VIDEO/DVD
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In my
opinion - Video is the best teaching aid after having an actual live
teacher. You can see and hear what is going on and you can stop and rewind
whenever you need to focus on something particular. There are quite a few
videos covering Arabic/Mid. East. percussion and here I give you my
personal critique and ratings on those I have used . In each review I
assume some knowledge on technique and rhythm by the reader, if you are
new to Arabic Drumming the conclusions and rating will hopefully guide you
to any decisions. To order follow any link provided or just type in the title and author into a search engine to
find how you may order them.
I fully recommend
you try Aladdin's Cave based in the UK which carries many of these
titles - N.B. do contact them direct if you do not see the product you
want listed.
click here -
ALADDIN'S CAVE
For US customers
check DAHLAL
INTERNATIONAL
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THE
DOUMBEK VIDEO
by JONATHAN KESSLER
Running
time : 75 mins.
Jonathan
is from the U.S. and has taught Doumbek for Santa Barbara's Mid. East.
Ensemble. This video covers only the Doumbek. It starts with a look at
how to hold the Doumbek the basic playing positions for Dum, Tek and Ka
and gives basic exercises for each and together. Next the BELEDI and
MAQSUM rhythms are introduced in basic form and then with basic fills
and chain and repeats at various tempos for a good length of time to
play along with. As tempo increases he puts in more complicated fills
which are not explained but good for the Int.student to observe and work
out. This pattern of demonstration is repeated for all following
rhythms. Then MAQSUM is played by J. with an ensemble of players on OUD,
VIOLIN and RIQ covering a classic Arab song. This is a great
demonstration in putting the rhythm in context with other instruments
and how the Doumbek should accompany melody - all players are very
competent and you get a chance to observe the RIQ playing as well as J.
playing fast and busy, which he seems most comfortable with. Next AYYUB
is covered with basic explanation of time signature and covers the same
format as he taught the previous rhythms, then he speeds it up to introduce
FALLAHI. Next J. covers TECHNIQUES, specifically : alternate hand rolls
and gives tips and practice advice as he does also for HALF TEK or MUTED
TEK . Especially well covered are the various POP/SLAP/GRAB techniques
as FULL/SOFT and HALF POPS. Then onto CHIFTITELLI and this is also
played with the ensemble. Next is MALFUF with explanation on why it is a
3-3-2 feel rhythm, this he morphs into SAUDI / KHALEEGI. Next is KARSLIMAS a
9-Beat rhythm and explanation on how to feel it as ; 12,12,12,123. again
as with all rhythms basic fills are explained - more complex ones are not and this
one is also given the ensemble treatment and J. does a solo in the
middle. Finally ADVANCED CONCEPTS Is a brief look at how to move from
one rhythm to another - MALFUF to MAQSUM in this case and then a
discussion on playing for dancers and solo's. This is demonstrated again
with the ensemble and a belly dancer, again a unique opportunity to
observe the interaction of drum with melody and dancer.
All
in all this is a very good video and there is an accompanying CD - THE
DOUMBEK VIDEO PRACTICE COMPANION ( see
CD's ) for
further tuition and practice. J. has covered a lot of concepts and
rhythms over the two products and his teaching experience have made
these a very clear and uncluttered aid to starting to play the Doumbek.
Possibly a bit too advanced for the complete and terrified beginner it
compresses a lot of information into the 75 mins. which will be of
interest to Intermediate and Advanced players too. Unique and huge
pluses are the inclusion of the Arabic Ensemble and dancer putting it
all into context, the coverage of technique is better than most videos -
a shame he doesn't cover finger rolls though. If there are any negatives
they would be the issue of tape quality - some owners of this video have
noted there copies were very poor - mine was fine and I believe a new
print run has ironed out this problem. Production values are fine and sound quality was fine for my
copy.
Ideal
for BEGS/INT/ADV.
Overall
- 9/10
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INTRODUCTION
TO EGYPTIAN DRUMS AND RHYTHMS.
by
TIM GARSIDE
Running
time : 40 mins.
Tim
is from the U.K. and is a very proficient player with experience of
playing in bands with Hossam Ramzy, Natacha Atlas and Transglobal
Underground to name a few. He also produces superb tapes and CD's of his
own work as GARSAAIDI which are virtually impossible to find ! This
video concentrates on Egyptian style drums and technique. It starts with
an introduction to the drums - DARABUKA, REQ, SAGAT and DOUF. Tim then
concentrates on the Douf - holding technique and how to produce Dum, Tac
and Sacka ( Slap ). Then on to the Darabuka - he uses the standing
technique to play it which is rare for a Westerner and probably best
avoided if a beginner but very useful for Int/Adv to observe. He
explains how to produce Dum and then with Tac for either hand - Tim does
NOT refer to " weaker " hand Tac as Ka which must be noted by
the beginner. He explains Sacka ( Slap ) position too. There is some
attention given to finger rolls and exercises to strengthen fingers.
Then on to the rhythms ; First up is SAADI - he explains how to play it
on Douf with some Ka fills and plays quite fast. Next he demonstrates
how to play it on the Darabuka. After this a demonstration of SAADI is
given with Dave Murray on Douf and Tim on Darabuka. This is where the
terrified beginner screams and leaves the room !! it is a full blooded
fast tempo demonstration of intricate Darabuka playing. This is
obviously far too much for a beginner or Intermediate player - but for
advanced players there is much to observe and dissect - Tim is very
competent and the training he has had from Arab players really
demonstrates a very authentic style. This pattern of
teaching/demonstration is repeated for MAQSOUM, MASMOUDI, MALFUF and
FALLAHI. MAQSOUM is the Dum, Dum, Tac, Dum, Tac version usually known as
BALLADI - this unfortunately happens a lot in teaching media - some call
it MAQSOUM and others BALLADI - why ? I haven't figured out yet - but
don't waste time on the names - learn to play it well ! MASMOUDI is the
3-Dum variety and the demonstration of FALLAHI is done just by Tim and
is more a demonstration of intricate finger rolls. Next a very brief
demonstration of Sagat ( finger cymbals ) is given - no real instruction
but good patterns are presented. On to the Req - Tim shows how to hold
and play it in the " folk " style with forefinger Dum, ring
finger Tac style and " tic ' for the cymbals. He explains how to
play WAHDA KEBIRA ( CHIFTITELLI ) using all these techniques and gives a
very good demonstration of it at speed with improvisation. Finally you
get a minute or so of Tim soloing on the Darabuka.
This
was the first tuitional item I ever used over 10 years ago and I have a
soft spot for it. At 40 mins. it sounds like you don't get too much but
Tim does not waffle at all and gets straight on with it. It is very
useful for the beginner when he explains the basics and advanced players
will have a rich visual source of soloing and technique to figure out.
For the Intermediate player there is little to offer as that tricky
" how to fill out " rhythms and further technique is not
covered - but then hardly any videos do in great detail. Production and sound quality
are fine.
Ideal
for BEGS/ADV.
Overall
- 9/10
Available
from - ( click )
HILARY'S BAZAAR. |
|
THE
QUICK GUIDE TO PLAYING DOUMBEK
by
TODD ROACH
Running
time : 58 mins
Todd Roach comes for the Stares and this video is quite a departure from the usual format with ideas that work
well and some not so. It starts with an introduction of Todd playing
Doumbek and mixes in " interview " style footage of him chatting
about playing. This feels a little strange at first but his comments are
thoughtful and useful - he also puts the drum into geographical context
too - which is good to see. Todd is left handed and so avoids using left
and right as terms which is also good to see and for us " righties
" the mirror image of his playing is easy to copy. He adopts the
sitting style and talks us through holding positions before moving on to
the sounds. Todd uses DUN, TA and KA for the sounds and starts with Dun
and gives good basic exercises ideal for the complete beginner. Then on to
Ta and Ka - both styles are very loose playing styles a bit different from
other video teaching styles and introduces useful Ta Ka triplet exercises.
