Check out some of the traditional instruments that we used on Mark Riley’s recordings.
This is a pahu drum used in hula. I have seen two versions, a short one used in Hula (pahu hula) and a taller one, often called a temple drum (pahu heiau) apparently used in religious ceremonies. They play it with their fingers or hands or both. It is made from the bottom of a coconut tree or breadfruit wood and in the past often the skin was made of shark, nowadays hide and plastic are often used.
I have really enjoyed learning Tahitian log drumming from a master player in Kauai. Tepairu Manea also makes Polynesian instruments, you can check out his stuff here. On Mark Rileys new recording we used a Tuerre playing a traditional Tahitian rhythm as a foundation for one of the new songs. Read More
Korean drums ….. Samulnori is a traditional percussion music which originates in Korea. Nori means ‘to play’ sa means ‘four’ and mul meaning ‘objects’. I believe it was a music that celebrated a good harvest amongst farmers in rural villages. Read More
During my visit with the Mandinka people of The Gambia, I was very fortunate to see the complete process of making a drum, from the choosing of the wood to the finished article. Read More
The Maori – the indigenous people of New Zealand/Aotearoa
Our thanks go to Cindy Ruakere, from NZ for her friendship and input.
Historically the Maori were a people whose traditions and history were recorded and transmitted orally with the greatest of care. The traditional vehicle for this treasure were chants, song, dance and playing of instruments and this continues to be the means of transferring knowledge from Tipuna (ancestors), to the present day, to Mokopuna (grandchildren)……
Every chant, song, haka and sound had a useful purpose. It caused strength to be gained through learning of one’s history, it averted evil, relieved the mind of sorrow when a battle was lost or a loved one killed, it could obtain the love of a woman on whom the heart was set. As numerous as the sounds are, so too were the reasons for them. Read More
Through the amazing response of CD and DVD sales, the first phase of work has been completed and the village of Mnase now has water. The main pump is now working as you can see from the first pictures we have received of the work in Tanzania. Read More
I think this is a very difficult term to pin down. I haven’t found a definitive definition, in fact it is interesting to note that the UN has decided that the best approach is to identify rather than define indigenous peoples. Read More
We are excited to tell you about a project Martin played on that has just been released in the States as a benefit to Zao water.
I dreamed there was a fountain – John Mark McMillan
Rivers – Eric Hurtgen
There is a time – Leonard Jones
Time at home and Holiday September – October)
September was a time for rest and taking some time to help at the community mother house. It was so good to be home and enjoying the simple community life again www.northumbriacommunity.org …. we feel very fortunate to have such an amazing base that we can call home.
At the beginning of October we gathered family in the south of Spain for Martin’s 50th ….. lots and lots of food, games and laughter ….. also much fun watching the English rugby team beat Australia, in the World Cup finals whilst sitting in the sun!!!
A brief phone call, and we were on our way to help with a drum circle – gathering on a rooftop club in downtown San Diego. San Diego with its unique climate has many rooftop clubs and bars. The event organiser had been thinking about us, and when we rang to say hello and catch up, he was amazed to hear that we were in the country ….. over 100 people gathered from all over America and the sound of many rhythms could be heard over most of the city!!
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