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

Great link with many of the great frame drummers

N. Scott Robinson recently posted this page to his website: http://www.nscottrobinson.com/framedrummers.php

It contains the names, photos and a short bio of many of the most influential, modern framedrummers.

Thanks, Scott!

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.

Peter Sumner, Framedrum Maker

I discovered a wonderful framedrum maker in the San Francisco bay area, his name is Peter Sumner. He makes all types of framedrums, tippers and brushs. He makes tunable Bodhrans. He will be selling his drums as a vendor at both the Lark Camp (July 27 - Aug 4, 2007) and Mendocino Middle Eastern Music Camp (Aug 12 -19, 2007).

I hope that we'll also plan a few frame drum classes at his house in Redwood City. I'll post more here when that happens.

Peter Sumner
E-mail: petersumner AT mac DOT com
Web: http://web.mac.com/petersumner/iWeb/Site/Inventory.html

Kirmizigul Darbukas

Here's a link for a drum maker in Turkey. I don't know much abou them, but they do have beautiful instruments on their website: http://www.kirmiziguldarbukas.com/index.asp

Framedrummers Tribe

Here's a couple links for some Framedrummer and Middle Eastern Drumming "Tribes". What's a tribe? It's an online community for folks who share common interest...

• http://tribes.tribe.net/framedrummers
• http://mideastpercussion.tribe.net/
• http://tribes.tribe.net/dumbek
• http://tribes.tribe.net/arabicmusicians
• Fans of Souhail Kaspar
• Fans of Hossam Ramzy

Tuning your Frame Drum

There has been a really thread conversation going on over at the Framedrum yahoo group.

Here's a gem of a quote from Glen Velez on techniques for tuning your (tunable) frame drum (Riq, Tar, Bodhran):

"the Cooperman drums are so well made and the tuning is so sensitive that very precise tuning is possible. tap the tak's near each tuning device. use a sequential criss cross pattern, tune one small area and then the one across from it on the far side of the head. this can take several sequences around the head to match the pitch all around the head. when you are satisfied with the taks, then do the same thing with the dum's. when you are finished let the drum settle in for a couple of hours and check it to see if any area has changed noticeably. that can happen because the drum will slowly settle in to the new tuning. I consider these drum like timpani in regards to the tuning, so the more attention you pay to that aspect the better it will sound."

New Video Podcast on Frame drumming

I discovered that David Kuckhermann has started a video podcast series focused on framedrumming. I haven't looked at them yet, but from my previous experience with David's work, I sure that you'll be amazed:

Check it out at http://framecast.libsyn.com

2007 Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music

The Arabesque Foundation for Arab Culture is pleased to announce the third annual Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music.

The Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music (www.heartlandseminar.com) offers a five-day residential program focusing on classical Arabic music. The seminar, held from March 25-30, is designed both for people who wish to begin their study as well as those who seek to improve their skills.
The Heartland Seminar features internationally-recognized academics and performers who will offer individualized instruction in qanun, violin, nay, 'ud, percussion, and voice in addition to ensembles, lectures, and workshops. Instructors are members of the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble along with visiting scholars/musicians: Hicham Chami of Chicago, Hanna Khoury of Philadelphia, Dr. Scott Marcus of Santa Barbara, Naser Musa of Los Angeles, Kinan Abou-Afach of Chicago, Karim Nagi of Boston, and Youssef Kassab of New York City. All instructors have extensive background in education and workshop-conducting in addition to being recording artists and performers.

The Heartland Seminar is sponsored by the Arabesque Foundation for Arab Culture, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of classical Arabic, Turkish, and Armenian music. The Arabesque Foundation promotes concerts, publishes a magazine, conducts educational workshops, and produces recordings.
The location is DeKoven Center in Racine, Wisconsin, a conference center on Lake Michigan. DeKoven is convenient to Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, yet offers a secluded setting conducive to the seminar.

The cost for instruction including meals and lodging (double occupancy) is $575; the non-residential cost (two meals a day) is $495.
Further information about the Heartland Seminar, featuring press coverage and participant comments, may be found at:www.heartlandseminar.com

Arabesque Foundation for Arab Culture
1836 W. Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
***************************
(888) 699-2836 toll-free
(773) 856-6454 office
(866) 557-1749 fax

More online videos

From Andrea Piccioni

Here are some video's:

• http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1452810084
• http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1452834028

More Frame Drumming Videos

Here's some more links to drumming videos:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FLfGHvdm1c
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xq8LyDm-ls

