Mat and Yvonne get ready to record
As the year winds down Yvonne and I are gearing up to make another album. The response to "Welcome" has been overwhelmingly positive and we are encouraged to continue. Even in today's anxiety ridden climate-particularly within the field of music making-we are enthusiastic about recording and hopeful about getting the result to its intended audience. Mind you, this is not about "business" as in Music Business (or any other profit making venture, for that matter). We need to sustain our efforts as does anyone but the point of all this is not to "move units" as the industry puts it. Rather, we seek to establish a living connection with people like ourselves who share our love for music and for life. We are confident that with sufficient work and careful planning we can make that connection and thereby contribute to the struggle all of us are waging to make the world a better place.
Presently, we are rehearsing a new repertoire developed over the last year to be recorded in January. As many of you know, we consider our music "organic" in the sense that its ingredients do not include the toxins routinely introduced into the music making process by the corporate-controlled Entertainment Industry. To begin with, the songs are written from our own experience and heartfelt conviction. They are not made to order by purveyors of "pop" pabulum to be foisted upon hypnotized consumers. They are not made for "consumers" at all. Indeed, we view our music as being part of an exchange between producers, or put another way, between people who are productive. Not only do we all have to work for a living but more fundamentally, we are all working to make a Life. If we bring our albums to market it is with the hope that they will nourish in the same manner the farmer we buy our lettuce from nourishes us. What would please us greatly would be if that very farmer (whom we visit every Tuesday morning in Bern) found our music as healthful as we find his vegetables!
Meanwhile, we have recently enlisted the aid of Alex von Hettlingen who will take on the booking of concerts for us. Alex is an old friend and veteran of the music scene in the Bern region. For a number of years he was responsible for organizing shows at the well known venue the Bären in Münchenbuchsee (a town near Bern). We are grateful for the interest he has taken in our music and the invaluable assistance he will provide in helping us reach our audience. Along with Thad Wharton of Broken Arrow in San Francisco we now have the basis for greatly expanding our efforts in the US and in Europe. Thanks to both of these guys for their enthusiasm and support.
We will keep everyone informed of the album's progress but we expect to have it available in early Spring 2009. If you want more information regarding either live performance or recordings please contact the following:
Alex von Hettlingen
Schulhausstrasse 10
3052 Zollikofen
Mobile +41 (0)76 412 02 99
booking@matandyvonne.com
Thad Wharton
Broken Arrow Records
1395 San Carlos Ave.
Suite C
San Carlos, CA 94070
650-654-1700
www.brokenarrowrecords.com
info@brokenarrowrecords.com
Mat and Yvonne Say: No Dal Molin!
Yvonne and I traveled to Vicenza Italy to participate in the second annual No Dal Molin festival. Dal Molin is the name of a civilian airport approximately 1.5 kilometers from Vicenza's historic city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is this airport that the US government wants to turn into a military installation to house several thousand members of the 173 Airborne Combat Brigade Team. Plans for the base were developed behind closed doors by the US and Italian governments sometime in late 2003 only coming to light in 2006. When residents of Vicenza began to question these plans they were met by evasion and threats first from the Berlusconi government and then by Prodi's short-lived one. But the questions persisted until an alarmed populace began to mount a determined resistance. This quickly developed into a mass movement involving people from every walk of life. Not only were they never consulted about a construction that would have a serious impact on their lives, the idea of yet another American military base (there are already three others in the area) raised profound questions about everything from Italian sovereignty to environmental degradation to the folly of war itself. In a climate of widespread opposition to America's invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the generally bellicose rhetoric of the Bush regime the issue of Dal Molin became a rallying point for a wide range of people for whom enough is enough.
The festival itself was an enthusiastic expression of solidarity involving many local residents, young and old, in building and maintaining a large site that resembled a town. Two stages, a large kitchen and dining area, a radio station, information booths, book stalls and more were set up in a field donated by a local farmer much to the chagrin of those in authority who'd blocked usage of other public sites. Among the performers were world renowned dramatist, Dario Fo, widely influential journalists Marco Travaglio and Oliviera Beha and numerous musical and theatrical groups. In addition, a series of debates were held that engaged hundreds of people in lively discussion. Yvonne and I were warmly received by an appreciative audience. Clearly, the fact that I'm a US citizen was part of this. While most Vicenzans know that the American people and the American government are not the same it helps to have an actual American state this openly. Furthermore, it is of no small significance that people far and wide are making this struggle their own. It is no longer a local matter only concerning residents of Vicenza or, for that matter, Italy. What it has already achieved has repercussions far beyond one particular locale or country.
