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Developing Your Deepest Creative Drumming
To be “deeply creative” go into the learning mode In the hand drum world there is a lot of talk and pride about expressing your own inner rhythm. Being creative. Doing your own thing. Soloing. Freestyle. And I am all for it. I acknowledge my inner rhythm and your inner rhythm. it is a beautiful… Read More »
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Cocobolo Claves $24
If you want to be heard at the back of the Salsa club, at home, in a drum circle, at a recording session or a casual jam with your friends, Cocobolo is the wood that cuts through the loudest. Cocobolo is a very dense wood, bright orange to deep red and dark purple, with pronounced… Read More »
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Ardub Hand Rub with Arnica $10
Relief for the toughest demands met by drummers’ hands. Ardub Hand Rub was created to soothe and promote fast healing of sore hands due to hand drumming. As a professional percussionist for over 16 years, Ryan “Manito” Wendel understood the tough demands that must be met by drummers’ hands. After a hot Salsa gig, his hands… Read More »
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New Banded Manito Congas On The Way
Here is the story and photos of some new and very creative work by drummer and artisan Ryan Manito Wendel. (with the help of mother nature herself). These drums are not finished yet and will have traditional style stainless steel hardware. For those of you unfamiliar with Manito Percussion, Ryan is one of the few… Read More »
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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 huge fan of the Manito Percussion solid shell one peice congas, bongos and natural drum skins. As a matter of fact, I have a set of Maple Ambrosia congas and also his black walnut bongos,… Read More »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
