Last night there was an epic drum jam on Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand. There were drummers from all across the globe! We got permission to play right in front of the police station because “King”, the local police chief is a big fan of Eddie Tamba our Liberian master of ceremonies and djembe fola.
Eddie Tamba of Liberia represents on Khao San Road Bangkok, Thailand
The drum jam had originally started on Khao San by members of the Rumpuree Dance and Drum school of Bangkok as an outreach program. It quickly turned into a happening community event with players from all around the world passed through the infamous Khao San Road district of Bangkok.
The drumming had stopped for a while because King had a heart attack, but now he is up and running again and so were we. Last night We were also joined by two of Eddies friends from Guinea, one of who played an unusual “triple” Gongoma, and another who played the Balone.
Balone player from Guinea, West Africa jams with us on Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Kenji representing Japan was very kind and brought out his 2 dununs and 2 djembe so I had drums to play as mine is still down on Samui. Eddie was playing his djembe that conga player Raymond Rausch brought him over from Bali This drum sounds remarkably good, especially with Eddie playing it. Raymond and Michael K brought 2 congas so we really had a hybrid sound working.
Kenji djembe fola drum master from Japan performs for audience on Khao San Road!
There were other drummers from around the globe present and dancers of all kinds as well. The drumming was musical and magical. There was traditional African chanting and even some group dynamics. A good time was had by all!
massive drum jam on Khao San Road
If you are coming through Thailand make sure and drop a line to Louis at Rumpuree (google Rumpuree for e-mail adress) and he’ll let you know when and where the next drum jam is or look for Eddie Tamba on Khao San Road, he has a shop and everyone knows him there!
Thanks for visiting my blog! Peace, love and aloha!
Michael Pluznick playing djembe on Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
