Kiosk
bagh e vahsh e jahani (Global Zoo)
Persian Blues/Jazz/Rock
Bamahang Productions is set to release the highly-anticipated KIOSK’s third studio album, “Bagh e Vahsh e Jahani” (Global Zoo) on November 14, 2008. The new album features ten tracks varying in music style from Gypsy Jazz to Waltz and from Argentinean Tango to Blues. Although the music of the album is a big departure from the Underground Blues/Rock sound of the previous two KIOSK albums, the lyrics of Arash Sobhani (lead vocalist , songwriter and guitarist) continues the social commentary on a wide variety of issues affecting the daily lives of Iranians all over the world.
“Global Zoo is how KIOSK sees the world today; the dialogue of civilizations apparently hasn’t worked too well and as a consequence the world has turned into a zoo, as opposed to a jungle where the inhabitants at least have their freedom. Even though we all left Iran many years ago, we still haven’t completely settled down, and maybe that’s why we have been so attracted to and influenced by Gypsy Jazz music on the new album.“ said Arash Sobhani.
KIOSK recorded the new album over the course of four months at the cutting edge private FM Recorders Studio in Emeryville, CA. Produced by Sep V and mastered by Adam Ayan of Gateway Mastering, the new album sees KIOSK collaborating with notable guest musicians, including drummer Pat Spurgeon of Rogue Wave, and guitarist Paul Mehling founder of the Jazz Hot Club of San Francisco. The album also includes the track "Yarom Bia", a Shirazi folk song, popular in Tajikistan, featuring the controversial Iranian musician and singer Mohsen Namjoo, as guest vocalist.
“Pragmatism e Eshghi”, the first single from the new album will be released as a free download worldwide on October 17, 2008 through KIOSK’s official website, www.kiosk-music.com. Limited edition pre-release CDs will be sold starting October 25, 2008, at the KIOSK concert in Toronto. Prominent Flamenco/Jazz guitarist Babak Amini, will also be performing with KIOSK at their San Francisco (Nov 14th) and Los Angeles (Nov 16th) concerts.
KIOSK is known as an Iranian Blues/Rock/Jazz band, established by a few friends in a basement in Iran, now all living abroad. The band members are Arash Sobhani (guitar & vocals), Ali Kamali (bass guitar), Ardalan Payvar (keyboards), Babak Khiavchi (guitar), Shahrouz Molaei (drums). KIOSK is often noted for its biting critical social and political, but humorous lyrics.
With the release of their third album, KIOSK is also launching their North American “Global Zoo” tour, as follows:
October 25, 2008 - Toronto, Canada The Opera House
November 14, 2008 - San Francisco, CA Mezzanine (with special guest Babak Amini)
November 16, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre (with special guest Babak Amini)
November 28, 2008 - Seattle, WA Neumos
November 30, 2008 - Vancouver, Canada Richards on Richards
World: Persian contemporary