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

Sami Yusuf- Kurdish Daf Player

Here's a Youtube video of Sami Yusuf on Daf

New Kanjira Instructional DVD released

Now Available for Secure Oline Order - New kanjira instructional DVD &
solo kanjira CD by Amrit Nataraj - just released!!

Available at http://www.nscottrobinson.com/ordering.php

- All proceeds go directly to the artists minus CC Now, shipping, and
packing fees.

1) DVD - Khanjira . . . A Journey Within by Amrit Nataraj - $25.00 plus
$5.00 shipping (US & Canada, international is more)

Instructional DVD (in NTSC only), 1 hour, focusing on the style and
techniques of G. Harishankar.

-This DVD features the real techniques used in the style of G.
Harishankar direct from his top disciple.

Amrit has a series of DVDs and a real method for learning the most
advanced techniques for kanjira. This first volume focuses only on
technique and is filled with exercises in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7, 8, and 9
subdivisions per beat with all of the various fingerings explained
clearly. These techniques can be applied to other frame drums. The final
section is on how to take the Ta Di Ki Na Tum phrase and play it in a
variety of subdivisions and speeds. There is also a short section on G.
Harishankar with a brief video clip of his playing as an historical
perspective. This DVD is unlike anything else available for kanjira
studies because of its technical focus.

2) CD - KhanjirAmrit by Amrit Nataraj - $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping (US &
Canada, international is more)

Audio CD tribute to G. Harishankar, 1 hour of mind blowing music by
India's top kanjira artist. The talam is clearly marked throughout with
small finger cymbals over-dubbed so following the intricacies of the
rhythm is easier. There are things on this CD no other kanjira player
has done before. Very nice booklet describing all the rhythmic
subdivisions of each piece with the CD in hard jewel case is included.

This CD feature 7 tracks in a variety of styles including the only
recording of a Carnatic composition accompanied by kanjira only (no
mridangam). The 1st piece is for violin and kanjira with a 16 minutes
kanjira solo!

Other tracks feature 2 tuned kanjiras accompanying flamenco guitars, a
jaw dropping duet between tabla and kanjira in 7, a mind blowing duet
between mridangam and kanjira in 9 as a tribute to G. Harishankar (both
instruments played by Amrit), a duet between chende (folk drum from
Kerala played for KathaKali dance theater) and kanjira in 5, a kanjira
trio featuring tuned kanjiras playing interlocked parts, and a computer
music piece in 33 featuring kanjira solo with orchestral sounds.

2008 Cooperman Drum Catalog available

Download the 2008 Cooperman Drum catalog from N. Scott Robinson's website: http://www.nscottrobinson.com/CoopermanFrameDrumCatalog07-08.pdf

Drumming in Marrakech

Here's a great video submitted by Pete Lockett, of folks street drumming. It's an amazing video showing the energy of street drumming.

Marimbata Cajon

OK, I'll admit that this drum has nothing what so ever to do with Middle Eastern drumming, but it's just sooo cool that I had to post a entry about this. It called a Marimbata Cajon and it's made by AfroRhythms in Santa Clara CA. Here's the link for the website: http://www.afrorhythms.com//product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=48

Pete Lockett Riq Solo

Check out Pete Lockett on this Riq solo:

Drum Lessons with Mike Fair

Mike Fair is teaching middle eastern drum lessons again in the San Francisco bay area, starting this month.

WHAT: Doumbek, Riqq classes and middle eastern rhythms
WHEN: 3 Wednesdays, OCT 17th, NOV 14th, DEC 12
TIME: Gather @ 7:15, Class: 7:30-9PM
COST: $15 per class
Details: Bring your own drum

WHERE: Khajulah’s Home Studio
609 Minor Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
(Between Downtown SJ and Willow Glen, near 280, Bird Exit. Easy access via public trannsportation: light rail and bus route 64)

To secure your space, please contact Patrice/Khajulah: patrice-khajulah AT excite DOT com
408-279-8524
www.khajulah.com


For more information, please contact Mike/Faraz: msfair AT comcast DOT net
650-369-2368
www.meridianmajor.com

Jerry Leake on YouTube

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

WOMENS DRUMMING & YOGA FALL RETREAT

Please check out this transformational experience in paradise. Through drumming, chanting, dancing, yoga, ceremony, organic cuisine and luxurious hot spring soaks, you will connect with the ancient lineage of women drummers and create a sisterhood of spirited drumming goddesses! Marla Leigh is organizing this event.

Workshop includes the opportunity to experience:

• Traditional drumming styles and rhythms from India, North Africa & the
  Middle East



• Universal approach to playing any type of hand drum



• How to easily improvise in both even and odd meters



• How to effectively keep solid time



• West African Drumming and Dancing from Ghana



• Sacred chants from around the world

Plus 3 homemade organic meals per day, hot springs soaks, free time for yoga
classes @ Harbin and much more

OPEN TO ALL LEVELS, BEGINNERS ARE ENCOURAGED!!
Frame drums and some African drums provided, bring a drum if you have one.
Space is limited.