Next he talks about "doubling up" the exercises to a steady beat
which I was pleased to see as I personally feel this is crucial for
learning to play Dumbek at all speeds CLEARLY. Then he introduces BALADI in
basic form then with some Ka fills and also vocalizes the rhythm - again
crucial , in my opinion, to learn things effectively and he further fills
out the rhythm but vocalizing first. This is touching on the stuff
Intermediate players need and is good to see. Todd also has the great
addition of a melody player to play along with - in this case a Ney player
and together they play with the BALADI rhythm and he plays fast and with
lots of fills and improvising. The next rhythm is a 6/8 which again is
unusual for teaching videos and again there is a good basic approach to
counting and feeling 3's and 6's to a beat. The rhythm appears complex at
first and he breaks it all down and puts it together again with fills and
gives another demonstration with the Ney. On to the SLAP and here it gets
a bit controversial - his technique is unlike any other I have seen -
using ring and middle fingers flat on the skin somewhere between Dun and Tac. It sounds OK when he plays it and he is using a clay/fishskin
Darabuka to demonstrate and perhaps it works better on these than the
metal type but he does use it on these later on. In my opinion it is an
awkward style and doesn't give the same results as the more conventional
" cupped " center-of-drum SLAP most players use - I would urge
beginners to seek out the conventional style too. Still he shows us some
exercises for it and how to put it in MAKSOUM. The next section I thought
was an interesting idea which didn't work for me - he is joined by a
student of his and they have a little one to one lesson acting as a review
of what's happened so far. Maybe beginners would feel comfortable watching
another student having a little lesson but I found it uninvolving after a
couple of viewings and it gets fast forwarded now. They play BALADI
together - which will be good for beginners to play along to. Things get
back on track with MALFUF and a comprehensive study of why it's a 3,3,2
rhythm, which Todd expands with lots of variations and doubling up and
playing all this together with his student - a good demonstration on how
to turn one pattern into a complex repertoire for two players. Todd then
plays a selection of these alone with the Ney player. Finally we have
another " interview " section with conclusion advice and
reflections and a last demo of various rhythms with the Ney - look out for
the first 10 beat rhythm.
This
is a fine video - well thought out and presented and very good for the
absolute beginner on to Intermediate. At 60 mins it comes as a surprise
when it finishes - it feels too short - this is mainly because Todd is
meticulous in pacing this with the beginner in mind and his delivery is
calm and unhurried. Exercises take up a lot of time which is great as
every beginner must start slowly and take small steps if they ever want to
sound good and steady. The interviews/reflections, student lesson and Ney
playing all take up time which is fine but it means not a great deal has
been covered in total compared to other videos, what has, has been done
well and in depth. Production and sound are very good and apparently there
is an " Internet component offering notation and special tips to
enhance your use of the video " which I haven't checked out yet as I
can't find it !! Any help ?
Ideal
for BEGS/ INT.
Overall
- 8/10
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BASIC
RHYTHMS FOR ARABIC DRUM
by UNCLE
MAFUFO
Running
time : 60 mins.
Armando, or Uncle Mafufo as he is known as, is a great fun
fantastic drummer form the U.S. with over 20 + years of playing
experience with numerous CD releases to his name. What sets him apart in
the video teacher stakes is his positive, humorous
and completely relaxed delivery. This video concentrates on Dunbek exclusively
and features a very nice sounding clay/fish version. First things first
- it may include " basic " in the title but this is not a
video for the complete beginner and especially those who appreciate slow
patient build up. This instead I think is best suited for the confident
beginner who is ready for a challenge and wants a lot of use from one
video and for the Intermediate to Advanced you get plenty of fills,
technique and 14+ rhythms to learn. It starts with a demonstration of UM
playing various stuff and you know you have got a good player here. He
then introduces himself and explains the terms used Dun, Tac and Ca and
that he will explain rhythms by vocalizing them to a beat and that each
rhythms' notation can be found on the back of the video cover. He plays
seated style and talks about position and introduces the techniques for
producing Dun, Tac and Ca - on Ca he mentions the forefinger/thumb held
technique which all Arab drummers have shown me and insisted it is vital
to learn for the best style of rolls. He also mentions that any and
indeed all fingers can produce tacs. He shows muted Ka and demonstrates
the trill aspect of this too. On to Slap (snap ) - he gives two versions
- a soft cupped and loud cupped. One unique technique demonstrated is
his lead hand flam used in rolls which he develops into a discussion of
finger rolls which is good but complex. Then on to the rhythms - each
one is presented in similar fashion and after showing the basic pattern
he is off improvising and soloing away utilizing all his repertoire of
techniques. This is why I think it is too much for the first time
beginner and comments from other users of this tape confirm this.
However the Int/Adv player has a wealth of material to keep pausing and
rewinding that tape to work out what's going on. One unique element to
this video is that before each rhythm is played the notation is shown on
screen on a board and UM chants it out and bangs a stick on the notes in
time like an earnest school mam - which is quite amusing on first
viewing, it is useful for beginners to start reading this style of drum
notation. The rhythms are presented in time signature sequence a là his
25 Essential Rhythms CD which is really a companion piece for this video
- see CD's
. First up are the 2/4's - AYOOB and KARACHI - as stated before
you get a quick introduction to the basic pattern and then he's off !
AYOOB - slow as ZAR is shown, KARACHI is at one pace. Next is MALFUF and KALEEGI,
during Malfuf more complex techniques are used but remember they are not
explained. The version known as COCEK is shown : a " double
first-dun " Malfuf. On Kaleegi he plays a lot of the versions which
is good to hear as you need to know some of them so you can play them
with other players to get the true polyrhythmic patterns. The first 4/4
is MAKSOOM explanation about the basic pattern is given and that the DEF
would play this, and he's off again improvising. BELEDI is given it's
original name of MASMOUDI SAGYHIR and he plays some versions e.g. "
double duns " and ' 3 dun " which might be the Iraqi CHOBI.
Next is SAHIDI - here he presents a version which is different to the
standard version - do not panic !! There are many versions, it is just the first Tac which has been moved a half beat forward. UM
also demonstrates some of the other versions too in his performance.
Then we have WAHED TAWILA and the usual myriad of interpretations. 8/4
patterns start with MASMOODI KABIR and versions of, and the same for
CHIFTITELLI. Next up is a rare chance to look at 6/8 patterning - UM is
noted for his strong understanding and playing of Magrehbi style and he
starts off by introducing some practice exercises in 3. First up is DARIG
and the second pattern has no name but is common in Moroccan style
playing and he again gives good variations. Just a shame this section
didn't branch out to tackle the polyrhythms for SHABBI styles. Finally
two 9/8 patterns - the Turkish/Greek KARSILAMA which he explains in the
12,12,12,123 patterning and gives more versions. SULUKULE is also known
as ROMANY 9 presumably as Sulukele s the Gypsy quarter in Istanbul and
follows the KARSILAMA in feel. And that's it.
As
stated - not my first choice recommendation for the new beginner but
really good for the more experienced beginner and on to Int/Adv there is
plenty of information to garner and unravel. Uncle Mafufo has such an
infectious nature about him and a lovely relaxed playing style - it
always feels good putting this video on for practice. Lots of rhythms
and versions and plenty of technique - not always explained but you will
get to a level where you understand enough to begin to work out yourself
what is happening. Then it's a case of hours and hours of finger, wrist
etc. strengthening exercises to play it fast, smoothly and with feel -
and after all you have to do that yourself - video tuition helps you see
and hear what is going on when a good player plays but you have to put
in the work to achieve it yourself. Production values are fine - a
little background sound occasionally and only a few camera angles - but
what there is is perfectly fine. It's quality of content not how it's
dressed up which is important and here you have a genuinely gifted
player who comes over very well on screen and lots and lots of
information to offer.
The
video was revised which is the version I reviewed and now it comes on
DVD.
Ideal
for INT./ADV.
Overall
- 9/10
Available
from HILARYS BAZAAR ( click )
Available from
ALADDIN'S CAVE (click )
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RIQS AND DEFS : A
PRACTICAL APPROACH TO MIDDLE EASTERN FRAME DRUMS
by UNCLE
MAFUFO
Running
time : 48 mins.
