Budhi Drums

How to get the most from the "Essential Djembe Rhythms" DVD

2011-09-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Photo of Djembe great Dibo Camara playing with Budhi Harlow at the Music Academy of the West in May of 2007

How often do you play your Djembe? Are you fluent in basic Djembe language (especially the accompaniement rhythms in 4/4 and 12/8, the breaks and ecchauefments). Do you play Djembe in the traditional Malinke context with dancers? Do you play in a church or band setting in a more westernized percussion application? These are two of the major settings a player of Djembe may find themselves and the applications and use of the rhythm language can be very different. You need essential techniques and practice for steady timing, clean tonality, and the foundations of the rhythm language to be effective and have fun. With the "Essential Djembe Rhythms" DVD it is my goal to prepare you to have a satisfying experience in a wide variety of playing situations.

Motivation is the key and it will change over time. The love of playing should be the dominant motivational force if you are going to get into the magical power of the drum and have a satisfying and sustained relationship.

Please visit the shop to purchase "Essential Djembe Rhythms".
Feel free to email me with any questions, I am here to serve.

Open your heart and share the love,

Budhi Harlow

Panzumo Concert at Jodhi House

2011-09-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Sun and Moon:Drum and Dance in the Mystical California (p.2)

2011-08-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sun and Moon by Budhi Harlow
The dance between the Sun and the Moon is the fire and water that flows between drummers and dancers.

Many years ago I participated in a workshop with Malidoma Some. It was a healing workshop, where a group of around 40 people were split into the fire side of the room (fire clan) and the water side of the room (water clan).
There was no quetion in my mind that as much as I love the water that I was a "fire person". Each group built an alter appropriate to their element and blessed it to bring out it's sacred powers (specifically for our individual and collective healing). Members of the fire clan were invited one at a time by an ambassador of the water clan to enter their sacred space. As a fire person I remember feeling the harmonizing, healing effects of this experience through the simple yet very profound actions of the water people. I remember feeling so refreshed as if I had jumped into the ocean of my favorite Maui beach at sunset. Refreshed from the fire that sometimes leaves me feeling burned out (simmer down now).

When water people came to our alter it was such an amazingly different experience sharing what our fire clan had to offer.
Fire people bring forth heat, that warms water people and helps them flow.

During this whole experience Malidoma held the space as only a true elder could. Playing his drum and singing his chant for all of us to become evermore of our profoundly beautiful selves.

Drum and Dance in the Mystical California (p.1)

2011-08-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

California is very magical country, blessed with amazing beauty and vitality. Artists find a true home here, because the climate is very nurturing. Some of this nurturing comes from the very soil that is of the richest of the world. Food grows in abundance and as artists we can can focus on more creative expressions than survival needs.

How does this relate to Drum and Dance in the Mystical California?

By tuning into the earth through our garden (in Santa Barbara), we gain fresh insights into the "Rhythms of Life". In Djembe (for instance) there is a large group of rhythms for farming. The intention is to gather people in your community (not necessarily your friends, more likely your neighbors) to help with the major work of prepping soil, planting and harvesting.

Well I have not experienced much of that yet. I did go over to my neighbors' house last weekend and pick a bag full avocados. Sharing food amongst my neighbors gives me a strong feeling of connection to something deeply spiritual. It is not planned, we are not considered "friends" yet we are there for each other, sharing life-giving food.

Making the Kododun- Cutting the Barrel

2011-05-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

I am sharing my process of making a Kododun (professional super-sub, tunable bass drum. This drum is a beautiful instrument born from Djun-Djun and Taiko inspirations. It is my own creation (like many before me). I have studied African Drum construction throughout the markets in Dakar during my 6 research trips of the 1990's. I had built native style powwow/medicine drums before I had heard the word Djembe. Both of my grandfathers were serious craftsman, so it is in my
blood/DNA (like drumming is for my African teachers. I will share a variety of insights about drums and their use for healing and transformation along the way.
We start with a 55 gallon wine barrel from the Oreana Winery in downtown Santa Barbara.

The next step is cutting off the ends of the barrel.

Spring Equinox Celebration with Panzumo and Friends

2011-02-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

Call Panzumo at 805-966-4604 for tickets.

Sorsonet-Sacred Mask Dance of the Baga from Guinea

2011-01-27T23:07:00.000-08:00

Photo from Art of the Baga, by Frederick Lamp

SORSONET
"Over the course of time some masks who were seen as bringers of luck gained ever more favour with the people, and today they are almost worshipped as deities, as is the case with the mask Sorsonet. Every once in a while those masks are taken out to be shown to the people in the village. They are not kept in the village but outside in the woods.

The mask Sorsonet is like a guardian for the village. It belongs to a group of people, but when you try to penetrate its secret they will know how to prevent that. It is a mask against evil. Sorsonet is revered as protector of the village. If someone has a severe problem (such as illness or childlessness) he goes to the priest who then gets the mask. This can happen approximately two to three times a year. When the mask is inside the village the rhythm Sorsonet is played and the mask moves through the village.

Today Sorsonet is also a popular rhythm to which men as well as women dance."

-From Mamady Keita's A Life for the Djembe - Traditional Rhythms of the Malinke
Go to Panzumo.com and play along with my recording of Sorsonet (featuring Dramane Kone on lead djembe).

Drumming in Santa Barbara-New Djembe Class 2011

2010-12-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

As we rock into the new year of 2011 I want to invite past, present and future drummers to join me as venture deeper into the living language of Rhythm, Song and Dance. Yes dance. Drumming exists for dancing, the sun needs the moon, as the masculine needs the feminine.

In Africa it is rare to find drummers that do not dance, very rare!!! We need to feel the music and be at home in our bodies, this is a center point for vitality.