First of all, construction of the base has been effectively delayed for more than a year. Though the authorities constantly spread disinformation designed to convince people that the base will be built regardless of their protests this is by no means a foregone conclusion. The spirit of resistance has taken root and is spreading with unpredictable consequences for the US and Italian governments. There is mounting opposition in other parts of Italy including movements such as No TAV against hi speed trains, in Chiaiano near Naples against a hazardous rubbish incinerator, a committee against a new Italian base at Mattarello in Trento all gathering under a pact of mutual aid and lending support to the No Dal Molin campaign.
Second, and most important, this sustained, well organized expression of the popular will has provided an inspiring example of what happens when people unite. As one young activist told me, "What we see here in this movement is equality. All of us together for a common purpose." That this is a far cry from and far better than the phony "democracy" referred to ad nauseam in tedious speeches by politicians is obvious to anyone who has experienced it. The lesson is clear: only by mobilizing the citizenry can there be a citizenry. Only by making public demands in the public sphere can there be a public informed and empowered to act in the public interest.
That this lesson is not lost on the powers that be was made painfully obvious when the police attacked a peaceful demonstration which took place in front of Dal Molin on September 6, the day before we arrived. If the intended result was to intimidate the people of Vicenza then its failure was made immediately apparent by an hilarious "Oscars" ceremony held on September 10 in front of the world renowned Teatro Olimpico in the center of Vicenza. This satire included the screening of a short film (the winner of the "Oscar") showing the police assault. The rally was a spirited act of defiance as well as a means to build for a larger demonstration planned for Saturday, Sept. 13.
While we could not stay due to commitments in Switzerland, we received reports that approximately 8,000 people turned out in the pouring rain to march from the Teatro Olimpico to Dal Molin. In a short email, Stephanie Westbrook of US Citizens for Peace and Justice in Rome told us: "We left from Teatro Olimpico and marched out toward the site of the new base. Before leaving the center they put up a colorful cardboard tower made by the No Dal Molin children to see if riot police would charge in and tear it down...Started raining half way through. We put up another tower at the site of the new base. 200 police in riot gear inside the fence, but this time they stayed 30 meters away. The No Dal Molin Fanfara Band led us in music, plus music and speakers from truck. Much talk about police violence the previous Saturday, and the upcoming referendum (Oct. 5). Calls for resignation of police chief. Most demonstrators arrived at festival. Main tent packed. We were all soaked but in good spirits."
The referendum Stephanie refers to is to enable the citizens of Vicenza to decide the future of Dal Molin. Not surprisingly, Berlusconi has stated that this will have no bearing on the actions of the central government. Apparently, his definition of democracy is passive acceptance of whatever he and his cronies say or do. But for the people of Vicenza any mandate he might feasibly claim to have since being reelected Prime Minister does not include making Italy a colony of the United States. Nor can it overrule the inhabitants of a region who want to determine what happens where they live. Ironically, the Lega Nord that blusters so much about "independence" for the industrious northern Italians from their supposedly lackadaisical southern counterparts, has said nothing about Dal Molin. Apparently, independence for them means complying with the wishes of a foreign occupier, namely the US. But such confusion and corruption are common in politics these days, not only in Italy but throughout the world. What the movement in Vicenza offers is a genuine alternative; a challenge to all the parties and politicians without exception. While there is a diversity of views amongst those opposed to the base certain themes, continually articulated, form a growing consensus: an end to war and militarism, protecting and nourishing the environment-particularly air, water and food, and the vigorous defense of human rights. Guided by such principles this struggle gives all of us the opportunity to actively participate in changing the world. We want to express our gratitude for and solidarity with those making their stand in Vicenza. No Dal Molin!
