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
Thanks Mike Simpson for sharing this wonderful percussion ensemble on a lake in Siberia – a very COOL sound!
Great to meet Isaac Hughes – he had just picked up a new instrument called an Esraj in Nepal.
Thanks Paul for this short clip – we are in Bangkok, Thailand and have been working on a wonderful new piece of music, drums and voice, with Yam Bongkote. Yam has a real understanding of how to mix the traditional Thai vocals with a more modern style of singing. The picture gives you an idea of what I used – bass drum, floor tom, gongs, small Thai drum, Khmer mahori drum, shaker and a skateboard!
On our arrival we listen to the drum orchestra practicing – getting ready for the following days recording.
We have been out in Spain and read about this regional style of flamenco from rural Malaga in the local paper. With a more elaborate rhythm section of hand claps, castanets, finger cymbals and tambourine, it gives a subtle Arabic feel to the music. I have heard this started as a very old style of folk song, that has over the years been adopted into the flamenco tradition. Verdailes is the name for the olive grown in this area of Andalucia – more info.
Another interesting podcast (thanks Kathryn O’Neil) from the World Service about flamenco music being revived as a form of protest during the economic crisis in Spain.
I always enjoy my annual bash at the Amarillo Polk Street Block Party. Downtown Amarillo becomes a feast of food, colour and sound as 4 stages of music help entertain the crowds. This was my 4th year to facilitate their drum circle. We always have a blast and this year it was as popular as ever – people queuing up to get a chance to play. Read More
At an open mic night we heard some wonderful Czech folk songs – the 3 singers are –
- Romana Kročilová
- Elenora Fikesová
- Monika Součková
For translation Read More
During our trip to the Czech Republic we came across these street musicians busking in Prague. A unique blend of Czech folk music using bagpipes.