WHEN: October 26 -28, 2007
COST: Early Bird, $350(before October 6), Regular $395
Where: Harbin Hot Springs, CA
SPECIAL OFFER: Receive $50 off per each person you recommend to retreat!!

NOTE: Only a few spots remain as of the publishing of this entry!

MORE INFO:
http://www.marlaleigh.com/
(cell) 661.645.0724

Baltimore International Rhythm and Drumming Society

The Baltimore International Rhythm Festival
Returns With Sensational Line Up of Drumming and Dance

After a one year hiatus, the Baltimore International Rhythm Festival,
12th Edition, returns to St. John's United Methodist Church in Charles
Village at 27th St. and St. Paul St. on September 28th and 29th.

This year's festivities include evening concerts on both Friday and
Saturday, featuring on Friday tribal drumming of The Rhythm Shamans,
the Sufi devotional rhythms of the SAMA Ensemble, and the Shamanic
hip-hop of Freek Factory. While Saturday's bill includes, Djembefola
(master drummer) Mahiri Fadjimba Keita and friends, and progressive
Middle-Eastern / Arabic percussionist Raquy and the Cavemen
(considered by many as the Hottest Bellydance Music in the US).

Outside on Saturday, come and enjoy drum circles, local performers,
sideshows, belly dancing, and an intriguing line up of vendors -- its
a great place to buy that African drum you have always wanted. Also
Saturday, Jaqui MacMillan, Mahiri Keita, and Lisa Zahiya will offer
workshops in drumming and dance.

WHEN: Sept 28-29, 2007
TIME: The shows begin at 8 PM.
WHERE: St. John's United Methodist Church in Charles Village at 27th St. and St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD
COST: Tickets for both evening concerts are $15 for one night or $25 for
both (adults) and $10/$15 (students--6 to 17), kids 5 and under are
free. Tickets are available through the BIRDS website:
www.drumtogether.net

For additional information on the Baltimore International Rhythm
Festival contact Mr. Korup at BIRDS.Fest@gmail.com.
Voice Phone Number: 518-435-5343
Email Address: BIRDS.Fest@gmail.com
Website: www.drumtogether.net

2nd Annual Caravansary Frame Drum Festival

What: 2nd Annual Caravansary Frame Drum Festival
When: Sept 29-30, 2007
Where: St Mark's Church, Myddleton Square, London

Details:

There will be various workshops focusing on different drumming styles and techniques presented throughtout each day, highlighted by a Master Class with Hossam Ramzy on Sunday

For complete info, check out their website: http://www.caravansary.org/drumming/festival/

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.

Essential Frame Drum Method with Rowan Storm

Essential Frame Drum Method is a Workshop for Traditional Middle Eastern and Balkan Music with ROWAN STORM

Date: Sunday, September 30, 2007
Time: 2 - 5 pm. Registration starts at 1:45 pm
Cost: $25 at the door, cash only please
Location: Pacific Arts Center, 10469 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90025
(a few blocks east from the 405 Freeway, ample street parking)

For more information: rowanstorm@yahoo.com

Details:

• Beginners Welcome !
• Learn essential elements of traditional playing technique for frame drums found
  throughout the Middle East and Balkans, including bendir, dayereh, daff and tambourine
• Learn to play some basic rhythms for traditional music and dance
• Learn to analyse and understand more deeply the rhythmic structure of music
• For musicians, dancers, and music lovers
• Bring your own frame drum if you have one Variety of drums available for workshop use and purchase with grateful support from Noisy Toys Drum Shop and Cooperman Drum Company

ROWAN STORM has been studying, recording, performing and teaching a wide range of
Middle Eastern percussion instruments for over 25 years throughout the United States,
Central America, Europe, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran and Kurdistan. She has collaborated with
some of the greatest masters of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music, including Michel
Mirhige Baklouk, Mohammed el-Akkad, Taksim Ensemble, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Necati
Celik, Domna Samiou, Tasia Vera, Yiannis Vasilopoulos, Ross Daly, Djamshid Chemirani,
Khalifeh Rahmeh, Nima Janmohammadi and Lian Ensemble. Since 2000 Rowan has studied
and performed in concert tours with the legendary master of Persian Classical music,
Mohammad Reza Lotfi.

Rowan performs in conservatories, universities, concert halls and broadcasts throughout
the United States, Central America, Europe, Turkey and Cyprus, and ancient amphitheaters
throughout the Mediterranean. Living in Greece and Switzerland since 1993, Rowan is a
leader in the current movement within Greek music and culture of embracing Shared
Oriental heritage. Recently she spent three months traveling alone throughout Iran,
deepening her understanding of Persian Classical music, the role of women in ancient,
sacred percussion traditions, as well as the deep eastern roots of Western culture. For
some of her Iran travels, see her weblog: www.iran-rowanstorm.blogspot.com

Rowan teaches at the week-long Middle East Music and Dance Camp during August in the
magnificent redwood forest of Mendocino, California: www.middleeastcamp.com

[This message was copied from an email on the framedrummer email list]

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

Patrick Graham video on Youtube

Check out Patrick Graham in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPgn5GhQc3o

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.