Rhythm, Song and Dance Programs with Budhi Harlow

2010-11-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

Rhythm, Song and Dance Program

Fundamental Music Skills-Large and Small Motor Control with Ear Training
Percussion instruments are essential to the development of basic motor skills and ear to hand coordination . The ability to play an instrument and dance at a steady tempo involves the entire nervous system and whole brain functionality. This skilled timing prepares young students for success in music, dance, sports, and theatre performance. Call and response is a conversational playing style that creates a more interactive listening process for all students.

Creative Movement-Traditional Dance and Improvisation
Students of the program learn traditional dances and are encouraged to improvise and discover their own unique creative movement.

Tai Chi for Balance and Focus
The use of fundamental Tai Chi Animal postures gives students large motor control, balance and a fun introduction into meditative movement.

Environmental Awareness
Children will experience the grace and power of ancient dances/rhythms. These will impart a sense of wonder and appreciation for animals and our environment. The program emphasizes emotional development and a respect for all living relations.

Social Development and Self Esteem
Rhythm, Song and Dance presents children with an avenue for the development of social skills in a structured environment that is also open to improvisation. The dances are full of grace and subtlety; introducing the idea that African dance is a contemporary art form. Children will experience the joy of drum and dance music that on both a personal and social group level. Rhythm, Song and Dance gives children the confidence to express themselves freely thru a wide variety of music and dance.

Different Learning Styles and Intelligences
The program touches upon the different learning types, including auditory (live drumming and singing), visual (watching large motor movements of dancing and drumming), and kinesthetic (movement of hands on the drums, learning dance movements).

Basic Tone Recognition and the use of Melodic Percussion
It is important that young musicians experience melodic percussion for their ear training.
The use of basic scales and vocal tone recognition is important for auditory development and essential musical sensibilities.

Budhi can be reached at Panzumo.com or (805) 966-4604 for further info.

Rhythm, Song and Dance at SBHS

2010-11-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice Drum and Dance Party!

2010-11-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

Son Clave

2010-09-29T23:10:00.000-07:00

The origination of the the son clave pattern comes from the bell line that is found throughout 4/4 djembe music from Guinea and Mali in West Africa (and probably many other african percussion cultures, see Ewe Drumming from Ghana.

Please see the notation in this month's exploration of the roots of clave. This pattern is an essential framework for dance music percussion.

The 3/2 son clave or djembe bell (the mother pattern) has two contrasting feels which creates tension for the dancer. Please understand that the africans that went to Cuba did not make up the clave rhythm. It has been played in africa (in its original form) forever. It has no analogy in western music. It is the essential, original code that unlocks a entire universe of rhythm.

The Essential Rhythms Djembe Bell and Son Clave

2010-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

I am reposting this notation because these two rhythms are completely essential to African Music and all of her diaspora!!!
Get two sticks and play the Djembe bell figure with the "lead" hand and the Son Clave line with the "second" hand.
With two bells or melodic percussion you can hear the relationships clearly as you play. Then switch hands and make your second hand the lead hand, this is a great exercise for the brain.

This is excellent training for all musicians and especially for Djembe groups that want to progress to traditional, 3 part DunDuns.

Both of these rhythms are keys that unlock a world of dance music. As you memorize Djembe Bell you will see a wide variety of variations of the code.

African Drumming is an Art form for Social Tranformation

2010-09-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

There are many areas of social transformation effected by drumming.

When we drum there is a multiple level communication stream that is created. We "talk" with the drums in code. A poetic, symbolic language that pierces thru our social veils. We breathe together, creating a common internal rhythm that entrains us with the music we are playing. This is what John Chernof meant with the quote "going thru time together".

Capturing the moment is very elusive. Through aligning our internal rhythms in sound and movement, a powerful social force is activated!!!

African Percussion Program at SBHS with Budhi Harlow

2010-09-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

This week we started working on Sinte, with the traditional 3 part DjunDjuns with call and solos.

Panzumo Summer "Magical Afro-Fusion" Concert this Friday Night at Soho

2010-08-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice Parade 2010

2010-06-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Another fantastic Summer Solstice Parade transmission on State Street!!!
From left to right: Asia Warren, Lisa Beck and Arielle Christner.

Panzumo Rocks Soho in SB on Monday, June 7th. 2010

2010-05-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

This show will benefit our many programs in Santa Barbara including SBHS and La Cuesta High School Dance Percussion Ensembles.
The amazing rhythms from Djembe and beyond will purify, inspire and empower all!!!
From Djole to Doundounba to Yankady and Makaru, come out and feel the vitality of the deepest grooves, music in alignment with our true nature!!!

Sunu Rhythm Notation

2010-05-03T22:52:00.001-07:00

Djembe Rhythm Sunu is Rocking in Santa Barbara (see this year's Solstice Parade)

2010-05-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

Above you will see beautiful dancers Asia Warren and Arielle Christner dancing to Sunu as we prepare for this years Solstice Parade

African Drum and Dance Club at UCSB

2010-03-31T15:38:00.001-07:00

Percussive Arts at Casa Esperanza: Celebration of Completion in Santa Barbara!!!

2010-03-25T13:22:00.001-07:00

We wrapped up the Winter Cycle Tuesday night for my Percussive Arts program at Casa Esperanza. Big thanks to all of my participants who shared healing tea from the Amazon, Tai Chi Animals and Djembe Drumming from West Africa!!! It was a fantastic program and I look forward to getting back to Casa Esperanza and all the great people there!!!

Budhi goes to the Amazon

2010-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is Princess the Jaguar from my first trip to the Amazon in 2008.

