able to musical freedoms as Amiri now that he has moved to Canada. It shows that hope is still there for Iranian that are still skeptical able leaving Iran, in hopes of finding what they have been searching for. 

Citation:
MLA: Andy Marshall, Calgary H. "Internet Opened Doors for Iranian Musician: FINAL Edition." Calgary Herald: B.6. Print. 1997.
APA: Andy Marshall, C. H. (1997, Internet opened doors for iranian musician: FINAL edition. Calgary Herald, pp. B.6.
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"Silent City"... Is It Really That Silent?

Lesson Learned: Iranian’s are making it known that they can be just as creative as other artists around the world. Releasing discs displaying their work is just the beginning. 

Description:

     This article escapes to a small Kurdish village in which was annihilated by Saddam hussein, where the kamancheh or an upright four-stringed Persian fiddle, breaks out in the song “Silent City”. The song which is based on a traditional turkish melody commemorating Halabjah is now included on a new disc. It introduces murmuring strings that symbolize the swirling dust of the barren ruins, along with a Kurdish melody resembling the rebuilding of the destroyed village. The sound of the kamanchech is “warm and very close to the human voice” exclaimed Kalhor, a virtuous kamancheh player who’s recorded playing on the album. Kalhor began his journey involving music at a young age. At 7, he started studying the kamancheh and by the age of 13, he was playing in Iran’s National Orchestra of Radio and Television. He explains that his reason for leaving Iran was not for political reasons; it was to further his musical studies. “Silent City” is eight years of learning and experimenting. In the end, he couldn’t believe that he recorded this song with the help of the members of the Brooklyn Riders, coming together to make their dreams come true, adapting their music styles to different tones and modes common in Middle Eastern music. Kalhor believes that sometimes it’s obvious when performers really don’t know each other, hoping to stray away from that approach. Sometimes it’s inevitable when he performs with other Iranian singers like Muhammad Reza Shajarian, getting asked questions about politics, the president, government and anything else under the sun. Kalhor sticks with what he knows, traditional Persian melodies, also involving other instruments such as the setar (Iranian lute), violins, santur and even percussion heard throughout this new disc. Music still thrives on for Iranians. This time with an added flair. (Schweitzer 1)

Evaluation: 
     This article had some good points and bad points. The bad points were that it rambled on pertaining to the different songs on the disc, not giving the article the needed boost to really grasp the readers attention. I understand the reasons for the author wanting to display the songs on the new disc, but sometimes that information is not needed and can make it a tad boring. However,  the good points were that it gave information about kamamncheh player, Kayhan Kalhor and his experiences pertaining to leaving Iran and experimentation with music. He sets people straight who constantly believe his reason for leaving Iran is due to politics. They are wrong. It is known that Kalhor left Iran so that he can become the musician he has always dreamed of, just like other Iranians who have the same dream but are too afraid. Nonetheless, this article could of been better, but it did justice on exhuming the various instruments on the disc, which listeners could look forward if they decided to listen to the songs listed.


Citation: 
MLA: Vivien Schweitzer. "A Master Iranian Musician Plays Cultural Ambassador: The Arts/Cultural Desk." New York Times: E.3. Print. 2008.
APA:Vivien Schweitzer. (2008, A master iranian musician plays cultural ambassador: The Arts/Cultural desk. New York Times,pp. E.3.

“No Way” Says Mohammad Reza Shajarian. Maybe a Sign For The Future.

Lesson Learned: When you think of Iranian artist, you think of artist who still want to create music despite the disapproval. As we continue in this battle between musicians and government, we see that musicians are losing hope and becoming fearful of what’s to happen next. Even though times seem tough, Iranian’s are continuing to do what they do best and love - play music. 

Description: 

     This newspaper article written by Rachel Lee Harris, tells a story about a popular Iranian singer named Mohammad Reza Shajarian, who sings traditional Persian music, and his efforts to make state radio and television to stop broadcasting his work (Harris 1). Weird right? The press reported that Shajarian threatened to file a complaint against them if they continued to use his music stating “No way”. Government has been responding to several artist’s by banning their work, and in some circumstances detaining and forbidding them to travel. Iranian artist’s continue to boycott state-sponsored awards, and appear wearing green, the color of opposition. Many have sought asylums out of fear of repercussions after releasing their work, some inspiring human rights violations which appear through Iran on a daily basis, just like Mehdi Kalhor. (Harris 1)

Evaluation: 

     I personally found this article to have not as much information in it as other articles I have read. Yes, it gives new information that I haven’t heard of before, but it doesn’t go in depth. I would of like this article to tell the reader more about Mohammed Reza Sharjarian. Instead, the author only gives your tiny bits and pieces of information. On a brighter note, I enjoyed the ending of the article the most, due to the fact that it adds a different tone unlike any others. It tells the reader that some artists are becoming scared of what the government has to offer in regards to musicians who believe they cannot be stopped. Take for instance Mehdi Kalhor, who has sought an asylum as a way out of getting reprimanded by the government for publishing songs that violate what officials believe Iran stands for. However, it is a strange thing to see artists who don’t want their music to be planned after hearing a dozen who don’t care what the government has to say. Is this a new wave of fear going to last? We shall see. 

Citation: 
MLA: Rachel Lee Harris. "Iranian Musician Declares His Protest: Brief." New York Times: C.2. Print. 2009.
APA: Rachel Lee Harris. (2009, Iranian musician declares his protest: Brief. New York Times, pp. C.2.

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