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how to Take care of your djembe-And The best-Top Ten djembe repair people
Let’s talk about a reality that all drummers face: just like all good things, your goatskin or any animal skin on your drum is going to eventually give out. They pop. And sometimes seemingly for no reason. I have brought a brand new drum home fro a shop, put it into my house walked in… Read More »
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About the bongo
Over the years, many people have reached out to me seeking to learn how to play bongo drums. However, most of them lack a solid grasp of the basics of playing congas and often don’t realize they need to learn conga drums and clave first. Although bongos are traditional solo instruments in Latin band forms,… Read More »
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Michael Pluznick’s free online lessons are happening daily on facebook and instagram
For the past five months, I’ve been offering free daily classes in djembe, dunun, shekere, and other percussion instruments. I’ve been broadcasting on Facebook and Instagram live from Thailand, either outdoors at the Chiang Mai University campus or from a sound booth in my condo. These sessions are entirely free, and I’m not looking for… Read More »
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There is knowledge and Then there is knowing
There is knowledge and then there is knowing. When it comes to drumming, I’ve noticed there’s a big difference between just having knowledge and truly knowing what it’s all about—those are two entirely different things. Over the years, I’ve met a ton of people in the drumming community, some of whom have only a little… Read More »
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Conga Drums I Have Known And Loved-the Best Conga Drums ever!
I recently came across a post with a photo of some vintage and very rare conga drums I had sold to a local guy in California, only to discover later that they had found a new home in a museum. Quite frequently I see my drums, or what used to be my drums on posts… Read More »
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Les Ballets Africains
Les Ballets Africains has a fascinating history that traces back to the incredible vision of Fodéba Keïta, a Guinean poetry student who immersed himself in the rich cultural tapestry of West African performance. In 1948, while in France, he founded a poetry troupe aimed at showcasing African art and culture. This endeavor soon evolved into… Read More »
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What is the Difference Between Conga Drums and Djembe Drums ?
What is the Difference Between Conga Drums and Djembe Drums? A Brief History First, let’s take a brief look at the history of the conga drum. Originating in Cuba, conga drums were initially fashioned from old reclaimed oak wood wine barrels and featured tack heads. Over time, metal tensioners (lugs with metal side plates attached… Read More »
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José Luis Quintana, AKA “changuito”
Changuito: The Master Timbale Player and Percussionist In 1985 I went on a musical tour to Cuba to study drumming and also attend the Veradaro Jazz Festival. While at the festival my friend Rob Holland who was also on the tour told me to get up and go film the timbale player for the group… Read More »
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Rhythms of Expression: Finding Your Voice in Djembe Soloing
We’ve spent some time chatting about the various styles and types of hand drumming across different countries—traditional, folkloric, village, and city styles—and also about drum circles and open jam sessions. If you’re interested in learning more about each of these styles, I invite you to check out the articles already here on my website, where… Read More »
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Embracing Traditional Folkloric Drumming: A Guide for Hand Drummers
Embracing Traditional Folkloric Drumming: A Guide for Hand Drummers As a new hand drummer diving into the world of traditional and folkloric music, you may be seeking guidance on how to play in an ensemble, jam with others, or even take a djembe solo. If that resonates with you, I’d like to share some valuable… Read More »
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The Times have Changed for drummers
Back in the 70s, drummers with a vast knowledge of world rhythms from different genres were pretty rare. Of course there were some, but not like today. Very few had the chance to travel to places like Africa to study with masters or experience the rhythms of Cuba. Milt Holland legendary percussionist did. Nowadays, that… Read More »
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Does Magic Happen At Drum Circles?
Over the years, I’ve come across many posts—most recently from someone I’ve never met in person but with whom I’ve established an online rapport, sharing ideas and perspectives. These posts often discuss experiences at drum circles, where everyone seems to come together to create a single heartbeat, a moment of unity that feels profoundly spiritual.… Read More »