See the above for an
introduction to who Uncle Mafufo is. This is almost unique product in
focusing on Riq and Def. The format of the video and teaching style is the
same as above with rhythm notation on the video sleeve. I think again it
perhaps is too fast for the new beginner but it's pretty much all that's
available, UM is expecting a little prior knowledge on basic rhythms in
this tape too, which would help you if you have it. It starts with a brief
demonstration on both Riq and Def before starting with the Riq for
teaching. He introduces the holding style which is the " folk "
style - though that isn't mentioned. He uses forefinger for dun and middle
finger for lead hand tek - N/B. ring finger is possibly a more usual
style. He does the same for weak hand tek ( done on the zill ) which again could be ring
finger. He refers to the striking of the Zills ( cymbals ) as a Ca which
is a bit confusing as a more common term is Tic - Ca would be striking the
rim - but as he says the two are interchangeable when playing the basis of
rhythm. There are some basic exercises before demonstrating Slap. Next he
refers to " Rolls " which again is confusing as it is more of a
shake of the Riq making a shaking ( Rolling ) sound. Done by shaking the
holding hand and also by shaking the skin with the lead hand fingertips.
On to the rhythms and the format is similar to his Arabic Drum video i.e.
a quick explanation of the basic pattern and on to lots of improvising
which incorporate the afore mentioned techniques and presented in time
signature sequence. So 2/4 covers AYOOB and on to MALFUF and
KALEEGI. 4/4 covers MAQSOOM, BELEDI and SAHIDI ( same version as Drum
video ). There is the merest hint of Zill trilling explanation given here.
On to the 3 and 6 beat patterns which he starts with useful practice
exercises to get the right feel. DARIG is played and a typical Rai pattern
too. Then on to the DEF - he gives other names for Arabic/M.East frame
drums like Bendir, Daira etc. What he plays is a snareless Bendir -
Magrehbi style and shows the holding style for this and how to produce Dun
with lead hand and also the thumb " hammer " technique. Tek with
all lead hand fingers and his flam roll which was explained in more detail
in his drum video and the slap. Also covered are the placed-on-knee style
and between-legs style which allows either hand Dun. He oscillates between
the holding and knee style to demonstrate the previously covered rhythms -
AYOOB gets turned into VOX, but that isn't mentioned, apart from that they
are same. Finally as a Farwell he plays a bit of MAZHAR ( large def/riq
type hybrid ). I had
high hopes of this product when I ordered it as there is minimal coverage
of the Frame Drums in video form and I found it a mixed bag. UM is more
cheerful and playful than the Drum video which is welcome and as stated it
is probably too fast based for new beginners. The Riq is an enormously
intricate drum which when played by experts like Adel Shams el-Din ( see
CD's
and 40 Rhythms from the M. East ) is something to behold. Whilst not up to
this standard UM is a good player and there is a lot to learn here.
However there are two distinct playing styles - the " folk " and
" classical " and only the former is shown here. More attention
to all the various techniques at a slower methodical pace would have been
welcome e.g. he covers " shakes " but not how to play the drum
and rhythmically shake simultaneously. The Def section is fine if again a bit hurried over the
technique - there is a wealth of Arabic/N. African/Mid. Eastern/Asian
frame drums which all have modifications on playing style and technique
e.g. Bendir, Daira, Douf, Tar etc but here we just get one type a
snareless bendir. For a whole video devoted to just Riq and
Def I hoped for more and at 48 mins length there never was going to be a
lot of information. Production valued are similar to his drum video
( no onscreen notation this time ). Still it's definitely
worth owning if you want to play these instruments and UM's bright and
cheery delivery carries it along nicely.
It
now has been remastered for DVD.
Ideal
for BEGS/INT.
Overall
- 7/10
Available
from HILARYS BAZAAR ( click )
Available from
ALADDIN'S CAVE (click )
|
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THE
FANTASTIC WORLD OF FRAME DRUMS
by
GLEN VELEZ
Running
Time : 60 mins.
If
you are unfamiliar with the astounding virtuosity of this gifted player,
then this is a very good place to start. Glen Velez also hails from the
States and has been acknowledged as one of the best known frame drummers
for some time now. The video starts with a demonstration of Glen playing Mazhar and his No 1 student Layne Redmond on Riq and you instantly get an
idea of just how good these two are. Glen then introduces himself and
gives a definition of frame drums and the three drums focused on in this
video : BODHRAN ( Irish drum but played in M. East. and S. Indian style )
TAR ( A Remo version ) and Riq. First the Bodhran -Glen plays it in the
seated style with the drum across the leg. He introduces the playing
position for Dom using the thumb/hammer technique, Tak using ring finger
and also for Ka, Slap is a soft cupping action and " Brushing "
the skin with finger nails or pads. The Snap technique for Tak/Ka in Azerbaijani
style for all fingers. Straight away we have plenty of striking
styles to work with which are explained very clearly. An unnamed 8-beat pattern
is presented which incorporate all the above techniques and he teaches it to a steady beat/count fairly slowly, then breaks it down and
reassembles it - this happens again for a second 8-beat pattern which
follows the first. He then plays them both at correct speed so you can
hear the desired result. He demonstrates the " sliding "
technique of moistening the finger tip and pushing it across the drum skin
to produce an eerie drone sound. Finally he gives us a demonstration of
his own composition played on the Bodhran starting with the sliding drone
and overtoning and then on to some frankly mind boggling rhythmic playing.
Next is the N. African TAR which is like a snareless Bendir from the
Magrheb, made by the Remo company. He demonstrates the holding style and
how to use lead hand thumb as a pivot on the side of the drum to aid in
the striking tones of Dom - done with ring finger, Tak - also ring and Ka
with weaker hand ring finger. An unnamed 7-beat pattern is presented and
explained slowly. Now Glen introduces his " hand dance " method of
walking on the spot to a regular beat whilst playing the drum. This helps
introduce a sense of internal pulse which is very effective - lots of
players help themselves by tapping their foot or clicking their tongues to
aid time keeping and this method is very good for getting the whole body
into the groove. The pulse is explained as quarter notes so you
"walk" to this and then play the pattern to this tempo also,
then with the walking tempo the same the rhythm is played at double time
or eighth notes and on to sixteenth notes - all the while walking at
quarter note tempo. It is tricky at first but well worth mastering. Next
he introduces Snaps for the Tar - lead hand snap is similar to the Bodhran
one shown earlier, Ka snap is little finger coming over the top of ring
finger ! Then the snaps are put into the 7-beat pattern and the walking
exercises are done again at the different tempos. Finally another
impressive demonstration of Glen's own composition is played for us using all
the above techniques and others not covered like rolls. The last frame
drum is the Riq a fish skin/lemonwood type. He explains how the primary
sounds are produced with the lead hand : Dom - forefinger, Tak - ring,
Slap - a cupped hand fingertip style. Holding technique for weak hand is
given in detail - this style is sometimes referred to as the " folk
" style - pushing your thumb up against a zill and gripping in a
vice-grip style between forefinger and thumb. Tic is the term given for
striking the zills - the weak hand "Ka" which hits the nearest
zill, Tic is also shown being produced by lead hand ring finger. He
explains how to produce trills on the zills i.e. 123 done by lead hand and
4 done by weak hand. Next a version of MASMOUDI is given and broken down
into two halves with all Doms, Taks and Tics shown. Next he shows how to
hold the Riq in the other major playing style - this I have heard referred
to as the " Classical " style - Glen refers to it as the Soft
style. The Riq is held by both hands between thumb and forefingers, the
thumbs going into the back of the drum, the forefingers to the front in a
"Y" shape. Dom is produced with lead ring finger and Tak is
played with both ring fingers BUT at the same time as the forefingers
press on the skin in a dampening style to increase the pitch of Tak. This
is tricky and needs a lot of practice. Glen demonstrates how to play the
same MASMOUDI rhythm in this style. Finally as before we get the
demonstration of Glen playing one of his Riq compositions which is
particularly impressive using all the above techniques and plenty more
like shakes and rolls. The last section is a demonstration of a
composition for two drums - this time on Azerbaijani GAVULS - played by
Glen and Layne. This is to demonstrate compositional considerations whilst
playing in an ensemble. It is complicated stuff comprising of a ten beat
rhythm ( SAMMAI ) played twice followed by a nine beat played once and an
eight beat played once which is the whole cycle which is repeated by Layne
as Glen solos but he calls Layne often with cues to halt on one rhythm
whilst he solos and calls her back to the cycle. Be prepared to not follow
this ! Still it is an impressive demonstration leaving you amazed at what
frame drums can do in the hands of very experienced players.
