More "Got Riqq?" T-shirts...

Thanks to those who've responded already! After some discussion, I decided to change the design and create some white t and light t-shirts which are less expensive than the dark t-shirts. I hope that this helps fit your budgets better! I also added several women's clothing designs to give you all some more choices.



I also created a cool tote bag, perfect for carrying your drums and percussion toys to the next drum circle or gig! Enjoy, and thanks for supporting my blog.

All these designs and more can be found on my Cafe Press site: http://www.cafepress.com/sonicplanet

The Art of FrameDrumming Workshop with Marla Leigh

Sonic Planet Productions Presents

The Art of FrameDrumming Workshop with Marla Leigh

In this compelling workshop, we will uncover the dynamic and magical world of frame drumming and rhythm from the Middle East, Africa and India as well as the art of improvisation.

You will leave this powerful and very informative percussion immersion with all of the tools necessary to become a confident, creative and fully inspired improvising drummer.

WHEN: Saturday, May 15, 10:30am-4pm & Sunday, May 16, 12 -4pm

COSTS: Saturday ONLY, $55 - Saturday and Sunday, $95

Bring a friend and each receive $5 off workshop

WHERE: Grass Valley Taiko Dojo, St Joseph’s Cultural Center, Grass Valley, CA

To Register: Call 530.432.2716 or visit http://www.sonicplanetproductions.com/

About the Instructor: Marla Leigh is a Los Angeles based professional Percussionist, Flautist, Composer and Educator, who specializes in the frame drum. She is a well-recognized teacher and performer in the world of frame drumming, and has created a unique approach both in playing and in teaching this instrument.

For more info: www.sonicplanetproductions.com 530.432.2716 www.marlaleigh.com

Riqq Classes in LA

Evan Gavriel Fiske will be giving some riq workshops this summer in LA:

Riq workshop series Los Angeles 2009

Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29 and August 5

Beginners 7-8:30 pm

Classical, cabaret and folkloric holding positions
10-12 essential Middle-Eastern rhythms
Development exercises, finger rolls, odd-meter rhythms and more
Learn a new instrument this summer!

Intermediate 8:30-10 pm

Focus on classical technique and finger rolls
Advanced development and independence exercises
Rare traditional and long rhythms such as 13, 14, 16 and 19 beats
Focus on solos, accompaniment and the full sonic potential of the riq

Classes $25 each, or $80 pre-reg for all 4

Classes at Studio Iqaat in Eagle Rock
3515 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

To register or for questions email: gavrielsdrum at yahoo dot com. Evan will also be available during this time for private lessons in Venice Beach.

Evan is originally from California, and lived in Egypt for most of 1999 and 2000 and much of the class material is based on his studies there. For the last 7 years he has been based in Israel.

Check out his website: www.drumwise.net

Broken riqq

OUCH! Unfortunately, I went to pack my riq for my trip to Israel and I discovered that the fish skin head had pulled away from the shell. Looks like no riq for this trip. I talked to the guys at Cooperman today and I am shipping it back to them for reheading. I am going to go with the weatherking head this time, the fish skin is too temperamental.

Jarrod Cagwin Riqq Solo

Jarrod Cagwin on riqq:

Riqq Video by Nader Marcos

Here's some nice Riqq work by Nader Marcos:

The Arabic character for Riq is...

Finally, I have discovered the the arabic word for Riq.
Here it is : رق‎
I have been searching for this word, as I have wanted to create a T-Shirt with it on it, but since I am not a native Arabic speaker, I didn't have a clue. Plus I certainly didn't want to put something stupid, in another language, on a T-Shirt. [Nothing worse than wearing the Arabic equivalent of "Kick Me"].

I finally stumbled onto it on the Riq entry page on the Wikipedia site. I hope that this is the correct word/character. If I have misrepresented this, please let me know in the comments section of this blog article.

Hatem Ammous Demonstrates Tunesian Rhythms Part 3

In part 3 of this video podcast series, David Kuckhermann interviews music professor Hatem Ammous, while on a recent trip to Tunesia.


Here, Professor Ammous demonstrates the Sufi and Tunesian rhythm "Btaihi", illustrating the Sufi method, the modern method and the popular method of playing it on the Bendir. He also plays it on the Dourbouka. I really like the finger work on this rhythm.



Also, in this video Professor Ammous demostrates the Tunesian method for playing the Riq (known in Tunesia as the "Tar"). He then goes on to play the rhythm "Btaihi" on the Riq. It's a unique and really cool method of 'turning' the drum, keeping the right hand stationary in space.



He finishs the session playing the rhythm "M'dawar" on all three drums.



So far, this is my favorite video of the series!

Riq instruction with David Kuckhermann

Here's another instructional video by David Kuckhermann. This video focuses on Riq playing techniques.

Glen Velez Finger Snap Lesson

Here's a short video on how to finger snap by Glen Velez:

Javier Villar on Youtube

Here's a nicely produced, filmed and recorded Riq solo by Javier Villar:

Jarrod Cagwin Riq solo

Here's a short but sweet Riq solo in the "classical" position:

Cooperman Riq Auction on Ebay

Looking for a Cooperman Riq with a Renaissance head? There an auction on eBay that just started: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270188498638

Pete Lockett Riq Solo

Check out Pete Lockett on this Riq solo:

Jerry Leake on YouTube

Here's a nice video of Jerry Leake solo'ing on Riq.

David Kuckhermann on YouTube

Here's a great video by David Kuckhermann on Riq.

Yousif Sheronick on YouTube

Here's a great solo by Yousif Sheronick on Riq, on YouTube. He plays a Kevork Riq in this video.

N. Scott Robinson on YouTube

This is my all-time favorite Riq solo by N. Scott Robinson. The song is called "Shaken not Stirred" it's off his "Things that happen fast" album.



Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mmtJWHlY_U

Website for Eli Huli

Eli Huli has a new website up and it features beautiful pictures of his drums (like the Riq above). He makes Riq's, framedrumes (in various sizes), and Kanjira. Eli lives in Israel, where he makes the drums.

Here's his contact information:

Eli Huli
Website: http://www.nurikom.com/elihuli
Givati st. # 4 Holon zip 58239
Israel
Phone number
00-972-522540822
00-972-35018669

New Artist Series Riq on order

I ordered a new Artist Series Riq from Cooperman Drums this week. I sold my other Cooperman Riq to a friend who had gotten bit by the Riq 'bug'. It was the perfect excuse to upgrade to the Artist Series Riq. I configured it with the fish skin, rather than the synthetic head, same as I had on my other riq. The fish skin takes a little more maintenance, I always detuned the drum after playing it so that the Fish Skin head wouldn't become stretched out over time. It means that I can't just pick up the drum and start playing it without first tuning it up. But I feel that the Fish Skin head really gives it a nice tight "Tek". Anyone else have their own experience with the Fish Skin versus synthetic heads on Cooperman drums?

I'll post again, with pictures, once I receive my new drum in the next week.