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Martin Neil

Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu - 'a hasty person misses the sweet things'

Tanzanian proverb
20. October 2012
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Tahitian drumming

By Drums, OceaniaNo Comments

I have been learning Tahitian drumming when ever I get a chance to come to Kaua’i – and this trip I was very honoured when my teacher, Tepairu Manea invited me to play at a small craft fair event with his band. I had so much fun. The instruments played are Tahitian log drums called Tuerre (pronounced Tuelle) and a type of bass drum known as a Pahu. Can you spot the haoli (white boy)?

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20. October 2012
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Hawaiian books

By OceaniaNo Comments

Na Pali 1One of the best books of Hawaii’s history is Shoal of Time – A history of the Hawaiian Islands written by Gavan Daws. The research that Gavan has done is incredible and he manages not to get bogged down in dates and details by telling fascinating stories that capture the stories and events of the people that have influenced the history of these amazing islands.

If you prefer novels, then try James A. Michener’s – Hawaii – a huge volume that paints an amazing picture of how the different people’s that have migrated to the islands have stamped their imprint upon the culture of the land.

16. October 2012
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The Flute Player

By Cambodia, WindNo Comments

On our trips to Cambodia we have met with and heard many stories of how musicians were persecuted during the Pol Pot dictatorship. Last night we watched a very moving documentary on a young flute players disturbing story of life during the Khmer Rouge take over and how he is now restoring traditional Khmer arts in Cambodia.

15. October 2012
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Hawaiian phrase

By OceaniaNo Comments

Hawaiian elders
Found this Hawaiian phrase – ‘IKE ‘IA NO A LOEA I KE KUAHU which translates as “An expert is recognized by the altar he builds.” The meaning behind the phrase is that “it takes a lifetime to learn and that wisdom comes with experience and time.” It also suggests that you should “Ask your elders and those who have walked before you to provide advice. They’ve already lived.”

12. October 2012
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New songs

By OceaniaNo Comments
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Creativity has no rules! As we explore new ideas with Mark Riley here on Kaua’i – we find ourselves building songs from very different beginnings. For instance some ideas have been thought through on ukelele and voice and appropriate backing and context is to be found – others start with a rhythmic foundation, allowing spontaneous new melodic structure to evolve. Here are some of the traditional rhythmic instruments I have been using to create – Read More

6. October 2012
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Tongan story

By OceaniaNo Comments

We have been out working in Hawai’i again – we love the mix of people we get to meet on the islands – came across this story of a Tongan dancer who is preserving traditional Tongan dance and stories in New Zealand.

29. September 2012
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Cambodia – Tro Ou

By StringsNo Comments

The Tro Ou (another instrument on the Garlands CD) is a two stringed bowed instrument with a long history of being played at weddings It is made out of a coconut and snake skin with 2 strings, the lower pitch string known as”Gor”  is approximately a C (in Western notation) and the higher, “Ek” is a G. The bow is called a “Chak'” and is made of hard wood and horsehair or fiber from a tree.

27. September 2012
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Skor Samphor

By DrumsNo Comments

This Cambodian drum is used to lead the Khmer orchestra in “Pin Peat” music and is called the Skor Samphor. It is barrel-shaped with two heads, one slightly larger than the other, played with the palms not sticks.

19. August 2012
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Northumbria community recording

By Music from the NationsNo Comments

DSC01612Over the summer we have been traveling around the country from Scotland to Wales and England collecting songs and recording musicians. What an amazing adventure and a real eye opener to the creativity within the community. The resulting CD will be an eclectic mix of styles – folk, string quartet, rock, instrumental and accapela  sung in English, Gaelic, Olde English and Dutch.

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Read More

5. August 2012
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