March 27, 2008
We just got back to Bern from our tour of the East Coast. From our first concert to our last we made new friends and introduced our music to new audiences. In Hartford we performed a benefit concert for the Hartbeat Ensemble. This is a fine theater troupe that also teaches drama in Hartford's public schools. Between our sets they showed a film of a play students had written and performed. It was a great example of how arts can play a vital role in education. From Hartford we went to Boston where we played an open mic at the Club Passim. We hope to return there for a proper concert next tour. Then it was on to Willimantic where we performed at a storefront community center known as Wrench In The Works. Both the Hartford show and the Willimantic show were accompanied by performances on local radio stations so the turnouts were good and the public was definitely there to hear our music. The efforts of the organizers of these events were noteworthy and we were very warmly received.
Next day we drove back to Boston where we were to give a presentation at world famous Berklee College of Music. The professor in a class called "Modern Political Thought" invited us to perform as well as talk about music. 25 young music students were in attendance and there was much lively discussion. This focused mainly on how music can affect social change. This included questions of how one could function in the music business while staying true to one's principles. Hopefully, we provided some food for thought. It was certainly encouraging to us to meet such thoughtful young people.
Next we went to New York City where we performed two concerts, one at a nightclub called Banjo Jim's the other at a social center called the Brecht Forum. The show at Banjo Jim's was a monthly event with several performers including a group from Cincinnati, the Tillers, and our host, Eli Smith. The Tillers and Eli were both outstanding. It definitely got us fired up to play. The following night, however, was the first disappointment of the tour. Due to poor organization little publicity had been done and the turnout at the Brecht Forum was small. But we made the best of a bad situation by sitting in a circle with the other musicians and swapping songs. It was a lot of fun and inspiring to hear three young musicians sound so good.
In Baltimore we had a divided evening. First half was a book talk about "The Trouble With Music". Then there was a short break and we played a concert. Red Emma's Book Store is a well organized and very popular collective space so there was an enthusiastic atmosphere from the outset. The book talk got everyone involved and discussion could have gone on much longer than the 90 minutes alloted to it. But everyone wanted to hear us play so our host segued nicely into the concert. From there we continued south with stops in Richmond and Harrisonburg in Virginia and finally Chapel Hill in North Carolina.
The high point of the whole tour was at the Little Grill in Harrisonburg. A sizable crowd turned out on a night when the city was overflowing with concerts. In fact, our host was a bit nervous until show time when the Little Grill suddenly filled up. Opening the show was a young guy from Harrisonburg named Josh Warner who did excellent versions of many classic country, folk and blues tune accompanying himself on guitar, banjo and harmonica. This was just the introduction we needed and we gave a spirited performance of our own.
All in all, the tour was good. Though a few events didn't meet our expectations others exceeded them. We learned some valuable lessons about preparation and working together with local organizers to present the best possible event for all concerned. It certainly convinced us of the need to get out there with our music. And we're grateful to all the wonderful folks whose hard work and dedication made this possible. Thank you all.
The Duet
After launching their duet in late 2006, Mat and Yvonne have performed extensively throughout Europe and America. Concerts in Switzerland have been greeted with excitement and growing critical acclaim (see pressclips). Two tours of the US in 2007 brought invitations to return again in 2008. Beginning this March the duet will be performing on the East Coast from Boston, Massachusetts down to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In October, they will tour the Northwest from Seattle to Eugene. Concert dates in Berlin, Ticino and Italy are already scheduled with a new album planned for year's end.
The enthusiasm their music has generated is a result of a commitment to quality and to building community. The intimacy of two voices and a guitar makes for a close connection between the musicians and their audience while the songs express feelings shared by many about the state of the world.
Another crucial component is the extraordinary musical diversity Mat and Yvonne bring to the stage. This is why they call their music New Folk. Though they remain firmly rooted in the tradition of troubadours and folksingers, the duet incorporates many popular influences not limited by preconceptions of what folk music is. Years of experience in bands playing everything from blues, to soul to african and caribbean music has broadened the range of influences from which they draw. This serves both the creative impulse they feel as artists and the purpose of bringing people together to celebrate humanity.