St. Patricks Day Rhythm, Dance and Song Program at the Filmore Library

2010-03-17T23:47:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Kathy at the Filmore Library and Kim at Pulse Drumming!!! I had a fantastic time teaching rhythms, songs and dances with an Irish twist. It felt great to research my Irish ancestry and get a better background on the Bodhran drum and it's rhythms. Of course my songs on the Hammer Dulcimer and Zumo drum were a major hit. My approach to the dulcimer was already rooted in the "jig" rhythms.

Surge in rhino poaching devastates African populations (see Asian Traditional Medicine and Jambiya Daggers)

2010-03-16T12:53:00.001-07:00

I found this article by Robyn Dixon in the L.A. Times. Tragically, Chinese traditional medicine (utilised in many asian countries) is pushing many great, beautiful beasts into extinction (see Rhinos, Tigers and Sharks especially). The expansion of the Chinese economy has led to greater demand on these vastly under protected species. Also heavily implicated are Jambiya Daggers out of Yemen, where the horns are used as handles?
See below:
Reporting from Limpopo Province, South Africa
The baby rhino, an orphan, had barely been weaned. Her horn was only a few inches long. But that didn't stop the poachers from hacking it off.

David Uys, 33, had helped raise the rhino after her mother was killed by lightning. He called her Weerkind -- "orphan" in Afrikaans. He won't forget the sight of the bodies of the baby and two other rhinos, shot dead, their horns removed.

"I'm not a one for talking about emotions," Uys said quietly. "But it was like seeing one of your family members dead, the brutality of it."

The slain bull rhino, dubbed Longhorn, was about 35 and had a magnificent horn more than 2 1/2 feet long. The third rhino, Sister, had adopted Weerkind after her mother was killed. The three died together in November on this Limpopo province game ranch that is for tourists, not hunters, north of Pretoria.

"You're angry. You're furious. You're sad. You're crying," said Uys, the ranch manager. "Just a bundle of emotions, bursting inside."

A sharp surge in poaching in South Africa and Zimbabwe by organized gangs has devastated Zimbabwe's rhino population and threatens to wipe out South Africa's critically endangered black rhinos within a decade. South African rancher Pelham Jones warns that the more common white rhino won't be far behind unless something is done.

A report last year by the World Wildlife Fund, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and wildlife-trade monitoring network TRAFFIC said poaching had reached a 15-year high, pushing the animals close to extinction. About 1,500 rhino horns were traded illegally in the last three years, despite a long-standing ban on international trade.

Last year, 122 rhinos were killed in South Africa. Jones predicted that at the current poaching rate, 180 to 200 will be killed this year. A provisional 2009 estimate shows only 800 rhinos remaining in Zimbabwe, and 18,553 white and 1,570 black rhinos in South Africa, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, which maintains the ban on the trade of rhino horn.

Rhino ranchers, some of whom keep the animals to attract tourists while others rely on limited trophy hunting, are so wary about the involvement of organized crime in rhino killings that few are willing to talk publicly for fear of endangering animals on their properties. Interviews are given on condition that properties, even nearby towns, are not identified.

The ranch where Weerkind was born and killed is a lush green in the summer rainy season, with rocky hills looming into the sky. Birds with impossibly long tails seem weighed down in flight as they flutter near a pond. A red track cuts uphill through the acacia trees. Rain clouds gather, thunder grumbles, and a sudden drenching rain pours down, stopping abruptly half an hour later.

Up close, the rhinos look benign, almost bovine, ambling in the Limpopo sunshine, plucking grass, shadowed by a group of guards in camouflage carrying semiautomatics. Their small, thick-lashed eyes look sleepily docile. But their sheer size is awesome -- a rhino is almost as big as a car, weighing from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. From a few yards away, they are terrifying.

Not for Uys, even though he's been charged countless times and once was knocked over and walked on. Afterward, he recalled, the bull looked almost apologetic.

Uys has spent his life with rhinos. At 18, he was a rhino guard, sleeping in the bush with them through violent summer thunderstorms and harsh winter nights.

"I was close enough to scratch their ears. They took me as part of the group."

When he did get charged, it was usually his own fault for getting too close, he says.

"Running away is the worst thing you can do," he said. "You can't outrun a rhino." If there's a tree or boulder, you scramble up. If there's thick enough bush, you stand your ground.

Once, photographing a newborn baby, he and a colleague were suddenly approached by the calf. The two men froze. If the mother saw them and charged, there was no bush, no trees, no boulders.

"They react to movement so if you stand completely still, they won't see you," Uys said. "The guy who was with me, his nerves didn't hold out, and he started running. The cow saw us and she came for us."

There was no time to think.

"I threw down my backpack. She smelled me there and took her fury out on the backpack," he said. It was one of his closest calls.

If you called Uys a rhino whisperer, he'd be offended by the cliche. But he does have a gift with the creatures.

The other day, he crouched low about 20 yards away from a male rhino named Benni, trying to get a look at his slightly injured foot. Another rhino, Bettie, suddenly ambled right up to him. Any sharp move would be disastrous. When she got close enough to nuzzle, he raised his hand. He pressed a fist gently just under her horn. Surprised, she wandered off to graze.

Game rancher Jones, who leads an action group of rhino owners to combat poaching, said incidents are reported every other day.

His phone beeps constantly with text messages alerting him to poaching incidents and sightings of suspected poachers.

"There's another one," he said, grabbing his phone.

The police, he said, are little help. In one recent case, they arrived four days after a group of rhinos was killed. In another, a police officer picked up an ax abandoned by the poachers, destroying any fingerprints.

The South African government disbanded the police force's endangered-species unit in 2003. The government last year promised to bring back a special-investigations unit -- but critics believe it's not enough to make a difference.

"This is our cultural heritage," Jones said. "People come to South Africa to see the Big Five, not the Big Four," he added, a reference to South Africa's five biggest wildlife draws: rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and cape buffalo.

