~ Percussion ~
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I play core hand percussion with a focus
on Congas, Doumbek and Frame Drum. My setup is always tailored to the situation
at hand, but can include a foot pedal with tambourine, woodblock or cowbell for
my left foot, cymbals and hi hat, a vast array of shakers, and any combination
of congas, doumbeks, frame drums, and special effects.
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My overall training is based on Cuban conga
and bongo tradition, Middle Eastern frame drum, doumbek, and riq techniques, and
informed by orchestral technique and consideration for tone. I have used varied
percussion configurations for accompanying dance classes, performing in show
bands, and performing with specialty band 3 Leg Torso, which had me playing
everything I own, in Klezmer, Middle Eastern, Gypsy, Tango and numerous other
styles.
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My percussion collection contains a little
bit of every texture, from drums & tambourines, to shakers & cowbells,
and includes special effects such as goat toenails, spring drums and vibratone.
Sample:
James Brown’s “Cold Sweat” groove, played on the Doumbek, a Middle Eastern drum
~Electronic
Percussion ~
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In addition to the acoustic percussion
instruments listed above, I also play percussion with an electronic mallet
instrument capable of many diverse soundscapes.
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This instrument gives me a full complement
of acoustic percussion instruments, plus all the mallet instruments: Vibes –
Marimba – Xylophone, as well as bass, guitar, keyboards, etc.
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I use a loop station to layer all these
great sounds, creating a virtual “one man band”. click here to listen