I find it fascinating how different styles of drum groups evolve. I have found a taiko group here in San Diego that have been playing together for many years and get together to practise a few times a week. ( I managed to get in for a couple of lessons) I was first introduced to taiko through a workshop i did in the UK with the Kodo drummers who are based on Sado Island in Japan. Read More
Anna-Maria Hefele demonstrates overtone singing, a voice technique where it seems like one person sings two notes at the same time.
Here’s a collaboration I did last year with a singer in Thailand – Yam Bongkote.
Nehemiah
This drum is used in southern India, often a counterpart to the Pakhawaj. The Mridangam is the most important drum in Karnatic music.
Today, I had the unexpected honour to play with Lew Silver, a Chumash Indian. Lew played Native flute, Michael played traditional First Nations drum whilst I accompanied them with my Irish bodhran. Read More
This weekend I heard a story about how whilst driving in a Hopi reservation, a wrong turn was taken and a group of people found themselves in a cul-de-sac. As they turned around to retrace their tracks they noticed what seemed like eagle sculptures on each of the 5 house roofs. On closer examination, they were astounded to see that they were in fact live Golden eagles! Apparently the Hopi people in years past used to bind their prayers to their feet, a bird that flies higher than any other, in order that they would carry their prayers closer to God. They would risk climbing cliffs and the attacks of the mother birds in order to catch chicks, which they would then raise and train for this special tradition.
We are very honoured to have been invited to be part of a gathering of First Nations people this weekend at Morongo and Soboba Indian reservations.
Pictures ….. Read More
Enjoyed a late night showing with Jonathon Shelly in San Diego of “Feel like going home” by Martin Scorsese. A great look at the blues and it’s roots in Africa – some great archive material and some wonderful musical moments. If you like the Blues, then this is a must buy – I managed to find a copy this morning.
Thanks Mike Simpson for sharing this wonderful percussion ensemble on a lake in Siberia – a very COOL sound!