China's recent thrust into Africa in a rush for resources is a major factor in the illegal rhino horn and ivory trade, analysts believe, because China remains the largest market. Rhino horn, made of keratin, the same substance that forms fingernails, hooves, feathers and hair, has long been used in Chinese medicinal tonics.

Zimbabwe's collapse added to the problem, with corrupt government, army and wildlife officials reportedly involved in poaching and smuggling rhino horn and ivory. The airport in that country's capital, Harare, is reportedly a key transit hub.

In South Africa, Vietnamese diplomatic officials have allegedly been involved in rhino horn buying and smuggling. Reports in Vietnam that a government official was "cured" of cancer by rhino horn appear to have spurred Asian demand.

Many fear that the Asian market is so ancient and entrenched, there's not much a small group of farmers can do to save the species. Some support the idea of rhino farming -- regularly pruning horns, which grow back -- to meet the demand and drive down prices. Others argue that legalizing the trade would only fuel demand, putting the creatures at even more risk. After the killings of the baby rhino and two adults, Uys put his energies into Benni and Bettie. Benni, more unpredictable than Longhorn, sometimes charges unexpectedly. Bettie is docile and sweet. Uys worries about their survival almost as if they were his children, just as he once worried about Weerkind and her family.

"Longhorn and Weerkind and Sister were my passion. But since they have been poached, I have devoted all my time to [Benni and Bettie]. And now I think I love them just as much as I loved the others."

robyn.dixon@latimes.com

How to help: The Endangered Wildlife Trust ( www.ewt.org.za) is working to improve the protection of rhinos in southern Africa.

Budhi's Rhythm, Song and Dance goes to Los Angeles Valley College

2010-03-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

I had a great time bringing my Rhythm, Song and Dance Program to Los Angeles Valley College (this past Wednesday). Big thanks to Nancy for your hard work organizing the wide variety of activities, and Moustapha for your fantastic participation. I hope to see you guys again.

Panzumo's Summer Solstice Drum and Dance Ensemble!!!

2010-03-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

Come rock State St. like never before!!! Get in the best shape of your life!!! Play fabulous rhythms with us!!! Feel empowered to unleash your amazing creativity!!! Join us for this fantastic seasonal celebration and play a part in Panzumo's Summer Solstice Drum and Dance Ensemble!!!

African Drumming and Dancing and the Rhythms of Life with Panzumo

2010-03-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Last night Panzumo played in Ventura for the "Rhythms of Life" Dance Concert!!! It was a fabulous event which raised money for the Ventura County AIDS Partnership. Panzumo is about the power of Rhythm, Song and Dance to transmit vital energy for healing and awakening. Thanks to everyone for making it a great event!!!

Healing Drums for Tiger Conservation!

2010-03-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

This picture from the WWF website includes the rediculous statistic that Tiger populations in the wild have declined by 50% in the last 10 years!!! This is not acceptable and now is the time to act. Panzumo, a leading force in Creative Arts Education with a strong ecological component is donating 25% of proceeds from Zumo Drum sales for Tiger Conservation (starting with the WWF)!!!

Healing Drums and Rhythm Therapy at Casa Esperanza

2010-02-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Any healing practice starts with the breath. Strong, focused breathing brings good oxygenation to the brain. All bodily functions benefit thru good circulation of blood, oxygen, sugar and hormones. My programs always integrate Tai Chi, African Dance and creative movement to engage the body and breath. Health and vitality are essential to my students experience of the Healing Drum.

African Drumming and Dancing with Sofa

2010-02-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Sofa is a very old rhythm of Maninka, or Malinke origin to glorify kings and great warriors, many of whom rode horses. They played plate-shaped drums (tavela) used to send coded messages. The Rhythm originates from the Kouroussa, KanKan, and Faranah regions of Upper Guinea.

Rhythmic motifs: Djembe Bell Ta-tata-tata-ta-ta-ta-ta- is a most essential timeline, because it holds the 3-2 son clave, making it a major archetype for the pan-african rhythm language and the diaspora. The downbeat Sangban part talks to the upbeat Kenkeni and the DunDun responds to their conversation in the second half of the measure.
(Email me at Budhidrums@earthlink.net for western musical notation of Sofa).
The Sofa dance is a great dance for drummers. The moves are bold and easy to follow, providing an excellent introduction to Djembe Dance. When dancing Sofa you become observant and more aware. This is a rhythm about heart and courage.

Questions for you as you play/dance Sofa:

What obstacles do you face in your life today?

How can Sofa help you gather courage to overcome these challenges?

Are there people, animals, plants or ancestors who can help and/or guide you?

How does tuning into your body through breath and movement allow you to feel the rhythm from a deeper perspective (as a drummer)? Get into it!!!

Ecological Perspective-
The Lion is a symbol for courage and a fitting totem for sofa the Warrior King. The lion is also the totem for the Keita lineage, with all of their rich history as Mande Royalty. Lions are an umbrella species which need expansive landscape to thrive and is subsequently seriously endangered. Lions are the only large cats that live in groups or prides. Males and females live up to 20 years in the wild. Left alone by day, they are seldom dangerous. Yet lions are highly intelligent, which leads them to be nervous and high strung with rapid mood swings, making them potentially dangerous. Lions do not fight for the sake of fighting, however. They avoid confrontations and will leave the scene of danger if possible. (This is a tactic to keep in mind if the lion is your totem). NOTE: Male lions are pictured above, but the females do most of the hunting.

Vitality today (for your inner warrior):
Ginseng
Ginseng will help maintain and restore cellular function which can reduce many of the symptoms of aging. Ginseng also improves muscle tone, decreases blood sugar levels, and balances the metabolism as well as balancing and maintaining hormone levels.

Singing Rewires Damaged Brain By BBC Reporter Victoria Gill

2010-02-24T22:53:00.000-08:00

Teaching stroke patients to sing "rewires" their brains, helping them recover their speech, say scientists.
By singing, patients use a different area of the brain from the area involved in speech.
If a person's "speech centre" is damaged by a stroke, they can learn to use their "singing centre" instead.
Researchers presented these findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Diego. An ongoing clinical trial, they said, has shown how the brain responds to this "melodic intonation therapy".
Gottfried Schlaug, a neurology professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston, US, led the trial. The therapy is already established as a medical technique. Researchers first used it when it was discovered that stroke patients with brain damage that left them unable to speak were still able to sing. Professor Schlaug explained that his was the first study to combine this therapy with brain imaging - "to show what is actually going on in the brain" as patients learn to sing their words.

Making connections
Most of the connections between brain areas that control movement and those that control hearing are on the left side of the brain. "But there's a sort of corresponding hole on the right side," said Professor Schlaug. Music engages huge swathes of the brain - it's not just lighting up a spot in the auditory cortex
Dr Aniruddh Patel, neuroscientist "For some reason, it's not as endowed with these connections, so the left side is used much more in speech. "If you damage the left side, the right side has trouble [fulfilling that role]." But as patients learn to put their words to melodies, the crucial connections form on the right side of their brains. Previous brain imaging studies have shown that this "singing centre" is overdeveloped in the brains of professional singers. During the therapy sessions, patients are taught to put their words to simple melodies. Professor Schlaug said that after a single session, a stroke patients who was are not able to form any intelligible words learned to say the phrase "I am thirsty" by combining each syllable with the note of a melody.
The patients are also encouraged to tap out each syllable with their hands. Professor Schlaug said that this seemed to act as an "internal pace-maker" which made the therapy even more effective. "Music might be an alternative medium to engage parts of the brain that are otherwise not engaged," he said.
Brain sounds
Dr Aniruddh Patel from the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego, said the study was an example of the "explosion in research into music and the brain" over the last decade.
"People sometimes ask where in the brain music is processed and the answer is everywhere above the neck," said Dr Patel.
"Music engages huge swathes of the brain - it's not just lighting up a spot in the auditory cortex."
Dr Nina Kraus, a neuroscientist from Northwestern University in Chicago, also studies the effects of music on the brain.
In her research, she records the brain's response to music using electrodes on the scalp.
This work has enabled her to "play back" electrical activity from brain cells as they pick up sounds.
"Neurons work with electricity - so if you record the electricity from the brain you can play that back through speakers and hear how the brain deals with sounds," she explained.
Dr Kraus has also discovered that musical training seems to enhance the ability to perform other tasks, such as reading.
She said that the insights into how the brain responds to music provided evidence that musical training was an important part of children's education.

Panzumo Rocks Campbell Hall at UCSB with Djembe Drumming and Dancing!!!

2010-02-22T21:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday Night we played for 900 UCSB students at a fantastic cultural extravaganza!!! I honestly have never played for such a great, over the top, let's rock audience!!! Big thanks to the Sigma Chi Omega Multicultural Fraternity for bringing Panzumo into the mix of their annual celebration in the Power of Diversity at Campbell Hall!!!

Drumming Programs for Creative Youth and the Wisdom of the Amazon

2010-02-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken from last year's Opportunity Academy Program at S.B.H.S. Go to Panzumo.com (the bio section) to see our documentary video of last year's program. It is important to focus on the students gifts hence the term Creative Youth (over At-Risk).

Drumming as you know is great for the brain, almost as great as dancing. While learning the rhythms Kakelambe, Sofa, Linjian, Lamba, Basic Funk and others, it is helpful to illustrate the dances. Because the music is all about communication between drummers and dancers, I train students in the essential breaks, calls and basic solo phrases for each rhythm. This of course gives them the tools to communicate effectively in the drum/dance language.

Using a variety of deep breathing techniques helps my students to relax while their brains develop neural connections for greater hand to ear to eye coordination. It can be an intense process as students discover or uncover a rich musical/creative identity. To help students focus during this process of neurological integration, I often include the use of Amazon Treasure Tea (a great way to share the wisdom of the indigeneous world with my students).

I became aware of Amazon Treasure Tea thru working with Ray Tischer and Venessa Kay. A synergistic blend of 5 incredible plants from the Amazon, Treasure Tea helps soothe the nervous system of all my students.
The Amazon Herb Company offers super vital products that help support a living rainforest in Peru.

Drum Circles, Parties and Celebrations in Santa Barbara with Budhi Harlow

2010-02-20T09:57:00.000-08:00

The drum circle party is a wonderful opportunity to share the power of drum music!!!

Drumming and Dancing are Inseparable in Panzumo's Presentation of African Djembe Drum and Dance in Santa Barbara

2010-02-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

Drummers from the Djembe tradition and especially Sabar (from Senegal) know the dances to the music they play!!!
In all of our programs we focus on students learning the music and the dance, which is a vigorous, complete creative arts
experience.

My thought process today is: Get out of the comfort zone Budhi!!!

Working on new Djembe solo techniques is balanced with learning the steps of the rhythms dance (Soko for instance).

Playing for modern dance classes is out of my comfort zone, in that it is not a realm that I live in 24/7. Also the use of odd times can feel mechanical for me. Compared to the 4/4 and 12/8 music that is built on the 3/2 clave themes, the odd times feel very foreign to me.

I have to admit that odd times are great to get dancers out of their comfort zone and dominant right side/left brain ways.
In other words, the pattern of movements will start from the right side in a 7 beat rhythm, then start on the left side.
Djembe dance while being very even and balanced (between right and left hemispheres) tends to start on the right side.
More on odd times later.....

