Category: Blog
-
Drumming Is An Art Form
Drumming is an art form and the drum is a musical instrument. It needs to be learned. Why? There are many different styles of drumming from many different places. I have studied drum music originating from West Africa and end also ending up in the new world. Some people call it traditional african drumming. This… Read More »
-
Getting Real With Our Drumming
It Takes All Types! I met with a very old friend today, one of the first people I ever drummed with back in the early 70’s and some one who has inspired and encouraged me in the past as well. We were on the beach talking to some kids from Sweeden and he was telling… Read More »
-
Stand Up For Your (Drummers) Rights!
Being prepared through communication and having your bases covered. I have made an agreement with myself that I also tell anyone hiring me for a gig, or to prospective bands that I will not play unless i am properly mic’d. Just like any other player in the band or group. Conga drums especially need microphones.… Read More »
-
Open Mic Nights: The Good And The Bad
Open Mic Nights: The Good And The Bad or “Don’t Play for Free”! Open mic nights at clubs are a perfect way for beginning musicians of all kinds to get a chance to break their cherries so to speak, to see what it’s like to play in front of people and to play with others… Read More »
-
All The Parts Are Equally Important In Traditional Roots Drumming
In 1985 I took my first (legal) trip to Cuba to study music. I was in love at once. Besides the fact that everyone liked us even though we were Americans shocked me. The media had once again mislead me. One of the other many things that shocked me in a very positive way was… Read More »
-
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 »
-
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 »
-
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 »
-
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 »
-
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 »
-
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 »