So
here we have a great video on frame drums played by a great player who
demonstrates very good teaching skills - he doesn't waffle and is very
succinct and a lot of information is crammed into the 60 mins. The
technique information is excellent with a balance of easy to hard strokes
to tackle. Glen's method of walking-on-the-spot is a very well explained
and useful aid to inner pulse feeling. It is useful for beginners and the
rhythms chosen are a good variety for more experienced players to try. The
advanced student better be super advanced to work out the demonstrations
though. The Riq section is great for the attention to the techniques used
for both playing styles but frustratingly short as there are many more to
look at e.g. shakes and playing whilst shaking. This general criticism
applies to the whole video - no explanation on finger rolls is given
anywhere. There are so many other Arabic/N. African/M. East. etc frame
drums too with their own particular styles and techniques. Also you only
get a handful of rhythms as most time is spent on technique and Glen and
Laynes' performances. So it feels a bit like an Introduction and
demonstration video which could spawn dozens of follow up editions looking
at each drum/region in turn and in more detail which you know Glen would
deliver superbly. However this video was done in 1990 and there is no sign
of any more. Still for what it does give it is very well done and very
clear and therefore probably of use to all players at all abilities. An
accompanying 12 page booklet gives exercises for all the techniques
described as well as notation for the MASMOUDI ( both versions ) and the
Internal Combustion demonstration. All notation is standard musical
notation.
Ideal
for BEGS/INT/ADV.
Overall
- 9/10
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VOICES
OF THE DOUMBEK
by
ROBIN ADNAN ANDERS
Running
Time : 70 mins.
Well
there is always one " difficult " one in every group and here
it is ! Let me straight away explain my problem with this video. I get
very impatient with what I feel is " New - Agey "
waffley style approach to things and I feel Robin gives us it in bucket loads
here - of course you know yourself how you respond to this sort of
approach and how you get on with it - so please bear this in mind whilst
reading my personal comments on this. This video really addresses
playing technique on the Doumbek and features little rhythm information.
The video starts with a demonstration of Robin playing a clay/fish
doumbek and you can see he is a proficient player. Robin is American and
has made his own releases and was once part of the band 3 MUSTAPHAS 3
who if you do not know anything about I suggest you do ! They were
great. Next up Robin introduces some preparations for playing and now is
when you realize what you are going to get. He has a very slow almost
drawl like delivery which is often full of pauses and Ums and Ahs and
frankly he seems stoned ! This I found intensely irritating but after
all it's the content that matters and not everyone can deliver in a
bright, clear, coherent and efficient way. So the first section Preparations
are mainly about warming up exercises taken from yoga exercises for
wrists, forearms and finger musculature which actually is a very good
thing to point out and not many if any of these videos do and if you are
going to take learning these drums seriously then they are essential for
lengthy periods of play. Next is a section on breathing exercises which
yes OK it is important but I can do without real-time breathing
exercises on a video - it goes on too long. Next is preparing
spiritually - no, not for me thanks. He talks a bit on playing the
drum between the legs but not from any cultural reference more for
whatever feels good for you stuff. He refers to a DOURBAKEE which he
demonstrates with - I have no idea or heard of what a DOURBAKEE is and
so I can't tell you if this really is some specific drum which is
traditionally played between legs - any comments/ information on this
welcome. Next is Basic Tones and Techniques. Now here's where the
information starts getting good - he shows us many different ways of
producing the tones ( voices ) of the Doumbek. DUM is shown by using
palm method, finger method, a twisting finger tip / hammer method, light
finger tip, cupped and double left/right DUM . TEK he starts by using
his weaker hand ( the convention is to call this Ka - frustratingly he
doesn't and calls another stroke Ka ! ) He tells us about the
finger/thumb pinching method to help execute precise ring finger weak
hand tek which is very good advice, he then moves to lead hand tek and
talks about good wrist action / direction, then a finger tip Tek and
flicking finger nails off the thumb on to the skin ( Rawl ? ) and weak
hand finger snaps and gives a quick demonstration of them all. Now he
moves on to his KAH which is actually muffled / dampened weak hand tek
!! he shows muffling with fingertips, back of hand, back of thumb pad,
sliding to raise the pitch and a very unique thumb-joint bone muffled
tek and gives a brief demo of all. The next section is Special Tones and
Techniques - the first is a very interesting technique of dividing the drum
by incorporating thumb muffling technique and fanning the fingers to be
able to produce Tek at the bottom of the drum as well as using the thumb
/ hammer Dum technique and finger trilling - all in one position - very
hard to describe in words, it is unfortunately explained too briefly and
quickly. Next are the SLAPS - fingertip, closed cupped hand, bottom 3
fingers ( not forefinger ) half cupped and whole hand spread finger
style. On to FINGERROLLS -he talks about different finger combinations
and demonstrates on his DOURBAKEE and gives the best exercise -
the alternate finger roll with accents on different fingers. The next
section is a performance on his DOURBAKEE so it is between the legs - it
is rather abstract and the poor man looks like he is in a painful trance
throughout ! We are now 52 mins. into the video and here comes the first
rhythm - 1) WAHDAH SAYIRAH or AYUB - He explains the
vocal notation of Doum, Tek and Tek/Ka as eighth notes and tries to talk
about the " dynamics " of stroke actions which is muddled. He
then plays a very basic version of Ayub with no fills at all and is
brief and dull sounding. 2) MASMUDI SAGHIR or BALADI - he shows us the
basic pattern and turns it into MAQSOUM and adds fills ( interestingly
all done as Ka's which is a very much a traditional " Arab "
style ) but he gives no explanation to the fills. 3) WADAH KABIRA or
CHEFTE TELLI - this a slightly different version to the usual pattern -
his is D TT DT D D
T. - he puts in fills and rolls again with no explanation. This is
it - 10 mins. on rhythms ! He does though move on to Combining Rhythms
and puts Baladi, Ayub and Chifti all together in sequence and plays them
slowly - good for beginner play along practice - not too much filling
but more later on - good demonstration. The end of the video is
approaching and the obligatory final demo beckons and lo and behold he
delivers a really good solo demonstration, standing style - lots of
different rhythms and solos and techniques ( he still looks in pain )
for a good length of time. I'm sure he has been taught fist hand by
" traditional " players - he has all the obscure strokes and
techniques, plays most fills as Ka, uses correct terms for technique and
rhythms and plays standing and has all the traditional " licks
" and phrases you hear from Raks Sharki " dancer "
drummers " - just such a shame he doesn't deliver the information
as well as he can play and understands himself. Production values are
fine but uses awful fades and split screen imagery. Accompanying fold
out leaflet gives a unique but easy to understand notation guide for the
rhythms and combination exercises and in print explains how the tones
and techniques are produced.
So
this is such a difficult item to rate - it certainly is of no interest
to the " Rhythm Collector " it is an exploration of technique
mainly and so of course is useful to all levels. So much good
information is there but it is such a slow nail-chewing process sitting
through it and is often muddled. I would recommend the total beginner
starts elsewhere - for all others I suggest get this as a reference '
companion " video to go along side more clearer videos and the
player craving all techniques and approaches to the Doumbek better get
it sometime too. Please remember I'm not of the " New Age style
" and if you are - ignore my negative comments and try it out it
might be just for you. Good luck one and all !
Ideal
for BEGS/INT/ADV. ( BUT SEE ABOVE COMMENTS )
Overall
- 6/10
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ARABIC
PERCUSSION
by
YINON MUALLEM
Running
Time : 74 mins.
If
you have been wondering which is my favorite video - well here it is.
This is a great product on all levels and easily gets my vote as the
best. It looks at a good range of drums, rhythms, techniques, has melody
instrument interaction, group playing and is presented by a very clear
and excellent player. Up to now all these videos have been presented by
players from outside the drum's country of origins. Yinon is from the
Middle East - Israel in this case and has Iraqi heritage, if you weren't
sure then yes Israelis do play Middle Eastern " Arabic " instruments. It seems difficult in these days to remember Jews and Arabs
have lived peacefully together and shared the music in many different
places. He teaches Arabic percussion and has had tuition or has collaborated
with esteemed players such as Zohar Fresco, Kobi Hagoel,
Yair Dalal, Ross Daly, Glen Velez and many others. He is a faculty
member in the Ethnic Music Dept of Bar - Ilan University where he
teaches Arabic percussion and that teaching experience is evident here.
Things kick off a demonstration on a clay/fish darabuka which is brief
but shows just how good and " authentic " sounding he is.
