This debut recording by Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort showcases his pioneering work on the scalloped fretboard guitar, a special modified instrument able to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar. While previously known more for his compositions for the trendsetting world music group Ancient Future, this first solo effort features his improvisational music. The recording debuted at #8 on Zone Music Reporter"s Top 100 February 2009 World Radio Chart, and held the #34 spot on the Top 100 of 2009. Matthew Montfort has devoted himself to the scalloped fretboard guitar since 1978. In late 1978, luthier Ervin Somogyi carved out the wood between the frets so that the pads of Montfort"s fingers touch only the strings, reducing friction while he bends them to produce ornaments more characteristic of the sitar. While visually subtle, the difference in sound is striking. After studying with North Indian sarod master Ali Akbar Khan at the Ali Akbar College of Music, Montfort immersed himself in an intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar He has performed concerts worldwide, from the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai. He has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui.