Tohid Vahid

Tohid Vahid is a master kamancheh (کمانچه) player from Iran, known for his exceptional technique and expressive performances. The kamancheh is a traditional Persian bowed string instrument, and Vahid is recognized as one of its leading contemporary exponents.

Instrumental Mastery

The kamancheh is a spiked fiddle with a long history in Persian and Middle Eastern music. Vahid's playing demonstrates:

• Technical Virtuosity: Exceptional command of the instrument's unique playing techniques
• Expressive Range: Ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions through his playing
• Traditional Knowledge: Deep understanding of Persian classical music (Dastgah system)
• Improvisational Skill: Mastery of traditional improvisation (tahrir) and contemporary approaches

Collaborative Work

Vahid has been a frequent collaborator with Roots Revival, particularly in projects involving:

• Cross-cultural fusion: Working with musicians from different traditions, such as Spanish flamenco (with Isabel Martin)
• Traditional Persian repertoire: Performing classical Persian pieces like "Esfahan" and "Caravan"
• Contemporary compositions: Contributing to projects like "Woven Sounds" and "Quieter Than Silence"
• Improvisational sessions: Engaging in spontaneous musical dialogues, particularly with Mehdi Aminian on ney

Notable Performances

Some of Vahid's most significant contributions to Roots Revival include:

• "Beautiful Kamanche Solo" - A featured solo performance in the Woven Sounds project
• "Improvisation in Bayat Tork" - A duet with Mehdi Aminian exploring the Bayat Tork mode
• "Salt Lake Improvisations" - Spontaneous performances in various Persian modes (Mahoor, Nava)
• "The Song of Hope" - A solo piece from the "Pain, Peace, Patience" collection

Musical Style

Vahid's playing style is characterized by:

• Emotional Depth: Ability to convey profound emotions through the kamancheh's expressive capabilities
• Technical Precision: Clean execution of complex passages and ornamentation
• Cultural Authenticity: Maintaining the authentic character of Persian music while exploring new possibilities
• Collaborative Spirit: Seamless integration with other musicians in ensemble settings

Contribution to Roots Revival

Through his work with Roots Revival, Vahid has helped bridge traditional Persian music with contemporary global sounds. His performances demonstrate both the timeless beauty of Persian classical music and its capacity for dialogue with other musical traditions. His technical mastery and artistic sensitivity make him an essential contributor to Roots Revival's mission of cultural exchange and musical exploration.