Yinon then introduces himself and that we will concentrate on Egyptian
style darabuka and the Riq mainly and cover classical and popular
rhythms and reassures that it's best to go slowly and take it step by
step - you should. First he introduces the MAZHAR and explains it's role
as a support drum. He shows how to hold it - he is left handed so he
refers to Dominant and Weak hand for explanation. Dum is the fingers
closed technique. as well as showing the hammer/thumb style. TAK is one
or more fingers, SLAP is a finger tip style. He then introduces BALADI.
And here we must pause to say that he also calls MAQSOUM -
BALADI !!!!!!! Why there is so much discrepancy over these 2
rhythms amazes me, one day I endeavor to find out as I was shocked to
see a Middle - Easterner call it such but he is in the minority teacher
wise - who is right ? Anyway this BALADI he shows us on the MAZHAR
with Dums and Taks and soon changes the Taks to Slaps as it would be traditionally
played and also with some weak hand fills. Next is the DUFF
which is a traditional one though he shows us the synthetic versions -
and goes over technique which is the same as for the MAZHAR. Next is a
brief introduction to SAGAT/ZILLS and shows how to hold them and produce
the two main sounds - open and closed and gives a little demo. On to the
Darabuka and it starts with another good solo demonstration. He then
gives us some geographical context of the drum and shows us many
different styles and in particular a PAKISTANI made darabuka with
internal tambourine and gives a demo which uses snap technique and
shakes of the internal tambourine. A TURKISH DARBUKA and again finger
snaps in the Turkish style in a little demo. Then we settle on the
EGYPTIAN TABLA and explains the two types clay/fish and metal/plastic.
which he uses the latter to demonstrate with from now on. He adopts
seated playing style and runs through the sounds - DUM is a closed
fingers style, TAK ring and middle with comments on wrist action and
gives some basic practice exercises alternating between Dum / Tac and emphasizes
to play " loosely ". For weak hand Tak; Yinon also
does not refer to it as KA, just weak hand Tak - but I will from
now on for clarity. Ka is covered in more detail re. the positioning and
gives good alternating exercises for Tak and Ka at speeds which double
up, as well as other exercises. From these a FALLAHI pattern is given
and the rhythm is the filled Fallahi as opposed to basic. He plays
reasonably slowly but this stuff is not suitable for a complete and
nervous beginner it' s covered too quickly. Next up is one of the real
treats of the video - a demonstration of the rhythm played on Duff (
that's Edi ) and Yinon on darabuka - very similar to Tim Garside's
video ( see above ) this really helps students understand the
relationship between the drums and how they sound when played together
well - and these two do. All demonstrations are crisp, clear and with
feel as you would expect from players in the Middle East. It's a fast
demonstration of Fallahi just as it should be with darabuka
improvisation. Next he shows us the RaKa technique which is the first
introduction to finger rolls every darabuka player should know. It is
rolling with weak hand fingers either 3 or 2 fingers and adding on a tac
at the end from the lead hand - ( 1234 ) he explains this
is a beat's length then you add a Ka ( 1234Ka ) and finally
a Tac ( 1234KaTac ) it sounds like Rakatak
and can substitute Takatak. This is well presented and he gives advice
on technique and exercises and a demonstration of it whilst playing the
next rhythms : MASMOUDI CABIR ( BIG ) and MASMOUDI SRIR ( SMALL ) and
guess what ? - Srir is BALADI !! So that's what Yinon calls
it. Each rhythm is broken down and looked at Masmoudi Cabir is in 8/4
and is shown with basic fills, Srir ( or Baladi ) is in 4/4 and is shown
with more complex fills and Raka technique. Another demo with Edi going
back and forth between the two rhythms and is good for play along. Yinon
moves on to the SLAP which is a full cupped style and exercises for Dum
/ Slap and Dum Slap Ka Tac. The SAIDI rhythm is next and is shown with
Taks which get replaced with Slaps and lots of unexplained fills and
another demo with our Edi. The next technique is Dampened / Muffled Ka
using back of the hand to muffle and gives exercises and demonstrates
the finger tip dampening style which produces a more open sound and is
used traditionally when playing BALADI ( which of course Yinon is
calling Maqsoum - God ! this is confusing !! ) and proceeds to
demonstrate. Edi's back for another demo with Yinon. MALFUF is next -
basic version first - then filled and with traditional 4th bar
improvisation, and Edi and Yinon give that the demo treatment too. So
far so good but it gets better as it's time to review all previously
taught rhythms and now Edi and Yinon are joined by other students Boaz
on Riq and Mazhar, Eliana on Zills and the foxy Noa on Dahola. So now we
have a complete Egyptian percussion section all playing together and
this is a unique opportunity to see how each instrument interacts with
the others as they jaunt around the rhythms which are named on - screen
so you don't get lost. Excellent ! They are all good players and are at
ease playing with feel and fun and is just what you need to see
and hear to know how to play together. On to Asymmetric Rhythms -
the 7/8 DEVRA HINDI and 9/8 YURUK AKSAK - each are shown in broken down
form e.g. Devra Hindi as a 123,12,12 feel and this given the group demo.
treatment with players taking it in turns to improvise and returning to
support. Yuruk Aksak has a 12,12,12,123 feel and is shown as basic, with
fills and replacing Taks with Slaps and the same group demo. Yinon then
introduces the Riq ( a Gen Velez Remo ) by giving a demo. in both Folk
and Classic styles. He introduces the riq and it's construction and
starts with the " Classic or Soft " style : how to hold and
production of the notes and gives good exercises to help get the unusual
way of playing Dum and Taks. The " Raka " technique is applied
to the Riq with more exercises. On to the Folk style - how to hold, note
production, exercises and covers a bit on shaking - but frustratingly
doesn't look in detail at how to play and shake at the same time. This
is demonstrated though later on after he teaches BALADI ( Maqsoum ! ) in
both styles and demonstrates in both styles - it's a brief and fast
intro. to the Riq - but very useful for those with some experience.
Yinon then moves on to SAMMAI - a form of Classical Turkish music he
says, and introduces a version of SAMMAI 10/8 rhythm which is
explained for Soft/Classic style - basic at first and with fills. Now
Yinon is joined by a very good Oud player and Yinon on Riq they cover
LAMA'MA BADA a very popular song. This is a really good demonstration
especially by the Oud player and Yinon plays well on the Riq in the Soft
style. Finally Yinon concludes the video with advice on practice and
other tips and a tantalizing promise of another video soon. Seems like
that's it but no ! we get yet more group playing of all the rhythms
played first as one long medley and then all again one by one for each
rhythm and on screen names again. This is just perfect for play along
and following each instrument. Also included is a 12 page beautifully
designed booklet which covers the strokes, exercises, and the rhythms
with further variations not covered in the video - all in standard music
notation. Production values are fine - the editing is a little jumpy but
who cares about that ? It's the substance that counts.
So
in conclusion - yes this my firm favorite. However I wouldn't advise it
as the best choice for a new and inexperienced player - see Anne
Harkin's video for that. However for experienced beginners and certainly
intermediate this is the best video - advanced would probably enjoy it
too - N.B. Begs/Int/Adv. is such a subjective thing and hopefully the in
depth descriptions of these videos will help you judge if you will find
them useful. This is a very cleverly packaged video where by a plethora
of rhythms ( common ones and less so ), techniques, styles, exercises,
tips and drums are covered with the contextualization of group and
melody accompaniment included. Yinon has a very warm and
encouraging style and is clear and an accomplished player with that real
traditional feel. The group playing and demonstrations of each rhythm on
each drum together is such a highlight and what elevates this video
above the others. Students can witness how to put all this information
together and see and hear just how good it all sounds when played as a
group. Of course they serve as great play along sections to practice
with and group dynamics such as calls and individual improvising can be
observed and learned. It is hard to find any criticisms - personally I
want more detail on the myriad of Riq techniques - umm - that really is
about it and in any case further videos are promised - let's hope this
really happens.
Ideal
for ( experienced ) BEGS/ INT/ADV.
Overall
- 9.5/10
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RIQQ ( ARAB TAMBOURINE ) -
COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONAL DVD
by KARIM NAGI.
