New Arabic Music Podcast

I just discovered an excellent podcast by Arabic violin player Sami Abu Shumays. In this podcast called Personal Performances, he interviews various other musicians. It's a well created and entertaining podcast. I started (of course) with the interview of Johnny Farraj on riq. Johnny started the educational website Maqam World. Good stuff.

David K on a Frame Drum Set

Check out this very cool video of David playing a framedrum drum set:
http://www.framedrums.de/media/frameset_1.wmv

Riq builder from Israel

The following message was posted by Marina on the Framedrum Yahoo group. I thought that it was worth reposting here. I don't have one of his drums, so I can't vouch for the quality, but it seems like a good reference:

"Hi everybody,There is a great riq builder from Israel, Eli Huli, who makes hand made riqs & frame drums. Zoar Fresco is playing his instrument. His phone is+972 522 540822 or +972 3 5018669. Contact him if you want a top class instrument. Prices are around 500$. (He still doesn't have an e-mail, but he'll get it soon.) Have all the best, Marina