Multi
Instrumentalist / Composer Mehdi
bridges the gap between contemporary instrumental and alternative music. His Gold
selling albums have won him recognition worldwide as a musical genius whose talents
encompass both recordings and the concert stage. Mehdi has opened for Cirque Du
Soleil and the California Philharmonic Orchestra. He uses concerts as an opportunity
to "create vivid musical pictures" and transports his audiences on a breathtaking
odyssey of the mind, body and soul. To
understand how Mehdi evolved into one of the best-loved contemporary recording
artists, one need only to take a few steps back to the early years. Creating
his own road is how Los Angeles Based composer Mehdi found his way
from traditional Classical and Jazz to an unexpected career twist over a decade
ago. As one of the most successful creators of contemporary instrumental music,
he transcended "new age" labels to establish himself as the best-selling creator
of Instrumental Imagery Volume 3 (which was the No. 1 chart hit on New Age Voice’s
alternative/new age chart for 11 consecutive weeks). Mehdi
has been playing the Piano since he could reach the keys and started his performing
career in the 1980s working behind the scenes on numerous Feature Films, Discovery
Channel, Nova and National Geographic Documentaries until he "stumbled" onto a
different path in the mid 1990s. "A
friend of mine was leading a major self help seminar and wanted music that was
thought provoking yet rhythmic and soothing all at the same time. I made a CD
of music for the seminar and everyone who heard it wanted a copy. The overall
product was simple yet unique and I loved the positive reaction I got from people.
I used some of the music from the seminar on my first solo album for Soothing
Music, Instrumental Dream Volume 1." For
Mehdi, it was the first step in a direction that has led to 8 albums in just over
10 years. Each new album takes me over a year to complete, as I record 15 to 20
songs for each and then pick the very best selections for the final release."
Playing
The Piano, Mehdi says, is his greatest
form of self-expression, especially at his concert performances where he effortlessly
blends his emotionally affecting music ("a gift to the soul" wrote a recent reviewer)
with audience involvement. "When I was a kid," Mehdi adds, "The first recording
I ever purchased was Mozart. I can remember being especially drawn to the themes,
which had some very climatic sections that would give me chills. Even as a kid,
I was inspired by the great artists." The concept of being able to accomplish
the unthinkable appealed to Mehdi, and he spent many hours a day in his room,
practicing on his various instruments and composing new music. Because
many of Mehdi's compositions are autobiographical, the stories that inspired them
strike chords with concert goers, especially Flight Of The Eagle, from Mehdi's
Debut album Instrumental Dream Volume 1. Flight Of The Eagle, which Mehdi calls
"one of my most personal songs," was written after a trip to Switzerland where
I met a little girl named Sarah, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Despite
her extreme condition, she always had a smile on her face and while we were getting
to know each other, I started write music based on what was going on. Mehdi donates
a portion of his return to help fight world hunger. Influences,
Mehdi has created music laden with rich influences from his travels worldwide.
Mehdi’s inspiration comes from the beauty and wonder of nature and the everyday
celebrations of life. " Music can be an uplifting and fascinating experience,
one that transcends casual entertainment. It is my translation of life and I believe
it describes relationships between ourselves and the entire natural world. Consider
this music as a tool to quiet the mind, soothe the soul and as a reminder of life’s
sweetest most cherished memories. If I had only one thing to tell the world, it
would be to love. Blessed are those who understand what miracles love can accomplish,
for it is the power of love that makes all dreams a reality." |