Tag: drum circle
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The Great Wall of Sound
The Great Wall of Sound If you’ve ever found yourself at a drum jam, or someplace where there are many drummers playing at the same time, you’re probably familiar with that moment when you’re surrounded by a cacophony of rhythms—everyone bashing away, each drumbeat competing for your attention. But have you ever stopped to wonder… Read More »
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The Drumbeat of Tradition: Bridging the Gap Between Individual Expression and Cultural Respect in Hand Drumming
In the evolving landscape of hand drumming, we find ourselves at an exciting crossroads filled with opportunities for growth and notable challenges. As more individuals become drawn to drumming—whether through vibrant drum circles, energetic music festivals, or informal gatherings—the importance of understanding and respecting the root traditions of hand drumming has become increasingly clear. Engaging… Read More »
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Here are my “top ten” suggestions for maintaining a wonderful vibe, having fun and just plain surviving when drumming at open or large jam sessions.
Here are my “top ten” suggestions for maintaining a wonderful vibe, having fun and just plain surviving when drumming at open or large jam sessions. 1. Sit in the groove and lay in the pocket. Always be looking for the groove to lock into. Make this a priority and you will have more fun, deeper… Read More »
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“Can’t Beat Em Join Em” New Lesson Series Started
I am starting a new on line downlaodable djembe and dunun and drumming lessons series entitled, “Can’t beat em join em” for people who would like to very casually learn to play west african influenced rhythms and only want to learn the most basic and easiest rhythms. You do not need a lot of experience to… Read More »
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Hand Drum Intensives And Drumming Classes In Florida (May) And Maine (July)!
I will be back in the USA in April 2019 and starting up new private training sessions as well as group, and Skype on-line lessons on djembe, percussion and playing the conga drum. My specialty is traditional West African drumming from Guinea and Mali featuring the Djembe and Dunun drums. If you play congas or… Read More »
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The Djembe Solo And The Accompaniment Parts
In my circles of friends and in the drum scenes I partake or I am involved with I have always noticed a rush for beginners and students, people with out developed skill sets to have an “over infatuation” with soloing. I see it at every level of playing and in every style of drumming I… Read More »
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Ignorance is Bliss, From Drum Circle to Traditional Drumming
Ignorance is bliss Many of my friends and students who used to love and were super rock stars at the drum circles got bored there and started to learn traditional drumming. They got involved and into the west african djembe rhythms but now are having a hard time returning to the drum circle. They are… Read More »
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Djembe Bara, “Unity Of The Drum”! What is drumming really about?
What is drumming really about? Of course our beloved traditional hand drumming is about musicality, technique, history, culture, education, spirituality, devotion,self expression, creativity, love and I am sure I missed a few things. “Anke Dje Anke Be” means come to gather in peace in the Melinke language of the Mali Empire (the Bambara say anka… Read More »
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It’s All About The Groove! Groove Consciousness In Hand Drumming
Groove consciousness. I believe we all need more groove consciousness. Goove is good. Groove is groovy. What is a groove and why does it make us happy, why does it make us want to dance? To me, a groove is an energetic wave of music that picks me up and takes me with it. Its… Read More »
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One Style Or Different Drumming Styles? It’s All Music.
There are several different ways for serious students to learn and to study traditional and folkloric drumming from other countries. Today I am going to talk about two different approaches, completely different and both are valid in my book. We can try to be universal, find commonality and study the underlying principles and basic structures… Read More »
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Wearing A Djembe Drum, Important Tips On Posture and Playing To Help You Play Easier With Out Pain
Playing the djembe drum standing up is very different then playing seated. You now have more volume but you also have a weight on your shoulders and therefore, lower back as well. Playing standing up takes time and patience to get used to and to learn and special training can help for this as well.… Read More »
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Holistic Drumming, Simplifying The Learning Process
Learning west african djembe and dunun compositions. Instead of watching every different Youtube video, lessons, buying every DVD and gathering and storing mass amounts of information with the intention of learning evertyhing, try and focus on one rhythm at a time. Just one. Come up with a plan of attack. All the information in the… Read More »