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
"Karim Nagi is a native Egyptian musician and an accomplished
performer and teacher of the RIQQ (Arab Tambourine). In this DVD
Karim provides a detailed and vivid 2 hours of instruction. Karim
explains proper technique, performs rhythms, and demonstrates how to
accompany other musicians. Karim guides the student from the very
beginning with grip and tone generation, all the way through advanced
techniques and rhythms. This pure Arabic technique and style can be
effectively applied to general Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and
Medieval European styles and music. The RIQQ is a versatile instrument
with endless possibilities for color and expression. This DVD is the
first definitive video tool that presents this unique instrument in its
original, authentic usage and method for all levels.
lessons by chapter include:
1. Introduction - the system and approach to playing the traditional
Arab style and method.
2. Open Position - a.k.a. "Cabaret Style" using cymbals (examples ayyub,
masmudi & malfuf).
3. Closed Position - a.k.a. "Classical Style" using skin (examples ayyub,
masmudi & malfuf).
4. Loud Position - rhythmic shaking and rocking for an energetic volume
and pace.
5. Switching Positions - going between each position seamlessly, to
follow the music.
6. Rhythm Examples - from the simple to the complex: (wahda, york,
muhaggar and more).
7. Accompaniment - Samai, Andalusian, and Qudud with oudist & singer
Baha' Agha.
8. Solo by Karim Nagi."
Product review from author's site |
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“La
Darbouka” – Introduction Tutor – Percussions of the
Arabic World
by
Ali Alaoui.
2 DVD's with 112 page booklet in French & English
This double DVD is the
latest volume of “Le Salon de Musique” series (Improductions
Publishing). It is dedicated to the percussion instrument that best
represents the Arabic World’s musical culture. Achieved by Philippe
Nasse, Ali Alaoui and Thibaut Laurent, the work leads us into an
initiatory trip that divides into two main parts: a documentary film and
an introductory Darbuka tutor book.
In addition to this the
2-DVD set includes some extra material such as a method to adapt darbuka
polyrhythms to drumset playing.
Going up and down
classical, traditional and folk musics of Morocco, the learner gets
familiar with the Aissaoua brotherhood, North-African trance music, the
musicians of the Arabo-Andalusian Music Academy (Conservatoire de
Musique Arabo-Andalouse) in Fès, and the RTM (national television and
radio network) Orchestra, conducted by Azedine Montassere. Among the
many fascinating scenes of the film is the very moving encounter with
Mohamed Laaroussi, one of the most important creators of Moroccan folk
music and the visit paid by Ali Alaoui to the craftsmen who make goblet
drums all year long, showing how many different kinds of people have
their lives in some way or another bound up to the Darbuka.
As for the 112-page
tutor, it includes whatever you might expect from a good instruction
book to introduce yourself to the art of darbuka-playing: nice,
convenient format, close links with the documentary’s content, plenty of
useful details including descriptive snapshots, precise instructions for
each phrasing studied, scores of all studied pieces (western music type
scores), musical diversity, discography, bibliography and a convenient,
comprehensive glossary.
More, this method also
includes a small introduction to a number other instruments of the same
musical region such as Bendir, Riq, sagat, tarija, tbila, tbel, qraqebs,
tassa and bouznazel.
- DVD PAL 4/3 Colour,
All Zones
- Booklet : 112 pages (English, French)
- total duration : 150 mn
- Documentary
- More than 100 rhythms et polyrhythms
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
Product review from author's site
N.B. -
This company also makes a great teaching DVD for TONBAK -
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|
 |
How to play
Arabic Drum
by Anne Harkin.
N.B.
My copy has gone missing and may take a while to replace - for those in
a hurry let me say I rate it as the best for the total beginner who
wants to be taken through things slowly and clearly.
CLICK TO
VISIT WEBSITE
"Independent
Review of Anne Harkin's video How To Play Arabic Drum
Anne Harkin's video on playing middle eastern rhythm is brilliant.
It is clear and easy to understand as Anne takes the student through
each rhythm with both verbal and good visual direction. Musicians can
follow her translation of the pieces into musical notation, and there is
a simple easy-to-follow song for each piece for those who can remember a
tune but not read music. Educationally, it's excellent. Great players
are not always good teachers. In Anne's case she is both a fine musician
and a great teacher. I highly recommend this video." -Dr. Robin Rowland,
A.O. - review from author's website.
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Worldpercussion 1 -
Framedrums
by David Kuckhermann
2 styles of framedrumming (on the lap
and upright).
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE |
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Worldpercussion
2 - Riq and Darbuka
by David Kuckhermann
Both DVDs are in PAL format and country-code free.
features:
-
each DVD more than 2 hours of playing
time
-
detailed demonstration from the very
basics to advanced techniques (fingersnapping, rolls,
stroke-combinations)
-
slowmotion close-up shots from each
technique and rhythm
-
a collection of oriental dance rhythms
-
various short performances
-
english, german and spanish language
-
on-screen notation
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE |
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Finger Cymbal Instructional DVD
by
Tobias Roberson
CLICK TO
VISIT WEBSITE
|
"Over 2.5 hours including:
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Introduction to patterns and basic technique by Tobias
Roberson.
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Two
dynamic compositions for fingers cymbals with drum
accompaniment.
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Three
dances to the compositions by belly dance superstars Rachel
Brice and Mardi Love.
|
Master the
art of finger cymbals (zils) with this comprehensive instructional video
from renowned percussionist and rhythm teacher Tobias Roberson.
Tobias
leads you step-by-step through the basic techniques with close-up angles
demonstrating exactly how to get great sound from your zils. A variety
of rhythms and patterns are introduced and broken down to give you an
extensive set of material with which to build your repertoire.
In the
second section Tobias teaches two dynamic compositions for the zils.
First is an
easy to play interactive duet for drum and zils. This composition shows
how to build an exciting piece from the skills you have already learned.
Rachel Brice and Mardi Love then perform a matching choreography that
can be used as is or to inspire your own creativity.
The second
composition features more advanced possibilities with fast and
syncopated technique. For this composition Rachel and Mardi perform
separately to show how the composition can be interpreted in different
ways."
Product review from author's website
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DVD -
Modern Percussionist vol. 2 - Frame Drums
by Hakim Ludin
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
70 min. deutsch/engl. The fascination of the rahmentrommeln agitates
not least from their mirror-image-ritual employment in Mystik and
Trancezeremonien. In these DVD strikes Hakim Ludin a bridge between the
mystischen tradition and modern rhythms. Thereby different techniques on
rahmentrommeln as well as fascinating sound creations and Soli on
Pandariq, Freehand Drum and Circle Drum receive intensive attention. A
benefit for creative ones! In these DVD shows Hakim Ludin modern
Grooves, techniques and sound creations on different representatives of
the Frame Drums: Pandariq, Freehand Drum and Circle Drum. Easily
understandably with practicing examples regenerated, many suggestions
are given to sequels and developing further to. The Special contains the
duo of Hakim Ludin and Behnam Samani on Pandariq and Daf. Chapter: 1.
about Pandariq 2nd sound on Pandariq 3rd tak tom slap - technique 4th
afghan groove: 7/8 Moguli 5th afghan groove: 6/8 Dadra 6th persian daf
style: exercises 7th persian trance groove: 2/4 Hayy Allah 8th persian
trance groove: 4/4 Zekr e DOV of 9th persian trance groove: 6/4 Maddahy
NO-E Avval 10th indian tabla style: exercises 11 indian groove: 4/4
Kehrwa 12th indian groove: 4/4 Kehrwa into Bhangra style 13th rudimental
style: exercises 14th rudimental groove into 4/4 15th rudimental groove
into 5/8 16th innovative groove: Gitt 17th innovative groove: Hip Hop
18th innovative groove: Nazim 19. Pandariq solo: Hommage tons of Afghan
women 20 about Freehand drum 21. Freehand drum: exercises 22. Djembe
groove 23. Samba/Hip Hop/Bhangra 24. Drumset Groove 25. Freehand drum
solo: Flying of finger 26. Circle drum solo: Down tons earth specials
duo Hakim Ludin (Pandariq) and Behnam Samani (Daf): Internal light
Product information from author's site |


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FINGER DANCE
Frame Drum DVD with Murat Coskun
description of the visual frame drum workshop for Beginners and Advanced
Published : December 2004
Total running time : 104 minutes
- All chapters and sections as well as the music tracks can be
selected separately.
