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Return Tour To Morocco in 2010

 

3-DRUM BASED STRING INSTRUMENTS
Mohammed on bass loutar
Miry on gimbre
Miles on banjo
Back stage in Beni Mellal, Morocco

MUSICAL DIPLOMACY TOUR TO MOROCCO A GRAND SUCCESS

For 8 whirlwind days, we travelled the country. We brought our own blend of original works and American music with banjo, guitar, drums and vocal harmonies. Once in Morocco we started meeting and performing with Moroccan musicians. We listened, we played, we spoke through interpreters, and we found a common ground. We took our common ground out to the Moroccan public--who saw this example of shared music & values, and a different view of America.
 
To say it was an honor, only hints at the privileges that were extended to us. We were welcomed and appreciated as we shared our selections of American music. But the breathtaking part for us was the collaboration. We had scheduled exchanges and rehearsals with Moroccan musicians who taught us their music and encouraged us to perform it with them. These were ancient musical traditions, centuries old. We thought, before being invited to return, that his was once-in-lifetime opportunity. But there will certainly be more.
 
OPENING PRESS RELEASE
FINAL REPORT 
 
YOU TUBE CLIPS BELOW SHOW OUR STORY
1.  Moroccan Music
2.  American music in Morocco
3.  Diplomatic moments in Morocco

MOROCCAN MUSIC

 
"TABILLA" instruction:  Abdelilah el Miry, playing the ancient berber instrument known as the gimbre, shows Michael Miles how to play the tune known as "Tabilla."
 

"TABILLA" in concert:  Concert in Casablanca, featuring Abdelilah el Miry, M'hamed Damou, & Michael Miles
 
 
"BINT SHALABIA" instruction:  Abdelilah el Miry and Nasser Houari (on oud) show Michael Miles how to play the melody "Bint Shalabia," which means 'girl from Syria.'
 

"BINT SHALABIA" in concert:  Concert in Casablanca featuring Haj Younes, Abdelilah el Miry, Tony Dale and Michael Miles
 
 
HOURIYATE WOMEN:  Concert in Marrakesh featuring the Houriyate women singers & Abdelilah el Miry, Tony Dale, and Michael Miles

AMERICAN MUSIC IN MOROCCO

"JACK OF DIAMONDS"  Michael Miles & Tony Dale in Meknes, Morocco.
 

"MAYBE BABY"  Michael Miles, Abdelilah el Miry & Tony Dale in Meknes, Morocco
 

"SOLDIER'S JOY" Michael Miles and Abdelilah el Miry backstage in Khourigba, Morocco

DIPLOMATIC MOMENTS IN MOROCCO

ENGLISH & ARABIC GREETING IN MARAKESH



ABDELKRIM RADDADI tells the story of our 2010 tour.
 

"ALL MY FRIENDS ARE HERE"

AMERICAN & MOROCCAN STUDENTS

FROM CHICAGO, MURPHY SCHOOL STUDENTS

"A WORLD THAT SAYS YES" at Niles West

On March 24, 2010 this song of mine will be sung by 250 high students at a grand choral concert at Niles West High School.   It's a song of hope.  Click here to hear the song, as sung by the Barrington Children's Choir.

2nd Grade Chicago Students Singing J.S. Bach

This recording features a group of 2nd grade students from the Murphy School in Chicago singing their own words to JS Bach's "Sleepers Awake."  http://www.milesmusic.org/music/06_Murphy-Bach_tune_copy.mp3

Live performance of "Midnight Rider"

Live performance of "Jack of Diamonds"

10,000 Kids in CA Attend "The Magic Banjo"

On a recent tour to CA, I had the good fortune to present "The Magic Banjo (for children)" to over 10,000 students in a series of 33 assemblies in and around Ventura County. The reception I received was warm and delightful. Most of the students had never heard a banjo played live before.

Dirty Linen Magazine Feature Article

There is a lengthy feature article about the breadth and depth of my work. This is a fine publication that supports acoustic music. Be sure to visit http://www.dirtylinen.com/linen/121/121miles.html

The Hajuj from Morocco

Three years after my tour through Morocco, I received a hajuj. This drum based string instrument, played like a banjo, is the lead instrument in the Gnawa music of the Berber culture of Morocco. Look for it in future Magic Banjo shows.

Bush Responds to “Send A Song To The President”

Miles surveyed 1500 3rd grade students who all answered the question, "What would you do to make the world a better place if you were the president of the Uniited States?" All of their answers were sent to the president, and some of the answers were put into a song. The students spoke, and the president responded with a generic postcard thanking them for their prayers. President Clinton sent a personal note. A new selection of student ideas from over 3000 additional 3rd graders from Chicago will be sent out in summer 2007. Watch this site for responses. Click here to hear the song.