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INTERVIEW with Percussionist Dave Crowder
1. Hi, can you tell us about how you first got interested in Afro Cuban drumming and music? Did you hear it somewhere or did a friend or someone else turn you on to it? I recorded a CD right at the end of the era of music CDs in 2000, before internet digital hosting… Read More »
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Gratitude
Its great to feel grateful! I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have discovered hand drumming in this lifetime. It has been a constant presence in my life, a source of sanity amidst the ebb and flow of people, relationships, and situations. It has kept me healthy and youthful. When I am feeling a bit… Read More »
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New School vs Old School: The Discussion Continues
I don’t know about you, but I find myself increasingly impressed by the seemingly endless videos on Facebook showcasing the miraculous and remarkable djembe and conga drum players. The speed, sound and power they achieve are nothing short of incredible. I often wonder, “how on earth do they get this speed”? And also, where their… Read More »
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Drumming As A Tool For Grounding Out Our Energy
A student recently asked me why drumming is considered a grounding activity. As someone who is already spiritually inclined and perhaps feels a strong connection to the metaphysical realm, they were looking to cultivate a deeper sense of grounding and connection to their physical body. In case you are not familiar with the term “grounding”… Read More »
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learning To Solo
Soloing Advice for Hand drummers. If you’re learning to solo on the djembe or congas, I have a piece of advice from my own experience that you might find useful. I’ve seen it work wonders for others as well. Consider this: when you’re about to play a solo or take the lead, think of yourself… Read More »
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There Is Always A Workaround-Keep Things Simple
If you’ve ever faced a serious injury that kept you from playing the drums or doing something else you love, I encourage you to look into the story of martial artist Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. After a judo accident left him with a mangled right knee, he refused to give up. Instead of throwing in the… Read More »
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I’m Back! classes in florida
Florida Hand Drumming: November Through January! I’m excited to share that I’ll be in South Florida from mid-November to mid-January, giving me a wonderful two-month opportunity to connect with all of you through the universal language of rhythm! During my time here, I would absolutely love to get together to drum, jam, and share some… Read More »
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To be an effective leader you must first be a good student
To be an effective leader and teacher, you first need to be a good follower, or student. Or at least have been one at some point in your journey. This foundation is critical as it shapes your ability to connect with others and understand the difficulties they may be having,. You have to remember your… Read More »
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The Four Agreements And Drumming
Here’s something I rewrote based on the book entitled “The Four Agreements” and its philosophy, and applied then it to drumming just for the fun of it. I recently picked up “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and I was genuinely struck by its depth and insight. The ideas presented in the book resonated… Read More »
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Need a Break?
Today, a friend mentioned that he’s taking a break from drumming. Instead of probing for reasons or trying to convince him to play again, I took a moment to reflect on my own journey with drumming. I don’t often stop or miss playing sessions, maybe only during very rare bouts of illness or when I… Read More »
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Traditional Drumming is happening again in South Florida!
Exciting news! Traditional-style drum jams featuring djembe sessions and conga sessions, led by Michael Pluznick, are returning to Loxahatchee at Serenity Gardens and various scenic locations in South Florida from mid-November to early January while I’m in the USA. If you’re interested in joining, please send me a private message. We play outdoors at retreats… Read More »
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fatala music ensemble
Marco Antonio Rico Belmont, also known as Marquito Balafon on Facebook from Mexico, recently shared some insightful thoughts about our discussion on the group “Fatala.” He emphasized the significance of Maestro Yacouba “Bruno” Camara as the director and founder, but he also wanted to shed light on the equally remarkable contributions of Arafan Touré. Arafan’s… Read More »
