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GLOBE-TROT: Uh-Oh in Flying, Set-To in Pakistan, Yo-Yo in Brazil A quick trip around the world: how travelers are handling musical baggage under tough post-9/11 rules; how music is dividing Pakistan's campuses; how cellist Ma has added Brazil to his world-music itinerary.
FLYING PAINS. Musicians who must fly with their instruments have always had a tough time. Most instruments are either delicate, awkwardly shaped, heavy, large, or some combination the above. (And all of them are as precious as babies to their owners.) But airlines have limited space, time and patience for special carry-ons, and the rough-and-tumble checked-baggage system – don't go there! Things have gotten tougher as airport security has tightened. Complicating the matter: conflicting, inconsistent rules and procedures. Recent articles (in Acoustic Guitar magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and elsewhere) have highlighted the difficulties in even getting a straight answer on what is permitted: a letter from the US Transportation Safety Administration (the new airport security masters) lets musicians carry instruments through security, but a maze of individual airline regulations may not let onto the aircraft themselves. And gate agents are not always familiar with the precise policies. The US musician's union, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) has pushed relax and simplify the process, but with limited results. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines to get up-to-date information, and to allow plenty of time to work through the inevitable hassles. Explore individual airline links to find out their policies on traveling with instruments, courtesy of the AFM site, or read the AFM's 2001 statement on the issue
PAKISTAN CAMPUSES. Right-wing Islamists have been making life difficult for artists at Pakistan's universities. Despite a generally tolerant artistic climate in the Muslim nation, and a long tradition of Islamic art, conservative activists have been flexing their growing muscle. Sometimes literally, with batons in hand. Fine arts departments have been blocked from opening at some schools, and there have been calls for removal of all painting and sculpture programs from campuses. Musical performances and music videos are coming under increasing attack. As described in a recent article, a film student in Karachi (Pakistan's cosmopolitan center) had his computer smashed by other students, so he could not exhibit his work. "My video had no objectionable material. There weren't even any women in it," he lamented. But it contained music, which was objectionable to conservatives, who considered it sacrilegious during the fasting month of Ramadan. Another student who was displaying his textile patterns on a computer, with soft music in the background, also had his computer smashed and was physically assaulted by other "religiously minded" students. Musical concerts are banned at most state-run institutions, and self-censorship of many artistic forms is increasing – the music is being stripped out to prevent "problems." Read the Reuters article on News MyWay or via the Daily Excelsior
YO-YO MA IN BRAZIL The acclaimed cellist is already known as a globe-trotter, with an eclectic discography that includes the European classics, Appalachian folk, Argentine tango – and the Silk Road Project, an expansive Asian cultural crossroads. His latest release, Obrigado Brazil ("Thank You, Brazil"), captures his longtime love of music from Brazil. Ma listened to music from South America as a teenager in New York City. In a recent Reuters article, Ma explains, "I started listening more and more, then I became totally smitten... One of the things I love about it is not only its incredible richness. In every age and every era it seems to reinvent itself, and yet it remains quintessentially Brazilian." His new recording includes guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera and vocalist Rosa Passos. Music includes works by Villa-Lobos, Jobim, choro master Pixinguinha, and others. Read about Yo-Yo Ma's new involvement with Brazilian music Visit Ma's site or explore his Silk Road Project Browse Ma's new release, Obrigado Brazil, at Amazon.com |
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