Tag: drum
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Back to basics part one, “where is the one” in West African djembe music?
Drumming to me, especially drumming from the African diaspora is about learning and always playing basics, or “fundamentals”. If you have ever read any of my articles, you may have noticed me saying, “with out the framework the house will fall down”. Like any other musical instrument you have to practice regularly. No matter what… Read More »
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Dealing with complainers at drum jams
Before coming to a drum circle, drum lesson or class please leave your personal baggage at home. The music scene or drum jam is not the place to bring your personal issues. Please resolve your issues or complaints outside and away from the drums or drum scene. Many beginners unaware of how beginning they are… Read More »
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Coming Soon! Toca Stage Series Pro wood djembe. Review and long term test by Michael P
On a recent trip to Ubud, Bali Indonesia to visit the Bali Treasures company, also known as the Drum Factory I was able to get my hands on the new Toca Stage Series Pro wood djembe for a long term test. This is the factory that makes them for the Toca in USA. Not only… Read More »
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How to Play Congas: Very basic technique, position and tones
“With out strong framework the house will collapse’. In this ‘follow along” video/ conga lesson we will begin to explore how to position your hands and also how to make basic sounds on the conga drum. This is part one. For more info go to: www.michaelpluznick.com Read More »
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Guinea djembe rhythms “Kuku” solo tech part one rear view and very slow
In this video I am playing the popular and social Kuku rhythm from Guinea (Guinee) West Africa where I lived and studied. These are solo techniques I learned from my various teachers in Africa and the USA including Hawaii, California and the east coast as well. Read More »
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Dununba Dance and Drum party in Guinee West Africa
This is from a Dununba community African drum and West African dance party I sponsored when I was staying and studying with the late, great teacher and master choreorgapher and percussionist Kemoko Sano (aka Komoko Sano) at his compound in Mervielles, Conakry, Guinee, West Africa a few years ago. Read More »
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The late Great Pello EL Afrokan, our teacher
In 1985 we traveled to Cuba to learn about Cuban culture, study the music and experience the Cuban lifestyle. We were young and looking for musical and cultural adventures . While staying at the hotel in Havana we met Pello el Afrokan in our lobby. We told him about our quest to study Cuban… Read More »
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Shekere demo excerpts from “How to Play Sekere (Shekere) volume 2
The Sekere is also known as Chekere or Shekere depending on where you are and who you talk to. This is a 2 hour DVD on many different aspects of how to play a Sekere (Shekere) including playing with a group of players, playing traditional style, non traditional style and with a band or popular… Read More »
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How to Play Afro Haitian Rhythms: Yan Valu by M. Pluznick on Toca Elite Pro Series congas
How to Play Afro Haitian Rhythms: Yan Valu by M. Pluznick form an up and coming soon to be released “How to Play Congas” DVD! Wade Peterson (seconde) conga, Ben Issacs 6/8 long bell, boula (up beats with sticks) Ray Titus politos This is an example of how to play the Yan Valu rhythm pattern… Read More »
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Afro Cuban “Quinto Lock” the secret solo ride for rumba by M. Pluznick
Michael Pluznick and friends on Toca Elite Pro Series congas! This video excerpt from How to Play Conga Drums shows the top secret “quinto lock” or solo ride pattern that fits or locks in between notes of the guaguanco rumba pattern, in this case a Yambu or slow Guagunaco. Michael first demonstrates the pattern hand… Read More »
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Much Fun @ Bali Treasures retail store and drum factory in Ubud Bali Indonesia
If you are a drummer or musician or just love percussion and you are ever in Bali (or on line) you owe it to yourself to check out Bali Treasures. I was recently in Ubud Bali where I had the pleasure to meet the owner of the Bali Treasures retail store Ed A. Balma. Ed also… Read More »
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Amazing and athletic dancers solo and perform at traditional “Dununba” drum and dance party @Kemoko Sano’s
Very athletic and amazing dancers solo and perform at a “dununba” community drum and dance celebration. Dununba refers to “strong mans dance” as it was originaly called and used as. This djembe drum and west african dance party takes place at my friend and teachers house, the late, great and legendary Konoko Sano of Ballettes… Read More »