USELESS INFORMATION

“The journey that resulted for Mike, is both personal and social, internal and external, psychological and geographic.”

Block is expanding the out-reach and acceptance of the cello with his tone, musicality, and collaborations that make Guzo a must-have.

“Now, the idea of a cellist making music that draws connections between many parts of the world is not new: Yo Yo Ma and his Silk Road Ensemble have been doing just that for over twenty years. In fact, Block has been a member of that group since 2005, and Ma has called him “the ideal musician of the 21st century.””

“The track, part of Block’s upcoming world music album, Guzo, set for an Aug. 21 release, features Omani musician Amal Waqar on oud and vocals.”

Iniche Cosebe, which translates to “thank you very much” in the language of the Mandinka Tribe, is inspired by traditional music from West Africa…

“The record features eight original compositions, each inspired by a different culture and style of music: Malian, Levantine Arabic, Indian, Nigerian, Persian, Gulf Arabic (Khaliji), Ethiopian, and Chinese.”

“The new album, which combines elements of North African, Middle Eastern and Persian musical traditions, will be Block’s third album, in three different genres, in less than one year.”

“The vocabulary around electronic media is drawn from water”