-
One on One Interview with Ryan Manito Wendel of Manito Percussion
As you may all already know, or if you have seen any of my videos or posts, I am a […] Read More »
-
La Mano Secreta “The Secret Hand Technique”
La Mano Secreta or “The Secret Hand” is what I call a ‘technique’ or rhythm system for playing rolls with a heel tip (a.k.a. palm tip or shuffle) on your left hand. If you are lefty then it would be your right hand and when you get more advanced you play it on both hands. Read More »
-
Interview: Afro Caribbean Folkloric Dancer And Dance Teacher Kimberly Miguel Mullen
I recently had the opportunity to work with the amazing dancer and dance teacher Kimberly Miguel Mullen at her special Afro Cuban Folkloric dance workshop in Nevada City, California. Nevada city is situated on the beautiful Yuba river and is a thriving tourist and drum and dance community as well. Read More »
-
Giovanni Hildago, Zakir Hussain, Karamba Diabate And Our Group Rhythm Addicts, A Night To Remember
Last night was the celebration of the late Olatunji’s birthday. I am not sure how old he would have been. He was a man who changed my life and helped inspire me as well as countless others in the field of percussion and beyond. I was grateful to be part of an evening of celebration… Read More »
-
PM Percussion: An Interview With Drum Builder Peter Musser
I recently went to the studios of Peter Musser in Petaluma, California to see what exactly he was up to and I was blown away by the incredible drums he is making! Anyone considering an “artisan” conga, a conga drum or set of congas from an individual craftsman, should definitely check out Peter’s work. Here… Read More »
-
The Best Djembes: Professional Level Djembes And Where To Buy them
If you are in the market for a djembe drum you are faced with a huge variety of choices. There are djembes made in Africa, Bali and many different parts of the world. So what is the best djembe for you, for your needs and where do you get it? Which djembe drum should you… Read More »
-
Skype Lessons On Line With Michael Pluznick
I am now offering West African, Afro Cuban, and Fusion/Hybrid hand drumming classes of all types on line via Skype. I encourage any one who wants to learn more about drumming and how to play drums to contact me. All levels are welcome. If you have always wanted to drum or simply want to enhance… Read More »
-
The Ten Best Bongos On The Market Today
Who makes the best top quality high end professional Bongos? In my opinion it is almost always the smaller companies where there is one person in charge, personal attention to detail is foremost and the goal of the artist is more about making a solid great sounding instrument then being a mass marketed production line… Read More »
-
The Best Used Conga Drums On A Budget and How To Find Them
If you are on a shoestring budget and need the best possible conga drum for the lowest amount of money you are best off buying a used conga drum. If you know what to look for there are some great deals to be found. You can often by two high quality conga drums on the… Read More »
-
How to make your drum sound great! By Michael P with Ryan Manito Wendel
The best way to make our drums sound better, be it conga or djembe drum, is to play better. That […] Read More »
-
Manito Percussion Has Great Skins For Your Congas, Bongos and Djembe, Too!
I was just going through Manito Percussions web page and thought these skins might be of interest to some of you. The skin on your drum makes a huge difference in the sound quality of your instrument and unfortunately many drums, even high end conga drums have the skins, (or “heads” as some people call… Read More »
-
Axé Orixá is a film of the dance, drumming and chants of the Orixás
About the film: An illuminated film transmitting the dance, drumming and chants of the Orixás and their living presence in […] Read More »
