WOMAD

Chemirani and Tabar Trio

From Iran

Djamchid Chemirani is without a doubt the master of Zarb (the Persian classical drum). He moved from Iran and settled in Europe in the early 60’s when he was already one of the two masters of the instrument. He was the first person (in early 70's) to record an entire record of solo percussion, on the French label, Ocora.On one hand he is a master of the classical – but he is also an innovator – so is widely respected as a traditional musician and a modernist.Djamchid’s instrument is the Zarb – he has his own style and a school. Both his sons, Keyvan and Bijan (aged 20 and 30) have played from birth, and in 1999 he decided that since his sons were so accomplished in their own right, he would dedicate the rest of his time playing with them as a trio – so "the Chemirani Zarb Trio" was born.Djamchid now plays only with his sons or one other musician called Hassan Tabar, who plays the Persian hammer dulcimer ‘Santur’ – although not yet 40 he is the future star of the Santur. Hassan appears with Djamchid and Keyvan at WOMAD Benoni 2000.Instruments: This is called the Zarb Trio – the Zarb is the main instrument and is the oldest middle-eastern percussion. It originated in north Iran, then spread to Turkey, Eastern Bloc Europe, North Africa, and beyond. The main difference between the zarb and all other percussion instruments around the world (except for tabla) is that the Iranian Zarb is classified as ‘digital’ percussion because it is played with the fingers rather than the palm of the hand, therefore is considered melodic and not percussive. It has as many notes as a piano, and can be played like a piano with 10 fingers, as well as the nails and the rings on the fingers.When their concerts are reviewed, comments are often made such as – "finally, a percussionist who plays the lead role and the melodic parts (instead of just keeping the time)".All three Chemirani play the Zarb but they also play the frame drums, from all around the Middle East. Djamchid plays only zarb, but Keyvan and Bijan play Daf, Bandir and Udu, as well as the zarb.The Santur is one of the main instruments of the classical Persian music. It has 140 strings and is played with wooden hammers, that hit and pick the strings at the same time.