- The DVD has English subtitles
- 16-page two-language booklet with additional rhythm examples for
self study
- Modern Sound Creations
- Fabulous DVD-quality (recorded with three cameras) Content
- Detailed explainings of the various finger techniques of the
oriental way of playing
- Innovative strike and roll techniques as well as finger tricks
and alternative ways
of playing for advanced players
- Examples for improvisation with various frame drums
- Rhythm-examples: traditional rhythms from the Balkan, Turkey
(such as nine and eleven rhythms), North Africa and also bongo and
conga rhythms as well as modern hip hop grooves
- A sophisticated support with vocal notations and an onomatopoeic
syllable language, that is slot in the film
- Explanations of the subdivision tricks for exotic rhythms such
as 9/8 or 11/16 rhythms
- informative part about diverse frame drum types such as the
Bendir, Daire, Gawal and Kanjiriqq
- live examples accompanied by various instrument (such as the
piano, guitar, clarinet, bass, double bass and the shawm) in various
styles (such as jazz, traditional Turkish music, Nuevo Flamenco,
Afro-Style, Funk, Spanische Rumba, ...)
- Specials: solo live recordings of Murat Coskun in the Gobi
Desert as well as a session with Aserbaidjanian musicians from a
festival in Mongolia (2003).
- Additional DVD-specific Information
Total running time: 104 min.
Video system: PAL
Format: 4:3
Language: German
Subtitles: English
Sound: DD 2.0
Country Code: 0 (codefree)
DVD Review in the Specialist Magazine Sticks 3/05
Author, Tom Schäfer, Percussionist
" An important DVD for the percussion world with lots of know-how and a
careful thematic selection that gives a big boost to the fun you can
have playing music as seen by Murat Coskun's unbelievable finger
dance..."
" Murat Coskun intensively and thoroughly captivates with his good 100
minutes of instruction on this DVD and abducts his audience into the
fantastic world of the frame drums. The visual workshop is aimed at
beginners and advanced players as well where the four instructional
lessons within their chronology provide a high level of technical
knowledge and demand concentration... Murat Coskun, who is the holder of
the SWR World Music Prize for 1998 and 2004 and an international
lecturer for frame-drum master classes, explains at the beginning in an
easily understandable form, the various possibilities offered by the
elaborate Oriental finger playing techniques with various bass strikes,
open tones, dampened sounds, finger-snapping techniques and effect
sounds and lots more. The entirety works with the support of an
onomatopoeic syllable language, which express such frame-drum sounds as
Dom, Tak, Tik, Ki or Tok etc. from a sound aspect and this is
particularly helpful for the combination of those strikes sound needed
for the creation of exciting frame-drum grooves. A good method, which
also allows those who don't read or use notes, the chance to learn the
playing technique."
In the next chapter, base rhythms follow where the practical aspects of
playing music predominate. A section is also dedicated to the special
strike techniques and there is also an exciting phase where a number of
additional frame drum types are introduced such as the Def, Bendir, Riqq,
Tar, Kanjira and Bodhran and so forth, which are all presented in their
own unique and original form, playing techniques and musical means of
expression. You are repeatedly invited to the sonorous playing of
extraordinary grooves and you also learn about some exotic rhythms such
as Turkish or Bulgarian nines and elevens or even 10/8 and 12/8 rhythms
shown in the booklet, where the systems for these do not seem so
complicated because of the explanations provided in the tricks
subdivision.
" ...thanks to the sophisticated support with vocal notations, even the
beginner will find an easy start although the requirements are aimed at
a very good level."
DVD Review in the Specialist Magazine Drums & Percussions
12/04
Author, Heinz Kronberger
" ...a perfect instructional DVD, which has not been available on the
market before."
" ...in this instructional DVD, Murat Coskun shows himself to be not
only a virtuoso percussionist, but also an ideal teacher, who can
successfully teach any percussionist who is interested more about the
frame drum... The short musical interludes quickly show how extensive
Murat Coskun's knowledge and techniques are."
" He gives us an insight into actually everything that you should know
about the instrument. What is important here is the detailed
explanations about various finger techniques and the developments of
sounds on the instrument, which are explained in the finest details..."
" ...100 minutes of comprehensive instruction with great picture and
sound quality."
" ...the ideal teacher for anyone who wants to learn more about this
instrument. This DVD will even help beginners to develop a good
technique."
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND REVIEWS FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE.
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Foundations of Arabic Rhythm Volume I
by Souhail Kaspar
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
Learn Egyptian Tabla (Doumbek) and Tambourine (Riqq) With Souhail
Kaspar
Souhail Kaspar, internationally renowned Arabic percussion master, has
created a unique home study series that places you right at his side.
Souhail is a passionate teacher, bridging the discipline of classical
Arabic conservatory tradition with Western instructional styles. On this
DVD, Souhail clearly and patiently demonstrates the foundations of
proper technique with easy-to-learn, essential rhythms. Invaluable for
beginners, this volume is also a key resource for experienced drummers
who will gain from studying classical technique developing endurance,
clarity of tone and precise timing.
-
For Beginning Drummers:
Learn the right way, from the start and get on the path to mastery!
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For Middle East Dancers:
Gain a rhythmic understanding that will help your dancing style.
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For Experienced Drummers:
Build your percussion foundation and develop your strength.
Product review from author's site. |
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The Heartbeat of Bellydance: Rhythms & Belly Dance
combinations for Drum Solos
by Raquy Danziger
Product
Description
A Bellydance drum solo is actually a duet: Together, a dancer and a
drummer create a unique piece of performance art. For the dancer, the
drum solo is a uniquely exciting experience demanding a profound
understanding of rhythmic patterns and a wide vocabulary of Bellydance
moves and accents, all necessary to enable her to interact at will with
the music created by the drummer.
RHYTHM WORKSHOP: Raquy breaks apart eight popular Bellydance rhythms:
Baladi, Saiddi, Maqsoum, Masmoudi, Ciftetelli, Malfouf, Ayoub, & Semai.
Acclaimed as a percussion performer, instructor and composer, Raquy
teaches us how to recognize each rhythm. Then Jenna, a star dancer,
instructor and choreographer, demonstrates effective dance combinations
for each of the 8 rhythms. Accompanied by Raquy and Carmine, Jenna then
also demonstrates the unique art of drum solo improvisation including
the above rhythms.
CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: Jenna takes you step-by-step through THREE
Bellydance drum solo choreographies; beginner, intermediate, and
advanced. Each instructional session takes place before the mirror,
enabling you to follow Jenna as if you were right behind her in the
studio. On screen, a beat counter accompanies choreographic
demonstrations. Choreography breakdown sections separate each dance into
numbered combinations, and provide titles naming each move. The "Learn
and Practice" section offers a step by-step breakdown of each
combination and a presentation of the choreography "from the top" with
practice repetitions inserted, so you can follow Jenna and learn the
steps in real time.
The DVD also contains a warm-up sequence recommended before learning or
practicing, and Jenna's famous Shimmy Drills: the Shimmy Layering Drill,
and her 3/4 Shimmy Drill. The drills are fun mini-exercise routines to
help you learn and build on the art of the shimmy, one of the most
colourful and vibrant Bellydance moves.
Product review from author's site |
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ShakeEmUp Belly Dance Drum Solos DVD
4 Dancers, 3
Drummers, 14 Solos, 40 Minutes of Music and Dance
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
"A performance DVD featuring emerging
artists from New York City’s dynamic belly dance scene.
Companion audio CD available separately. The drum solo, the traditional
finale of a belly dancer’s nightclub show, provides drummers and dancers
alike with an opportunity to showcase their technical prowess. Designed
with the drummer and dancer in mind, this DVD illustrates a variety of
drum solos in live performance, incorporating variations in complexity,
composition, and instrumentation. Improvisation by New York City belly
dancers Bashirah, Raja, Sarah Skinner, and Autumn Ward brings these drum
solos to life, showing Arabic, Turkish, and fusion styles. DVD menus
contain information on the rhythms used in the structure each drum
solo."- Product review from author's website
"I was
fortunate enough to be able to review this new product, which is the
hard work of 4 wonderful dancers and 3 wonderful drummers. In this
review I will highlight the DVD features and also add some personal
expressions.
Packaging:
Very professional, high quality. The front cover contains shots of
two of the dancers in motion. The back cover contains general
information about the DVD, such as length, contents and some
professional pictures of the performers and drummers. It also gives
us an insight on what to expect in the program. There is no
misleading information what-so-ever. The disc itself is a
professional quality product, printed as movie discs are.
