é musica viva!!!

Virtuoso Pamelia Kurstin performs and discusses her theremin, the not-just-for-sci-fi electronic instrument that is played without being touched. Songs include "Autumn Leaves," "Lush Life" and David Mash’s "Listen, Words Are Gone."

The theremin, the first electronic instrument ever invented, was on the brink of historic oblivion when it was rescued from obscurity by director Steven Martin's classic 1994 documentary Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey . And while a few brave souls have sought to master this temperamental instrument since then, none have done so with more sly effervescence than Pamelia Kurstin.
From the rock-steady composure she assumes behind the instrument (necessary lest her breathing drive the sensors out of tune), one might presume a shrinking conservatory personality, but a quick glance at the MySpace page or website of the self-described "bird-punching rollerskating thereminist" will quickly dash any of these quaint notions. Far from being a quirky curiosity, however, Kurstin is a sensitive, emotional stylist capable of coaxing sublime melodic content out of an instrument usually doomed to B-movie sci-fi soundtracks. (And her walking bass imitation is pretty cool too.)
Born in Los Angeles, Kurstin currently resides in Vienna, and performs with acclaimed eccentric rockers Barbez, among many others. Her latest solo CD, Thinking Out Loud, was released in 2007 on John Zorn's legendary Tzadik label. She'll bathe your dog and give you a haircut ("if you're daring," she warns) in exchange for a six-pack.
"Eclectic barely cuts it. Like the more familiar chameleons, Josh Redman, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis and many others normally associated with jazz, electronica, even classical, Pam Kurstin represents the most recent version of the eclectic, improvising musician"
allaboutjazz.com

Playing For Change: Song Around the World "Don't Worry" from Playing For Change on Vimeo.

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the follow up to the classic "Stand By Me" and the second of many "songs around the world" being released on CD/DVD in April, 2009. Featured is an incredible track written by Pierre Minetti performed by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it traveled the globe.

Chanda Mama from Playing For Change on Vimeo.

This Song Around The World is a folk tune from Chennai, India. We started the track in New Orleans and added musicians from the across the globe before finally delivering it the people of it’s origin. We ended up in Chennai recording and filming the vocals from the Oneness Choir. The track has a feeling of perseverance and joy and features vocalists from four continents.

Mystery Train | Playing For Change from Playing For Change on Vimeo.

Washboard Chaz and Roberto Luti combine their talents to create this New Orlean's version of the 1953 classic.

It was a hot afternoon in New Orleans when we first recorded Washboard Chaz in front of the Spotted Cat playing his version of "Mystery Train." Chaz and Roberto often played shows together and we thought Roberto's steel guitar would be a great addition to the track. Months later on a return visit to New Orleans, we recorded Roberto on a stoop in the French Quarter. Together they are the Mystery Train moving on down the tracks.

Pemba Laka | Playing For Change from Playing For Change on Vimeo.

"Pemba Laka," featuring Hugo Soares is a historic, timeless rhyme that comes from Angola. It's celebrated throughout Africa and resonates around the globe.

We recorded this uplifting, joyful song during one of our travels through Spain. We had just finished a magical shoot with a percussionist from Ghana named Malik, and were hanging out at our good friend—and location manager—Brian Heinens flat in Barcelona.

At some point Clarence joined us, and introduced us to his friend Hugo Soares from Angola. In true PFC spirit, what began as an organic acoustic jam slowly transformed the atmosphere into a truly special experience. And so... we grabbed our cameras and recording equipment so we could share the experience with you.