Fabio Mittino and Bert Lams play Gurdjieff/DeHartmann music transcribed for acoustic guitars.

Gurdjieff was a philosopher from Russian/Armenian descent. He had the remarkable gift of remembering music he had heard during his early travels in Asia and the Middle East. Many years later he sung and played the melodies to Russian composer Thomas De Hartmann; together they created over 300 pieces between 1918 and 1927.

The music for Movements may seem simple, with short pieces that lack any pretension to elaborate formal construction, yet it often turns in unexpected directions, revealing itself as powerful, fascinating and deeply affecting. In the final words of his book ‘Our Life with Mr Gurdjieff’, Thomas de Hartmann says: “Listening to this music one was touched to the depth of his being…”

Bonus tracks from "Simple Music For Difficult People, Vol.2"

This album contains a selection of music that didn't quite fit in "Simple Music For Difficult People, Vol.2", so I released them as a separate "addendum".

After the release of SMFDP Volume One, I kept working developing my own style: strangely and mysteriously, now it seems that I’m moving towards a place in life where I need to be. Music is changing as well.

2017 Tour with Fernando Kabusacki, recorded live from the mixing board

My aim has always been to be myself, and to follow my conscience and inner guiding light. I believe this cd offers a good representation of the unique style that I have developed.

Transcriptions and arrangements of music by Gurdjieff/De Hartman, arranged for two guitars.

We selected acoustic Gibson arch top guitars, built in the 1930’s, to record ‘Long Ago'. These vintage instruments help create the authentic and intimate character of the album. No effects were added to the recordings: when you listen, it is as if we are playing very close to you, in your living room. The music on ‘Long Ago’ covers a vast territory: Armenian songs, Hindu melodies, Kurdish melodies, an Orthodox Hymn, and several Sayyid dances, … most of it never been played on the guitar before. Arranging and discovering this music was like opening a treasure chest. We immensely enjoyed discovering these hidden gems and we feel that this wonderful music deserves to be heard and played.

Andy (voice, synth, sax), Fabrizio Grigolo (synths), Luca Urbani (voice, synth), Fabio Mittino (guitar). Produced by Fabio Mittino

Original release: 2014.