Michael Pluznick » Dance

The art of drumming, learning the basics and more!

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:26:51 +0000

Just for the record, I am not against fusion, hybrid or any other new or old style of drumming of any kind. As a matter of fact I am open to it and do it myself to some extent. I see it as a natural evolution of traditional drumming styles as people who have studied traditional percussion forms and world music move and explore out of the dance, drum class and traditional drumming/music scenes [...]

The First Asian Rhythm Facilitators’ Conference (1ARFC) is happening!

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:40:25 +0000

This is the first opportunity ever for people who work with rhythm to come together in Asia to network, discuss our knowledge and experience, share our “rhythmical spirit”, and (best of all) have crazy fun together in a tropical setting at one of Malaysia’s best beaches. (Did somebody say “Late night”?) [...]

The New MP Signature series Eco Pro Djembes are now available at X8drums.com in USA and WRP in London soon!

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:32:44 +0000

Michael Pluznick has been recording with a variety of musicians with great pleasure and success for over 25 years. He has collaborated with Todd Rundgren, Jerry Garcia and Mickey Hart ( both of The Grateful Dead),Clarence Clemmons (Bruce Springsteen), Raul Rico (Santana) and Jim Chappell, among others. Designed and manufactured in Bali, Michael worked closely with master carvers and artisans to create a djembe drum that he believes rivals most high-end African made drums in sound, look and definitely 100% in quality. One of the major upgrades to this drum is additional carving on the inside of the drum which creates a larger "choke" or opening for the sound to exit from. The choke should always be larger then your fist size when placed in the opening. He also added a bicycle tire to the bottom of the drum to protect your floors, other peoples floors, to stop the drum from whacking and splitting and to make it easier to hold when you are drumming sitting down. Once you try a drum with a tire on the bottom you will want one on whatever drum you are playing. Legally Harvested Wood Michael's goal in making this signature drum was to try and design an "eco" drum from "good wood" and also to make a drum that looks, sounds and feels like the best west African drums at a price of almost half their cost. The trees used in manufacturing these drums are replanted and it is regulated and observed closely. The wood that these drums use cost twice as much as the "smuggled" and illegal wood, but to Michael it is worth the cost to try to at least be conscious about it. Kiln Dried The Eco Pro djembes are kiln dried and tested for humidity and moisture. This prevents long term problems with the shell cracking or changing shape over time. The Sound Please watch the videos and see for yourself. These drums have full rich tone, deep bass and a snappy high with slaps that really “POP”! The larger 13" drum is really remarkable in that it covers so much ground. You can use it as a solo drum, accompaniment drum or anywhere in between. Because of the remarkable strength of the wood and roping methods you can pull these drums as tight as you want. They won’t warp like some lighter drums do. The smaller drum at 12" is still a nice size, relatively light in weight and has remarkable presence and projection of sound. Despite being a screamer on the high end (if you crank it up) [...]

How to play djembe drums for west african dance class

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:03:59 +0000

One thing I have noticed in my many, many moons of drumming is that although someone may be trained in west african drumming music, djembe or dununs and technically be a great or at least a knowledgable djembe player or even drum teacher, it does not mean they know how or can play djembe solo or more accurately lead djembe for a dance class. [...]

Djembe drum and percussion workshop with Michael Pluznick in Arambol Goa this winter

admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:32:43 +0000

In December I will be teaching a very fun and relaxed two week workshop in West African drumming, djembe, dununs and "non competitive" drumming for all levels in the very beautifu, peaceful and exotic village of Arambol , Goa, India. All levels of drummers are welcomed and you do not have to take the entire course. [...]

Amazing Dancer, “Lasensua” from Canada to Maui and beyond!

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:19:03 +0000

I have had the great opportunity to know and to have been playing for Lasensua for over 20 years or more. I first met her on the Big Island of Hawaii. Lasensua has lived, studied & performed in many areas of the world. Her travels started in 1974, when she became immersed in Hawaiian culture through their music & "Hula" dance. She has journeyed to Brazil, Cuba, West Africa, Caribbean, Tahiti, India & Indonesia to live and study dance on location. [...]

Studying in Guinee Part 1

admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 12:01:28 +0000

Many people often ask me "what was it like to study and travel in Guinee"? And "where did you like better Guinee or Mali"? I love both places to study and live but for different reasons. In Guinee I stayed with the late great Kemoko Sano and his family at his compound in Merveilles. I went to Guinea with an old friend who was traveling with me in Mali. But my friend did not like it there so he left after a few days to another compound. It was very interesting for me to stay in a place where no one spoke english except my teacher whose english was barely understandable at best. [...]

Dance teacher sought for world dance and music center on exotic Koh Samui Island Thailand

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:01:30 +0000

We are looking for a talented multi disciplined dance teacher for a new world dance , movement and world music center/studio on the beautiful and exotic Koh Samui Island in scenic Thailand. If you can teach salsa, brazilian, west african and more please contact us soon. The center is just forming now. Other dance teachers and people in the movement arts are welcomed to contact us as well. We will also be offering classes [...]

Talented young gymnasts and dancers on the beach in India with live percussion (FULL version)

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:54:50 +0000

Talented young gymnasts and dancers on the beach in India with live percussion [...]

Amazing female dancer at West African Dununba drum and dance celebration at Kemoko Sano’s compound

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:24:14 +0000

Very athletic and amazing dancers solo and perform at a “dununba” community drum and dance celebration. Dununba refers to “strong mans dance” as it was originaly called and used as. This djembe drum and west african dance party takes place at my friend and teachers house, the late, great and legendary master dancer, drummer and choreographer Kenoko Sano of Ballettes Africans fame.

Mali Sunu ensemble, djembe solos by Michael Pluznick, Ben Isaacs

admin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:30:27 +0000

Michael Pluznick solos on djembe and then Ben Isaacs expresses his incredible feel and techniques as well. This is a longer version then I originally posted on Youtube. This video lesson features an explanation of the meaning of Mali Sunu played with more of a 4/4 feel. We also will be showing you a version in 6/8 feel soon here as well. Michael Pluznick plays traditional solo techniques or phrases on his Toca [...]

Dununba Dance and Drum party in Guinee West Africa

admin — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 04:26:25 +0000

This is from a Dununba community African drum and West African dance party I sponsored when I was staying and studying with the late, great teacher and master choreorgapher and percussionist Kemoko Sano (aka Komoko Sano) at his compound in Mervielles, Conakry, Guinee, West Africa a few years ago. [...]