Production:
The production quality is excellent in both video and audio aspects.
The setting is in a studio, very pleasant. I found the background
somewhat dark for some of the costumes the ladies were wearing, but
I feel that a dark background was chosen for a purpose because of
the drummers. They all wear dark clothing, but the instruments are
visible, so I felt that was the intention with the dark background;
to emphasize on the performers and instruments playing the beautiful
rhythms.
The
Drummers:
Bashira, David Buchbut and Carmine Guida seem to be very pleasant
and great drummers to work with. The music is very enjoyable,
passionate and beautiful and they follow the dancers with such joy!
The length of the program is 40 minutes.
Each of the
performers shows us something unique, something cute, something
different and something beautiful. The choreographies are
simple-built, yet gorgeous and challenging for all levels of
dancers.
I absolutely
enjoy this DVD in its entirety. The performers gave their best and
all their feelings and passion into the performances. Their costumes
are beautiful and very professional. Their hard work shines
throughout the program. The drummers’ great talent and feel for the
rhythms was a great choice for this product and they all worked very
well together.
On a scale
from 1-10, I gave this DVD a 9 ½ (I deducted ½ because of the
background and some of the closer camera angles only).
I strongly
recommend this DVD for all dancers’ library:
- To see these beautiful dancers perform and experience the live
band.
- To learn some unique and cute movements.
- To learn about a great live band and basic rhythms.
- To enjoy a performance program full of joy, fun and education!
GREAT job ladies and gentlemen, a production very well done!
Everyone who contributed to the production has done a fantastic job!
Thank you for sharing your talents and passion. Good Luck in your
endeavors."
REVIEW POSTED ON AUTHOR'S WEBSITE.
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TIME ZONE
by Ken Shorley and Marla Leigh
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
"TIME ZONE provides
exciting practice material for darabuka (doumbek) and frame drum.
For beginners, this
DVD provides a solid and clear introduction to two styles of Middle
Eastern drumming.
For drummers who are
ready to move beyond the basics, TIME ZONE contains a wealth of new
material to learn and practice.
Beginner and
intermediate techniques on both drums are explained and demonstrated in
detail. Two written scores for each duet are included with the purchase
of the DVD – using standard Western notation and an easy-to-follow hand
drum notation.
And, in addition to
the performances of all eight TIME ZONE duets, each darabuka and
frame drum part is
presented individually for clarity and play-along ease.
TIME ZONE is an
unique collaboration - featuring Canadian East Coast percussionist Ken
Shorley on darabuka, and American West Coast percussionist Marla Leigh
on frame drum.
Ideal for hand
drummers, drumkit players, belly dancers, drum circle facilitators and
educators... A must-have for anyone interested in hand drumming!
Fun. Inspiring.
Educational."
"...clear
footage, closeups and a friendly patient delivery make learning the
basic techniques easy." - Modern Drummer
Product review from author's
website
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Riq
Instructional DVD and Book
by Yousif
Sheronick
CLICK TO VISIT
WEBSITE "Instructional DVD
and Book for the Riq (Middle Eastern Tambourine)
Yousif Sheronick guides you from the basics of holding the Riq all the
way through playing and embellishing traditional Middle Eastern Rhythms
in both Cabaret and Soft positions. Included are technique exercises to
develop your tones and build your strength, as well as two spectacular
solos played by Sheronick on this amazingly versatile instrument. The
accompanying book includes a comprehensive collection of over 50 Middle
Eastern Rhythms (many with multiple embellishments) and a scene layout
of the DVD." Product review form author's site. |
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Dumbek Fever 1
by Raquy Danziger
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
Dumbek
Fever I - Beginner / Intermediate Levels
Learn the Art of Middle Eastern
Drumming!
with Raquy Danziger's Interactive Dumbek Instructional Kit "Dumbek
Fever"!
Included in the Kit:
- Instructional
Book
- DVD showing dumbek basics step by step
- CD of rhythms, variation, and solos – you play the lead!
- Photographs of all hand positions
- Traditional Rhythms from all over the Middle East
- Ornamentation and finger rolls
- How to accompany belly dancers
- Transcriptions and recording of dumbek solos and duets
- Bonus audio and video tracks of Raquy and the Cavemen!
Product review from
author's site
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Dumbek Fever 1
by Raquy Danziger
CLICK TO VISIT WEBSITE
Dumbek
Fever II - Advanced Level
Take Your Dumbek Playing to the Next
Level!
with Raquy Danziger's New Advanced Dumbek Instructional Kit !
This Interactive
Advanced Level Dumbek Instructional Kit includes:
- Instructional DVD,
practice CD and book with photographs of hand positions!
- The incredible new Turkish Split Hand Technique!
- Fingernail Snaps, Double-Decker Snaps and Persian-style rolls!
- Double-time, groupings and a peek at Indian rhythmic Tee Hi endings!
- Transcriptions and recordings of belly dance solos, dumbek solos and
duets
- Transcriptions of dumbek parts to traditional Middle Eastern songs.
Play along with the melody!
- Bonus video footage of Raquy and the Cavemen, live!
- Notes, recording and video of Raquy’s famous unaccompanied solo,
‘Naked’.
Product review from author's site |
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Doumbek Technique & Rhythms
for Arabic Percussion, Bellydance & Drum Circles
-
by
Amir Naoum
CLICK
TO VISIT WEBSITE
Learn to play doumbek (dumbek, darbuka)
with New York's most beloved Arabic percussionist, the master
instructor, the one and only Amir Naoum!
If you are a beginning drummer, this DVD will serve as a very
accessible, friendly and solid introduction to the art of Middle Eastern
percussion.
If you are a dancer, Amir
Naoum's clear introduction to the most popular bellydance rhythms and
their more subtle variations will help you learn to recognize the
rhythms, even in their most sophisticated forms.
Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, Amir Naoum has played in NYC Arabic
clubs, for family celebrations and bellydance shows for over 30 years.
He has contributed generously to the success of most New York star
bellydancers and Middle Eastern percussionists. Amir's method of
teaching Middle Eastern rhythms and doumbek technique have helped many
dancers and drummers take their first steps toward understanding Middle
Eastern rhythms, and develop toward higher levels of musicality and
doumbek playing technique. Amir is known for his warm, welcoming,
encouraging teaching style and for helping dancers at every level of
skill do their best in performance.
This program is a beginner-level doumbek instructional course with a lot
of beyond-the-basics information and spectacular demonstrations of
Middle Eastern drumming and dance rhythms.
FEATURES:
• Syllabic
notation is displayed onscreen, progressively changing in real time as
the instructor plays the rhythms, rhythm variations, and exercises;
• Extensive
chapter selection menus with individual access to each rhythm, exercise,
type of sound, etc.
• Onscreen titles
identify chapters, names of rhythms, sounds and exercises at all times
for easy navigation.
• Detailed
instructions of how to hold the doumbek, how to produce the basic
doumbek strokes: dum (doum), tek, ka (the secondary hand "tek"), pop (ketem)
and slap (sek);
• Introduction to the types of doumbeks: clay doumbeks with fish (goat)
skin vs tunable doumbeks with plastic head; soumbati doumbeks;
• 9 exercises to
develop finger strength and nimbleness and master the basic sounds and
the most typical sound combinations;
• Practice = Play
Along - Follow Amir Naoum as he plays the exercises you've just learned;
• Detailed
explanation of the most popular Middle Eastern music / dance /
bellydance rhythms; demonstration of basic and "filled" versions of the
rhythms, ways to play them, demonstrations of rhythms "Arabic-style,"
comments on what rhythms are modern / traditional / popular among Arab
drummers;
Demonstration of
the rhythms you've just learned by the two masters of Arabic percussion
- Amir Naoum (doumbek) and Aziz Abbas (riq); enjoy the full scale of
subtleties and rhythms embellishments and be inspired to play!
Product review from author's site
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The Art of the Drum Solo
by Sonia & Issam
"Bellydance Superstar Sonia and Master Percussionist Issam Houshan
introduces the essential rhythms and techniques used in a live drum solo
performance. The chapters include: Warm Up, Rhythm Introduction &
Technique, Choreography and Performance. PACKAGE INCLUDES A FREE BONUS
MUSIC CD of additional music tracks by Issam Houshan."
Product review from author's site |
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