neyzen-x - ProfilesArchive

About Me

My name is Jay Kruse and I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a multi-instrumentalist that went from being a jazz bassist to specializing in bamboo/reed flutes and hand percussion from around the world. I make all my own flutes and I am beginning to make more of my own frame drums. The 'ney' is the reed flute of the Near and Middle East. 'Neyzen' is the term for someone who plays the 'ney'. I go by 'Neyzen-X' for a number of reasons that perhaps I'll explain sometime... I was born and raised in Houston, TX where I was very active in performing with Middle Eastern, modern and folk dancers. My wife and I moved to Vegas in 2005 to set up shop in the desert and see what kind of trouble we can stir up!

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 10/10/2006
Band Website: jaykruse.com
Band Members:I have been extremely fortunate enough to have studied and played with an amazing assortment of brilliant people. In regards to the 'ney', I am forever indebted to Dr. Fred Stubbs from Boston who not only introduced me to the coherent beauty of 'makam', but also revealed to me the underlying mathematics of its design. Tony Tamer from the Bay Area also provided me with critical data and insight into the materials and method of construction. I am so grateful not only for the information they shared with me, but also the aesthetic sensibilities and perspectives they revealed from their experiences in other cultures.With the 'bansuri' I am thankful for much time and magic spent with Bob Chadwick, Erich Avinger and Robert Goldman, all from Houston, who took the time to patiently coach me first in playing the 'bansuri', then making the 'bansuri' and then begin sharing the structure and impact of 'raga' and 'tal'.For percussion the list is simply endless. Terrence Karn stands out not only for years of unprecendented kindness and support as a friend, teacher and collaborator, but also for single-handedly dragging me out from under a rock of self-imposed exile and helping me to get 'back in the saddle' musically. Undoubtedly he has introduced me to more people, included me in more musical situations, supported me artistically and financially, been the most selfless example of giving from the heart and, to top it off, almost makes coffee as good as I do. Were it not for his influence I seriously doubt I would have pursued percussion and performance to any real degree. Of the people introduced to me through TK, Ken Knezick and Rom Ryan stand out for the opportunities offered to me to learn and hone my skills onstage and in the studio.
Influences:
Sounds Like:
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Record Label: Self Published
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

For Ney Players Only

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Posted by neyzen-x on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:10:00 PST

This wont be short....

Hey, everyone...! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season and I hope the new year brings us all closer to our dreams and goals. I'm in a bit of a mood today; a few folks recently threw a coupl...
Posted by neyzen-x on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:42:00 PST

My Mother playing the riq?

Couldn't believe my eyes...! On a recent trip to Jerusalem my mother diligently tracked down a riq for me. On a whim I answered the question,"What can I bring you back?" with: a riq! She pulled thr...
Posted by neyzen-x on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:18:00 PST

News from the Stem Cell Front...

Well, I am happy to report all lot of fantastic new stuff is happening in Stem Cell Land! I have mentioned STEMEnhance many times in past blogs. It's a breakthrough phytoceutical that has literally ...
Posted by neyzen-x on Thu, 08 May 2008 02:53:00 PST

Long overdue update...!

Well, it's been awhile since I posted and a LOT is going on! Having rested up from the Arizona leg of Tartanic's 'o8 tour, I've been focusing on my other businesses and getting them stabilized. Stem...
Posted by neyzen-x on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:16:00 PST

I dare you to watch this...

watch this now
Posted by neyzen-x on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:31:00 PST

FINALLY....Its over

Well, the 5 month tour with Tartanic is finally over. I've only had a couple of nights of real sleep and I'm slowly getting my head straight! In spite of all the travel, turmoil and activity, I have...
Posted by neyzen-x on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 05:51:00 PST

Two legs down...!

Ok....kinda' tired, but all is well! Just finished the 2nd leg of our tour and preparing for the 3rd and final run straight through all of Oct and Nov at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Things are g...
Posted by neyzen-x on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 02:03:00 PST

One leg down...!

Well, things are finally winding down out here in Wisconsin. This is my last weekend at the Bristol Renaissance Festival. We were completely rained out last weekend; they even closed the site on Sun...
Posted by neyzen-x on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 08:50:00 PST

Back on track...

Well, I think I have finally ironed the kinks out of a few things. Many of you have written that my mp3 player on my profile page wasn't working and I'm pleased to say that it should be running smoot...
Posted by neyzen-x on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:05:00 PST