A wonderful tradition of singing that many people associate with Switzerland although there are many forms that have been traced back to Georgia, Persia, Central Asia and Central Africa. In Appenzell, they come in two forms: the Zäuerli and Ruggusseli yodels. The Ruggusseli is thought to be a sadder yodel due to being sung in minor keys.
Enjoying the amazing city of Geneva where you can hear most of the world’s language’s as you walk down the streets. I played at a wonderful gathering of the nations. 12 hours of musical expression, praying for the country and it’s people. This is the city where many organisations have their headquarters, including the UN, International Red Cross and World Health Organization’s. I was amazed to go to the church where the International Red Cross was started – a vision in 1863 that now has around 97 million volunteers! WOW! This weekend is the 200th year celebrations of Geneva joining the Swiss Confederation.
Just got sent a video of a track I worked on in 2009 in the UK with my friend Dave Bankhead. He had produced the backing track and they have now recorded a vocal arrangement out in Rwanda.
Read my report of travels in Rwanda, July 2000 here. ♥
A bit of a road trip on the way back to San Diego from Monterey down the Pacific coast highway. We had been invited to play in Monterey with some musicians we had met just a couple of weekends ago. Not only did we play some wonderful music but we stayed in amazing log cabins, shared a fantastic meal and enjoyed wonderful conversation and laughter. If that wasn’t enough we then had a wonderful couple of days, wandering southwards, enjoying the amazing rocky coastline. A very thankful boy!
Pictures …….. Read More
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.