Vitality Percussion Program with A.R.C. Special Needs at Pulse Drumming

2010-02-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

The Vitality Percussion Program is especially beneficial for special needs clients. Through the realms of rhythm, song and dance (yes dance), each participant actively engages in a fun multiple sensory, multiple intelligence experience.

Vitality Percussion presents the Zumo Drum

2010-02-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

We are excited to bring these deeply, relaxing instruments out to the world!!! Our Vitality Percussion Programs bring creative arts expression to populations in our community that are under served (including latino youth, homeless, special needs and others. The Zumo Drum is bringing you peace of mind and it is supporting ongoing programs for our communities vitality!!!

Djembe Classics Release in S.B. was Incredible!!!! Thank You Dramane!!!

2010-02-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Master Djembe Drummer Dramane Kone will Rock Santa Barbara with Drums of Passion this Saturday Feb. 6th 2010

2010-02-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

The Bad Boy of Djembe, Dramane Kone is coming to Rock Santa Barbara with Budhi Harlow and Panzumo this Saturday Night, Feb. 6th from 7 to 10PM at the Beachbreak Cafe. We are celebrating the release of Djembe Classics!!! Come on out and dance with us to the sound of your favorite Djembe Rhythms!!!

Budhi's Rhythm, Song and Dance Program goes to Cal State Channel Islands

2010-02-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful blessing to perform at African Cultural Days yesterday. The students at Cal State Channel Islands were fantastic!!! It is my vision to facilitate the implementation of Afrcan Rhythm, Song and Dance Programs in every school and institution possible. Eventually schools could have great artists like Youssouf Koumbassa and Moustapha Bangoura do artists in residence.

It all starts with an African Drum and Dance Club. A few people committed to these magical, super vital art forms.

Drumming Programs for At-Risk Youth Includes the Zumo Drum

2010-02-01T11:07:00.001-08:00

The Zumo Drum is an incredible tool to get my students into a more relaxed state of mind. The beautiful, soothing sound is mixture of chimes and steel pan. I use the Zumo Drum in all of my Vitality Percussion Programs.

The effect of the Zumo is an instant release from the fight/flight, reptillian/primitive brain activity nomal to teenagers and even more pronounced with "at-risk" youth.

Red Panther Tea is a Great Source of Energy!!!

2010-01-31T16:53:00.000-08:00

Red Panther Tea is a delicious mix of Hibiscus, Ginger, Citrus and a few secret ingredients. For the african drum and dance community, Red Panther Tea is essential for the high energy and physical power we need for dance class (and other performance situations).

African Drumming Programs for At-Risk Youth

2010-01-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

I am incredibly blessed to run two ongoing African Drumming/Creative Arts Programs at SBHS and La Cuesta here in Santa Barbara.

This week we are focusing on breathing techniques and rhythms for accessing a meditative mindstate. Most music teachers race off to complexities in the music, yet that can take away from developing the observer (that is so essential to greater awareness and peace of mind). I focus on my students learning the fundamental language of the drums. This includes an understanding of the (rhythm) breaks, allowing us to start and stop together. The anticipation of the break brings a greater listening quality to the group as a whole and lets face it being a good listener is a very important life skill.

My students are very brave and trust me to guide them in a good way. This trust is clearly visible when I ask them to run thru some of the essential dance moves to a rhythm that we are working on. I want them to understand that African Drum and Dance is heart centered. The great Youssouf Koumbassa always tells his dance students, "Dance with good feeling, you must always dance with good feeling".

Drumming programs are very effective for academically at-risk youth. Drums are very expressive, physically engaging instruments. Teachers in these programs already know that their students have latent skills and talants that need a fresh outlet. What is crucial to my approach is the use of dance, and creative movement (including animal forms) to empower the student (as a whole person).

The Dance of Life (in the Drum and Dance Club)

2010-01-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

Let me say it right hear and now:
Dancing is the most direct path to total vitality!!!

What will I do today to get deep into the "flow" of my life???

Traditional Djun Djun Workshop with Budhi

2010-01-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 24th, 2010
Santa Barbara Dance Arts
Djun Djun Workshop, with Budhi - 1 p.m.
1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez
Santa Barbara California US
Price: $20 in advance / $25 at door

Join Budhi for another workshop exploring essential Djun Djun rhythms from Guinea and Mali, West Africa. This incredible workshop will teach you skills for playing the djun djun drums (kinkeni, sangban, djun) with bells, village style. It builds endurance, confidence, and creates a greater understanding of the essential rhythms. This workshop is very important for drummers and dancers from all traditions. Call Budhi at (805) 966-4604 for more information or to pre-register.

Djembe Classics will Support the African Drum and Dance Club at UCSB and Panzumo Education

2010-01-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

"Djembe Classics" is my latest dance percussion record. We are having a Release Party Saturday night on Feb. 6th at the Beachbreak Cafe, located on 324 State St. in Santa Barbara to celebrate.

"Djembe Classics" contains rocking versions of Soli (rapide), Djole, Makaru, Guinea Fare, Kou-Kou, Marakadon, and many others. Dramane Kone returns to throw down some sweet solo licks on a selection of tracks. Please come out and have fun with us February 6th as we sign copies of the new record and play a dance set of the Deepest Grooves!!!

Lisa and I and the Panzumo family are committed to helping African Drum and Dance achieve a greater recognition in the academic and arts/music world. We are creating (with our partnerships) seasonal and year round programs every month. January will see Panzumo's Rhythm, Dance and Song creating vitality culture in the homeless shelter of Casa Esperanza, creative youth at La Cuesta and our template for other universities and colleges: the African Drum and Dance Club at UCSB.

