Tag: drummers
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Unity of the drum-Empowering ourselves and others through music and drumming
Where Words Fail, Drumming Speaks Let me share something with you that resonates deeply in my heart: where words fall short, drumming has the power to elevate and connect us in ways that mere conversation cannot. I’m not here to dive into the complexities of politics or the myriad issues plaguing governments around the world.… Read More »
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The hands of Chief James Hawthorne Bey
Did you know that the system for pulling the drum, the “no hole” roping system using the two rim system was created by and came directly out of the hands of Chief James Hawthorne Bey? He got the idea from conga drums, and first used it on Ashiko drums. 494 Macon Street in Brooklyn New… Read More »
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An Interview With Michael Markus Of Wula Drum
I had the good fortune recently to have a Q and A session with the incredible Michael Markus. Known not only for his great drumming, wit and humour he is co founder of the Wula Drum company, Wula Dance Retreat and runs the World Percussion Center in NYC. For many years he has been one of the… Read More »
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Hand Drumming In The Modern Age
In the Afro Cuban conga drum world and in the traditional based West African hand drumming and performance world there is a huge obsession with speed, rolls and “impressive” licks. This is what I call performance oriented drumming. It is created to impress and to entertain others. It has a certain and strong “wow factor”.… Read More »
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New Wula Drums Are Available Now!
Wula Drum headed by legendary drummer Michael Markus has a dedicated team of drum builders in Guinea, West Africa. They work very hard every season to provide the highest-quality instruments using the best materials. Their djembes are sourced from the best hardwoods in Guinea: Lengue, Khadi, Acajou, Doukie, Koula Koula, as well as Melina Wood for… Read More »
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Who Can Play The Drum? Everyone Is Welcome.
Who exactly can play drums? Is everyone welcome? I say if you come to the drum with respect, yes! Music is music. The drum is a musical instrument. Drumming is music and music see’s no colors, race or age. It is as simple as that. People may see that, (race, color, sex,age) and people may… Read More »
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Drumming Is An Art Form
Drumming is an art form and the drum is a musical instrument. It needs to be learned. Why? There are many different styles of drumming from many different places. I have studied drum music originating from West Africa and end also ending up in the new world. Some people call it traditional african drumming. This… Read More »
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My New How To Play Djembe DVD is now available at X8drums.com
Well folks, it is finally here! After a very long road of playing, videoing, shooting, editing and re editing I am very excited to let you all know that my all new DVD, “How To Play Djembe” Volume 1 is now available at X8drums.com. It is over 1 hour and 40 minutes long and covers… Read More »
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Mali and Guinea West Africa trip photos of musicians, dancers and drummers
[smooth=id:2]; I took these photos on my two trips to Mali and Guinea, West Africa where I studied traditional djembe, drumming, music, culture and African music and dance. Drummers photos feature my teachers Aruna, Brulye and Siaka. Guinea photos at the late great Komoko Sano’s home and compound. Read More »