Hand drum videos on the web

There is a growing collection of hand drum videos posted on the web video sharing services now. This is turning out to be a great way to see some folks demonstrating various techniques. Here's a collection of URL's which I compiled from the Framedrummer email list:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HBN9cpzook
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3D-8936400540957100435
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DVWJnXRk0eh4=20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dzl2ksyn1ZYY=20
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3D-1565973067659529161&hl=3Den
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmv7PuRXZOA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPd18fXnMEQ
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1565973067659529161&hl=en
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVreTAroWFQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZN_iECcis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AC6Ycg6F14&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSgrdpJHFP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ_NSiblCk8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puYjllSRrbQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vqzFxJdkn4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb7J5dcdpkk&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPiMMuyurzQ&mode=user&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx7tAh8Jzcg

Tonbak and Daf classes in the San Francisco Bay Area

Private weekly Persian Percussion (Tonbak+Daf) classes will be beginning next week in the South Bay (Santa Clara).

Lessons are $20 per session\hr. Taught by Shirzad Sharif using the Ostad Bahman Rajabi school of Tonbak techniques and thought....
eMail: shirzad AT shirzadsharif DOT com

PASIC happening this week

PASIC (the Percussive and Arts Socity) is holding their annual convention in Austin this week, Nov 8-11. This should be fun event if you're in the Austin area.

2007 Cooperman Drum Catalog Online!

I wanted to announce that the 2007 Cooperman Drum catalog is now available for download. If you are looking for a new hand drum, Cooperman makes the best hand drums on the planet (in my opinion). Whether you're in the market for a new Bodhran, Tar or Riq, Cooperman has a drum for you. I am especially interested to play their new artist series Riq (shown below) which is larger in diameter, smaller in width and includes an aluminum bearing edge (which helps balance the drum forward).

Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp

The Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp will be taking place in Mendicino on August 13-20, 2006. More information here: http://www.middleeastcamp.com/

Nice priced drums

I found the following source for nicely priced, quality drums: www.magictails.com/abydos/doumbek.html

Karim Nagi Instructional Riqq DVD

Wow, this is an incredible production. From the moment I first played this DVD, I was mezmerized by Karim Nagi's skill on the Riqq. He is also an excellent teacher, musician and entertainer. This instructional DVD is well thought out and organized. It's well mixed and mastered. Karim covers both the "Classical" style of play as well as the "Caberet" style of playing. He also provides some classic rhythm examples.
As a music teacher myself, I am always looking for new ways to create a learning experience for my students, and I think that Karim has accomplished that with this valuable learning tool. If you play the riq, or have ever considered playing the Riq, then this DVD is a valuable addition to your library.
The performance cuts on this DVD are also a nice touch. You get a chance to watch Karim play DVD along with Oud player Baha' Agha.
You can purchase a copy here: http://www.xauen-music.com/xauen-music/showCD.php?cd=10

Debute CD available from the SHARQ Ensemble

I just got notice that the SHARQ Ensemble has released their debute CD titled: "Revival". I haven't received my copy yet, but here's a description of the SHARQ Ensemble:

"The SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble is composed of Arab Americans. The group specializes in traditional Arabic music, as it was performed for hundreds of years in the royal courts, art houses and concert halls of past Arabic kingdoms. SHARQ maintains this lost tradition and renews it with the vitality of modern musical acumen, perspective and expertise.

You can order a copy here: http://www.xauen-music.com/xauen-music/showCD.php?cd=19

The SHARQ Ensemble includes the following musicians:

• Karim Nagi / riqq
• Kareem Roustom / oud
• Aboud Agha / vocals
• Hanna Khoury / violin
• Jamal Sinno / qanun
• Boujemaa Razgui / nay

Yuval Ron Ensemble

When: Thu. June 29 8pm $12 adv./$14 door
SEATED CONCERT <21WITH PARENT
Where: Don Quixote's Music Hall, Santa Cruz, CA
The Yuval Ron Ensemble unites the sacred and folkloric musical traditions of Jewish and Arabic cultures into an unusual musical celebration. Composer and world-music record producer Yuval Ron imparts the ancient and deep inter-cultural connection between these three traditions and the musical influences they share. Featuring songs from Morocco, Yemen, Andalusia, Bukhara and Israel. Yuval Ron is an Israeli composer and record producer of international reputation. His ensemble was featured in the World Festival of Sacred Music in LA 2002 and 2005 and International Peace Festival in Korea . Yuval Ron - oud, saz, musical director, Tehila Lauder - vocals, percussion, Nimrod Nol – violin, Dror Sinai - percussion, voice For more info and beautiful photos go to Yuval Ron Ensemble page at: www.yuvalronmusic.com