Last week I was visiting my friend Forest Mars at his day gig at Manhattan Neighborhood Netowork. Sometimes I just pop in unannounced (he doesn’t seem to mind). During my visit, I had the chance to not only meet, but sit in the studio while they were taping an interview with legendary activist Ramsey Clarke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsey_Clark)

His intervew was intriguing. While I found a few points I disagreed with, I found his ideas fascinating. And he is no stranger to controversy. Some consider him a great American; others consider him a traitor.

Meeting and speaking with him was a marvelous experience.

I need not describe the events of 3/11/11. My prayers go out to the people of Japan.

That morning, I had a dream that I was in my home town. It was night and I was told that a nuclear reactor was leaking and threatening to explode. I went to it, and people were gathered around it. They were welding sheets of iron in the shape of crucifixes to it; which did not help contain the radiation. They were singing some ridiculous song. I started making dhikr / chant; “Laillaha Ilallah, Muhmmadan Rasulullah” (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah) in a different rhythmic pattern then them. I was resigned to my inevitable death.  I woke up, turned on the radio, and heard about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

This is no isolated incident. There have been many events like this. It never seems to end. In my meditations on this, I keep coming back to the following passage from the Qur’an:

“When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion, and the earth throws up her burdens (from within), and man cries ‘What is the matter with her?’ On that Day will she declare her tidings: For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration. On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown their deeds. Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good shall see it! And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall see it.”  – (Qur’an 99 Suratul Az-Zalzalah – The Earthquake)

I must also confess to another strange reminiscence:

‎”I see visions of sleeping peaks erupting 
releasing all hell that will shake the Earth from end to end 
And this ain’t bad news, good news, or any news, it’s just the truth,
Better save your souls while you can.”
(Jimi Hendrix – Valleys of Neptune)

Not long ago, I played at the Rubin Museum (150 west 17th st. NYC). It was an interesting performance.

I was joined by percussionist Andrew Potenza. He did a marvelous job. And the audience was great! They were attentive and supportive; as was the Rubin’s people (special thanks to Fay Serafica, and my friend Brandon Terzic, oud virtuoso who curates the Spiral Concert Series at the Rubin).

My only complaint was that we were not permitted amplification. This is problematic playing sitar in a 5000+ square foot space with lots of ambient noise. Next time, it will be different.

Thanks to all who showed up!

DJ Celt Islam, the master of Sufi Dub, released a new single; “Renegade.” Listen to it here:

http://soundcloud.com/celt-islam/renegade-feat-dawoud-kringle

Celt Islam can be found here:

http://soundcloud.com/celt-islam http://www.bbc.co.uk/glastonbury/2010/artists/celtislam/ http://www.myspace.com/celtislam  Celt Islam’s other music outfits Analogue Fakir : http://www.myspace.com/analoguefakir  The Nine Invisibles : http://www.myspace.com/nineinvisibles  URBAN SEDATED RECORDS. http://www.urbansedated.com/  http://www.alterhit.com/celtislam  http://fairtilizer.com/users/celtislam

I wish you peace, happiness, and prosperity in 2011!

Celt Islam, the Manchester England based master of Sufi Dub, released a new CD. “Al Mizan” on Urban Sedated Records. Dawoud is featured on several tracks.

Follow the link below to download your free copy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__QXnCVEvBQ

http://soundcloud.com/celt-islam

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5699253906&ref=ts

On 11/27/10, I joined the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in celebrating Jimi Hendrix’ birthday. Alex Gray and his wife Allyson did live painting, DJ Spiro did mixes of Hendrix’ music. SID did a VJ presentation.

I presented my tribute to Maestro Hendrix. Variations on Third Stone from the Sun on sitar, variations on Voodoo Childe on guitar, and ended with the Star Spangled Banner. I avoided the temptation to merely imitate the late Maestro; it’s useless to try. My main concern is to expand on what he did, and bring it into a new realm. It is nothing less than what Hendrix himself would have done.

The event went well! It was nice to play this music again, and the audience loved it. It was nice to offer a tip of the hat to one of my childhood heros; one whose inspiration continues.

Celebrate the 68th Birthday of Jimi Hendrix! Saturday, November 27th. 2010, 9pm. Live painting by Alex Grey and Allyson Grey,DJ Spiro and DJ Primate’s Psy-Dub remixes, Live concert footage remix by S.I.D.And yours truly presenting a special live music tribute. This is happening at Attic Studios11-05 44th Road Long Island City, NY 11101

I’ve also done some studio work on a project produced by Nona Hendryx. More news on  this later.

I am also partnering with some people to plan some moves for 2011. It will be a great year!

The first pressing of Renegade Sufi will soon be gone!  Get yours while you can. 

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dawoud

Those of you in the NYC area can also find it at Scent Elate. 313 W 48th St (between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)