Month: December 2010
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Learning with the help of tools: camcorders, cameras and recording devices
Learning music and dance from the African diaspora can be fun but also challenging at times. If you did not grow up listening, drumming or dancing to this music then it may take some time to learn. There are different ways we all learn. Some people learn best by math or numbers. Understanding how rhythms… Read More »
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Basic’s: “clave concept” an introduction
It is all about basics and fundamentals. One of the fundamentals of all West African drumming is the clave concept. What is the clave concept? In Spanish, the clave is the cornerstone on which a wall is built. Musically and for our purposes here, we will talk about the clave not only an instrument (two… Read More »
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Back to basics part one, “where is the one” in West African djembe music?
Drumming to me, especially drumming from the African diaspora is about learning and always playing basics, or “fundamentals”. If you have ever read any of my articles, you may have noticed me saying, “with out the framework the house will fall down”. Like any other musical instrument you have to practice regularly. No matter what… Read More »
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Dealing with complainers at drum jams
Before coming to a drum circle, drum lesson or class please leave your personal baggage at home. The music scene or drum jam is not the place to bring your personal issues. Please resolve your issues or complaints outside and away from the drums or drum scene. Many beginners unaware of how beginning they are… Read More »
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Top 10 do’s and dont’s at a drum circle, drum jam or party
If you are walking into an unkonwn situation be it a drum circle, drum jam, party or a dance class here are some general guidelines of etiquette to follow. They may seem pretty simple and you may or may not agree with them. But if you follow them you will have a much more harmonius… Read More »
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How to solo on djembe part one: my philosophy
Soloing on any drum especially djembe can be daunting at first. Everyone wants to do it but how do we start? First of all, what is a solo or “lead” as we also say in the drumming world? Traditionally speaking a solo in West African music, specifically music from Guinee and Mali is a phrase… Read More »
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Amazing female dancer at West African Dununba drum and dance celebration at Kemoko Sano’s compound
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… Read More »
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Surviving drum circles and dance classes, intensity and dynamics.
One of the many problems of playing in drum jams, especially on outside or without microphones, is hurting your hands and playing too loud. Just to hear yourself play is often a struggle. The problem is that each person, in his or her own struggle to be heard usually plays as loud as he can.… Read More »
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Bali Treasures drum and percussion shop in Ubud, Bali
If you are a drummer or musician or just love percussion and you are ever in Bali (or on line) you owe it to yourself to check out Bali Treasures. I was recently in Ubud Bali where I had the pleasure to meet the owner of the Bali Treasures retail store Ed A. Balma. Ed also… Read More »
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Coming Soon! Toca Stage Series Pro wood djembe. Review and long term test by Michael P
On a recent trip to Ubud, Bali Indonesia to visit the Bali Treasures company, also known as the Drum Factory I was able to get my hands on the new Toca Stage Series Pro wood djembe for a long term test. This is the factory that makes them for the Toca in USA. Not only… Read More »