Djembe Drum Lessons: The Relationship between Djembe Bell and Son Clave

2010-01-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

Aloha African Drum and Dance Club!!! Above is notation illustrating the relationship of Djembe Bell to 3/2 (son) Clave.
This is the Mother Rhythm of African Music and the Diaspora in 4/4!!! All the other bell lines can be seen as variations of this one.

Practice playing the djembe bell "timeline" rhythm with your "lead" hand and the son clave "accent" rhythm with the "weak" hand.
If you have a bell and drum (Djun-Djun, Sangban or Ken-Keni), play the timeline on the bell and clave on the drum.
After you have played this rhythm cleanly, (in a relaxed, steady manner) try switching hands for cross training and greater brain
functiion.

Learn it, Play it, Live it!!!

Inspiration from the Humpback Whales and Giant Waves in Maui

2010-01-13T01:52:00.002-08:00

If anything, I want to share the incredible beauty that I see, feel, hear, smell with all my senses.
What is your inspiration? What makes you jump for joy like the Humpback Whales in Maui?

Panzumo Lifestyle goes to Maui

2010-01-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

Doing wind sprints on Makena's "Little Beach" in Maui, soaking up the beauty!!!

African Drum and Dance Programs Activate the Brain

2010-01-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

A major reason for the incredible success of my Rhythm, Song and Dance Program is that students activate the whole brain.
Click on the brain chart (with a G.I. Joe twist) that illustrates how music and dance stimulates a wide vairety of brain function areas. The hand to ear to eye training of playing percussion with good meter and following the dancers is a veritable complete brain workout!!!
The kinesthetic and cognitive development happens thru dancing in time with the drummers rhythm, which also connects the audio and visual brain functions, especially as the lead drummer communicates with solo language (and accents) in the dance choreography. As drummers we have to follow the development of the dance and listen and watch for the breaks, calls and rhythm changes, some of which are improvised with the dancers. This demands deep concentration and focus for students, giving them a heightened sensory awareness and sense of balance.

For questions about Rhythm, Song and Dance Programs Call-
(805) 966-4604

African Drum and Dance at UCSB

2009-12-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

The idea for the African Drum and Dance Club goes back about 15 years. After my first three adventures in Senegal I was looking for a university to do a formal study in Djembe Drum and Dance. I could not find a program that offered anything that made sense, like a minor (to say nothing of a major) in African Djembe Drum and Dance with an emphasis (on drumming or dancing). While my adventures in Senegal were culturally revolutionizing my life, it was difficult for the local drummers (as great as they were) to teach me.
My longing for more formal Djembe education propelled me to Maui and the International African Drum and Dance Camp
(led by world class dancers Youssouf Koumbassa, Assane Konte, Mabiba Baegne and drummers Karamba Diabate and Dom Gueye). At my first camp I came to the realization that I could learn more about the music by dancing than drumming in the dance class. This is a subject for a whole book so I will not try address or gloss over it right now.
I was so inspired by the experience in Maui that (upon returning to Santa Barbara) I mobilized forces to bring Mabiba and Youssouf into Santa Barbara to teach workshops. At the time we did not have a formal African Drum and Dance community and it was a major effort to pull off the workshops.
Today we have a growing drum and dance community and dancers in our community travel to Camp Fareta and San Francisco to study with the greats like Youssouf Koumbassa and Alseny Soumah. We have drummers dedicated to the rigors of the dance class experience and collectively we have made great strides. Another aspect of reality is that we have a long way to go and that most of the people outside of our African Drum and Dance community think a Djembe is a bongo!!!
Thru the African Drum and Dance Club at UCSB, Lisa Beck and I are going to present the core curriculum for Djembe Drum and Dance. It is our intention that these incredibly vital art forms be recognized and implemented as formal classes.
That we achieve a greater platform for world class african artists and cultural treasures like Yousouf Koumbassa to teach master classes and be artists in residence. That formal positions are created for teaching this very essential, standardized curriculum.
We thank you for all of your love and support of African Drum and Dance!!!

Panzumo 3rd Annual Winter Solstice Celebration and Fundraiser

2009-12-06T09:23:00.001-08:00

Madagascar's Last Stand

2009-11-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

The news slipped through the BBC this week about Madagascar's last stand for it's unique and very endangered Lemurs, Chameleons and other fantastic animals. Since the coup of last year, there has been a sizable reduction of international aid for protecting the remaining 10% of (Madagascar's original) treasured forest and inhabitants. Meanwhile, today a general lawlessness prevails to the tune of clear cutting in the already decimated forests.

This story plays out all over Africa, where resources are sold for pennies on the dollar to Chinese, European, Japanese and American Global National Corporations.

As musicians of traditional african music we are in a powerful position to raise awareness and help ease the inequalities of post-colonial Africa. All change and transformation begins with awareness. Our participation and transmission of traditional rhythms, songs and dances infuses both participants and audience with super-vital energy and a magical, transpersonal sense of connection!!!

This great "sense of connection" can open our hearts and minds, creating an opportunity to feel and be empowered. We feel moved!!! From personal needs and experiences, we can dance and play ourselves into a greater emotional, kinesthetic and social intelligence. This is a return to our "natural selves" our true state of being. Can we not hear this great intelligence in the "call and response" singing of birds outside of our windows (amongst the din of people and machines fighting to stay "busy and productive")?

So as we perfect our "slap technique" or favorite step to Tiriba or Koukou, let us not forget the "Motherland" in this time or any time. It is now or never for Madagascar and her magical creatures!!!

Essential Djembe Language with Djagbe

2009-11-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today we worked on the Djagbe rhythm in my November Dundun Workshop. In the notation we can see parts that are found in many djembe rhythms, starting with the djembe accompaniment (parts 1 and 2). The second djembe part which creates the up-beats for Djagbe, finds both the Kenkeni and Dundun playing on top of it. The Kenkeni is marking the slap and bass hits of djembe 2. The Dundun is marking both of the (first two) up-beat tones and then only the first of the second up-beat tones. This creates the framework for the Sangban part which is the signature rhythmic figure for Djagbe.

