Category: Recently Added
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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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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 »
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Mapalé: A Rhythm and dance from Colombia
Mapalé: A Rhythm And Dance From Colombia Mapalé is a vibrant and energetic traditional dance and music style that originates from northern Colombia, specifically in the coastal city of Cartagena. Its roots trace back to Africa, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora in Colombia. In Cartagena, one of the first free towns… Read More »
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Where am I?
Where are you? Understanding and feeling the basic pulse or heartbeat of a rhythm is crucial for both drummers and dancers because it provides the structure and foundation for all rhythmic patterns that are played. You need to know where you are in any rhythm or musical situation you are in. Where does the rhythm… Read More »
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Is it the drum or drummer?
Is it the drum or the drummer, the carpenter or the hammer? You know the old debate. It’s like asking whether it’s the ballplayer or the bat. There are two sides to this discussion, with no definitive right or wrong in my opinion. From my experiences, I’ve seen incredible drummers produce amazing sounds on what… Read More »
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Its all about simplicity
I once had the chance to catch a remarkable performance in Providence, Rhode Island, where a solo percussionist played an entire outdoor gig for a jazz trio using nothing but a triangle. This experience shifted my perspective on percussion in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It served as a powerful reminder that it’s not the quantity… Read More »
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why do people call percussion instruments toys?
The perception of percussion instruments as “toys” is a perplexing topic deserving thorough examination. There are several angles to consider. To begin with, while it is true that you can produce sound immediately by striking a drum or shaking a tambourine, that should not overshadow the fact that mastering percussion requires just as much knowledge… Read More »