playing a traditional acoustic Greek lute
Jim Matus: History of the Laoutar
In 2000 I was drawn to playing the Greek laouto (lute) - first an acoustic version, later an electric one. This led to me the idea of designing a new instrument, the electric laoutar - a lute and mandocello hybrid - with a uniquely rich sound. My experimentation with this instrument led me to develop "comprovizations" for the laoutar, in which my jazz roots were combined with recent explorations into Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African music. The titles for these tunes invariably come from dream language.
I have now developed a growing repertoire for the laoutar, beginning with the 4CDs I composed and arranged for my world music fusion band, Mawwal. Later collaborations include a CD of duos with percussionist Doug Raneri, and with the world music/improv trio, Impulse Ensemble. In 2021 my debut duo CD with the Matus Salins Marching Band was released, and I am currently working on a duo of my music with jazz guitarist and bassist Jerome Harris.
In 2000 I was drawn to playing the Greek laouto (lute) - first an acoustic version, later an electric one. This led to me the idea of designing a new instrument, the electric laoutar - a lute and mandocello hybrid - with a uniquely rich sound. My experimentation with this instrument led me to develop "comprovizations" for the laoutar, in which my jazz roots were combined with recent explorations into Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African music. The titles for these tunes invariably come from dream language.
I have now developed a growing repertoire for the laoutar, beginning with the 4CDs I composed and arranged for my world music fusion band, Mawwal. Later collaborations include a CD of duos with percussionist Doug Raneri, and with the world music/improv trio, Impulse Ensemble. In 2021 my debut duo CD with the Matus Salins Marching Band was released, and I am currently working on a duo of my music with jazz guitarist and bassist Jerome Harris.
The laoutar was designed together with luthier Rick Turner, with additional help from luthier Harry Becker. Here is Harry's detailed description (with photos) of his work on the laoutar: