Music
Music
Music not to miss
KARKHANA Six innovative musicians from three cities (Beirut, Cairo and Istanbul) will record an album for Italian Label Saggitaruis and perform their début concert all on the same day. A unique musical blend of free jazz and psychedelia with various shades of ethnic and traditional music. Metro Al Medina, (01 753021) Saroula Blgd, Hamra Str, Hamra. Tue 25 Feb, 9.30pm LL22,000
GUITAR HERO We jam with Nicolai Gerebtzoff to learn a bit about his craftmanship So how did you get into guitar making? I grew up just making stuff whatever it may be. I picked up building guitars in high school in woodwork class. After college I found a highly revered guitar maker in Malaysia where I was living at the time and started what was just two week course. He pulled me aside one day and said that he was looking for an apprentice and so I stayed for a year.
anything between 2 weeks to four or five months, but I try and do everything within a two month period.
When did you start playing guitar? I started playing guitar so long ago I can’t remember! I mean my dad gave me one of those children’s guitars with the buttons when I was a kid so that’s where it all started.
Why is it better to have a hand-made guitar from you than one that is mass produced? Well in terms of sound a lot of it comes from what’s behind the top (that bit with the hole in). In massed produced applications it’s all done by a specific measurement and they all sound very similar. But there is an abyss of variables. Every little thing can be fine-tuned; it really is an intricate process.
So what’s the process of making a guitar? There are three basic elements: hardware, wood and finish. Woodworking tends to be a look-and-feel type of skill, but with guitars and other instruments you have to listen to the wood. You have to tap it here and there see how it responds. The sound is really what matters. I go to the wood supplier and go through their entire stockpile to pick one plank of wood; it has to be the right cut, the right grain and the right size. It takes
EMPIRICAL SCHISM: THE HAVEN HYPOTHESIS Haven for artists are back for the winter edition, with a creative blend of music, poetry and a photography exhibition. Focusing on photographic representation of bodily curves and featuring live music from a diverse range of experimental artists. Yukunkun (03 229226) Lebanon Str, Gemmayzeh. Sun 23 Feb, 7-11pm. LL7,500 KYLEE EVANS One of the most charming voices of the international Jazz scene will be ending her world tour here in Lebanon. Accompanied by elite French Jazz musicians and performing her own original material as well as covers of Nina Simone and Kanye West. Music Hall (03 807555) Starco Centre, Omar Daouk Str, Downtown. Tue 18 Feb, 9.30pm. From LL55,000 50 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com
So what kind of guitars do you make? I would say my craft is making flat top instruments, so anything that comes under that description. Mandolins, ouds, bass, acoustic or electric guitars, anything, I also do repairs.
Where can we get one of these fine instruments? Well I am putting the finishing touches on my workshop so get in touch with me through Facebook or my phone. (76 483748 ) www.facebook.com/kaleidoscope6