I came across Abaji in browsing the music section of NPR, and could not resist sharing this video with you. Having been exposed to both eastern and western forms of music (as is the case of most immigrants from east to this country, I suppose) I am a big fan of musicians who introduce me to a different musical tradition. Abaji is an ambassador of world music to all of us being an exponent of Greek, Turkish, Armenian and French music. Here is what NPR had to say about Abaji.

Abaji’s work spans many cultures and languages. With roots in Greece, Turkey, Armenia and France, he’s at home strumming a twangy bouzouki, blowing into a breathy duduk or bowing a soft-toned kamancheh. When recording his latest album, Origine Orients, he played 10 different instruments, many of them simultaneously, with no second takes or overdubs. It took him just two days

Enough said about the musician. If you want to know more about Abaji, please play the Tiny Desk Concert video, and to visit his website (parts of which are in French and unintelligible to me). But there are english language translations in many places.

Weekly Special!

And another thing - we have a sale going on at the moment on Tigerhill Tea - 20% off until the end of the month. We have a small stock of this wonderful tea left which will be gone soon, so order some if you would like to have some. Once its gone, it will be gone! The tea is available in both 100 gm pack and 500 gm pack which at $43, is a great steal!

My husband and I are avid music listeners and enjoy chamber music as much as country or rock. So when we had a chance to support live music we grabbed the opportunity with both hands! For three years in a row, Jaya Teas has been proud to be associated with a very creative and beautifully organized program called “Tea & Symphony” at the Highlands mansion in Ft. Washington, PA. The Tea & Symphony program acts as a fund raiser for the restoration and upkeep of the Highlands Mansion, while providing music students from the world renowned Curtis Institute an opportunity to perform chamber music in front of a live audience.

Jaya Teas, of course, serves premium teas during the intermission!!

The programs are always well attended with 80-100 people in the audience! And I have always been very impressed with the quality of music played here. The venue and the event really reminds one of the old days when patronage of music and musicians was indeed one of the duties of the wealthy.

The Highlands Mansion is a historic mansion, located on a 44 acre plot of land just outside Philadelphia, was built by a wealthy merchant named Anthony Morris in 1796. Since then, the property has changed hands several times until it was turned over to the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania by the Roosevelt family. Today, the Mansion has been designated as a historic land mark and is preserved by the state of PA.

There are two chamber music events planned:
Sunday, February 15, 2009 & Sunday, March 15, 2009
Concerts are from 2p.m.-4p.m. with tea from Jaya Teas served during the intermission. The doors will open at 1:30p.m, and seating is limited with reservations required.

For more information, please call The Highlands at 215-641-2687

If you are in the neighborhood, please plan on attending the next Tea and Symphony program and enjoy our teas complimentary during intermission.

For press enquiries, please contact
Madhulika Pareek-Joshi
http://www.jayateas.com/
mpareek(at)jayateas.com
Tel: 609-818-0877

Since we live near Princeton, wanting to listen to a band named Princeton was a no-brainer. Listening to Princeton I came to realize how much a talented trio can do with an acoustic guitar and a few percussion instruments and a mike. Princeton is a very mellow band, a mix between Beetles and the sixtees folk-balladeers. Despite the name, the band which is composed of twin brothers, Jesse and Matt Kivel and their friend Ben Usen, is based in Santa Monica, California, and their first album was actually created in London.

“A Case of the Emperor’s clothes” is a perfect album for summer evening parties - and is my first musical recommendation for this summer. Once you listen to the music you will realize that to play this music it is better to wait until the party is winding down and then you will have every one signing along, just like in the piano bar!

You can check out the band on their website Princeton, The Band, or download the music at Amie Street