Solomon Feldthouse (Sulyman "El Coyote") is a master musician and multi-instrumentalist of Middle Eastern, Flamenco, and Gypsy Folk idioms. A consummate performer, Sulyman plays Oud, Saz, Violin and Flamenco Guitar with equal portions of restraint and abandon. He is also accomplished on the Middle Eastern wind instruments Ney and Zurna. He is also a jeweler and metalsmith.
Born in the U.S. he moved to Turkey with his family when he was ten years old. There he began to play the Turkish saz, oud, and Flamenco guitar . He traveled to Spain as a teenager where he studied flamenco guitar and was introduced to the flamenco way of life. He spent the early 60s singing and playing in folk clubs throughout Europe. When he returned to the U.S. he co-founded the rock-fusion group called Kaleidoscope with David Lindley. Pioneers in the mixing of Western rock music with traditional Eastern instruments and melody, Kaleidoscope is now widely seen as the first world music rock band. They recorded five albums and a soundtrack for Walt Disney studios.
In the early 70s he started handcrafting jewelry and metalsmithing at the Renaissance Pleasure Faires throughout California. His unique jewelry designs were honored with the best in show award and during this time he also performed at the faires with Jamila's Bal Anat bellydance troupe and Los Flamencos. In 1972 he and Armando co-founded Sirocco a middle eastern group dedicated to playing live music for dancers. They have performed throughout North America for the past 27 years and have recorded four tapes and CDs. In 1976 Solomon made his first set of finger cymbals from a pair of telephone bells. Over the next few years he experimented with the sound quality of different brass alloys until he found one that would not only complement his music but also play in tune. Solomon lives in California where he handcrafts zills and designs and crafts jewelry. He also continues to perform and record with Sirocco and as a flamenco artist. In addition, he works as a session musician and is a member of the Lian Ensemble, performers of original Persian and flamenco music.
Sulyman's
Class Descriptions:
"Make a Ney and Begin to Play" Workshop: 2-3 hours
In this class each person will make a ney out of a length of PVC pipe. Then they will learn the various techniques on how to find the voice inside your own instrument. Sulyman will demonstrate and tell you the story of the breath, the cane flute and its mystic symbolism and musical history since ancient times. It is one of the oldest and simplest made and most soulfully played. For the belly dancer it is one of the most sensual of instruments to danced to.
" The Art of Finger Cymbals; A Zil Workshop": 1-2 hour
In this class a pair of Sulyman finger cymbals are a must to be included in the workshop price. Handcrafted brass with hands of Fatima designs. These are instruments of beauty and sound that ring with a richness of voice that you will not find in machine manufactured cymbals. Playing these cymbals are special. Sol will demonstrate and teach how to approach the rhythms and styles of playing. Including a gypsy style of playing two different toned zils. This is a class for dancers and for those who just want to learn to play zills with the band as a musician. Since the instrument will usually be included it and they are all individually hand made, is very important to register very early so he will have enough made before our tour begins.
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