Djembe Drum and Dance Curriculum for Colleges and Universities

2009-11-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

There are hundreds of rhythms from West Africa in the region of Senegal, Mali and Guinea. Of these rhythms there are a core group that make up the essential Djembe Dance Curriculum. These are Kou-kou, Doundounba, Soli (lente and rapide), Sinte, Sorsonet, Tiriba, Yankadi, Makaru, Kassa, Djole, Sofa, Soko, Lamba, Guinea Fare and Mendiani.

Djembe drummers are trained in the rhythm language specific to these dances (and dozens of other dance rhythms). To communicate effectively with the dancers, the djembe ensemble must be able to articulate the breaks and calls, locking in the rhythm with the proper tempo and feel. Playing for dancers is a rigorous and energetically re-vitalizing experience, that demands dedication and devotion.Precise meter, clear tone and clean technique are the essential building blocks for all musicians, especially djembe drummers.

Djembe rhythms are for the most part in a 4/4 or 12/8 time signature. The language of djembe has three levels of graduating rhythmic complexity from the djembe support, to the djun-djun rhythms, to the solo rhythms. This system allows entry level players to participate in the dance class after a relatively short (2-4 months) introductory training period. The djembe support parts mark the quarter note pulse of the rhythm. This provides a stable framework for the djun-djun parts or bassline. The djun-djun rhythms create the distinctive bassline that signifies the particular dance. The soloist sets the tempo with the intro break, marks the dancers major movements and transitions, maintains proper tension, plays the point and counterpoint of the bassline theme, adjusts the tempo (african dances have typical tempo changes), responds to dancers movements and energy dynamics, creating a conversation unique to the dance (that Soli should feel and sound different than Soko), and eventually bring the dance to it's proper conclusion with the use of echauffment (rousing) and break.

(photo by Rachel S. Thurston)

Summertime Vitality - Part 1

2009-07-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Una de Gato or Cats Claw is an amazing healing herb found in the Amazon and throughout the tropics. I became aware of it thru drinking Treasure Tea with Vanessa Kay of the Amazon Herb Company. I also bought a 100 pack when I was departing Peru 2 years ago after my first Journey to the Amazon.
Una de Gato is well documented for it's incredible healing properties, I have stayed in relationship with it because it makes me feel great. As a percussionist and independent artist I need to feel consistently vital and energized, without big pendulum swings, this is where Una de Gato comes in. As a Djembe player I need to to play full-contact, all out and be ready to go the next day 7 days a week.So please check out Una de Gato for your Super Vital Summer of 2009!!!
"Uña de Gato,'cat's claw', is a thorny liana vine reputed to be a remarkably powerful immune system booster and effective in treating a wide array of maladies including cancer, systemic candidiasis, genital herpes, and AIDS (SIDA).
Uña de Gato also has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. It has proven useful in treating arthritis, bursitis, allergies and numerous bowel and intestinal disorders. Anecdotal evidence indicates effectiveness in relieving side effects of chemotherapy.
Wild populations of this woody vine are threatened in some areas by harvesters who dig out the root out rather than simply cutting the vine and allowing regrowth. This is a foolish practice since new growth occurs rapidly when Uña de Gato vine is cut. It grows prolifically under cultivation.
Uncaria tomentosa, reputedly the most effective of several uña de gato species, is endemic to the Peruvian Amazon and is gaining international attention for its documented curative qualities." ~From www.biopark.org/peru/unadegato.html

Panzumo Spring Concert Video Clip 5/16/09

2009-05-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

A short slide show of our performance at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara yesterday. Thank you to Kathy deWet-Oleson for putting this together.

Drum and Dance Program at Mama Mimi's Preschool in Santa Barbara, CA

2009-03-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Mama Mimi’s Pre-School is an amazing creative arts pre-school in lower Montecito. It is one of the main schools where I have developed many aspects of my Rhythm, Song and Dance Program. I teach the fundamentals of hand and stick percussion on Djembes and Djun-djuns. The drumming is a very excellent tool for brain development, non-verbal awareness, large motor muscle control, basic time and meter, group dynamics to name just a few of it’s important attributes.
After the drumming we work on the fundamentals of creative movement and african dance. In this portion we expand on ear training with the essential kinesthetic development, thru following the breaks, tempos, and a variety of rhythms with corresponding steps and simple choreography.
Following the drum and dance portion, we do Tai Chi and basic Kung-Fu movements with Mimi’s assistant teacher Matt.
Matt shows animal forms to highlight the ecological aspects of our creative arts curriculum. We want children to feel a deeper sense of connection to animals, fostering a greater appreciation for the wonder of life and the beautiful creatures of the earth.
Rhythm, Song and Dance (with Kung Fu and Tai Chi) Program is just one of the many offerings at Mama Mimi’s Pre-school, for more info call Mimi at (805) 969-6087.

The Power of Circular Rhythms (Integrating Brain Function part 1)

2009-02-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

Circular rhythms regenerate themselves like the snake that catches its tail, all trance rhythms are circular. They move in a timeless manner and never get tired or old. The circular flow gives the feeling of deepening, going into sound, tapping into the subconscious mind. As you play gun-go-do-gun-pa-ta- you move like crawling, synchronizing both brains thru the corpus colosum. This is very difficult for people who’ve had brain injuries, for the communication has to flow back and forth evenly and effortlessly. This movement of 1-2-3-4-5-6 across the drum will help the participant with integrative brain function.
Variations of this rhythm can be heard thru hundreds of ritual, initiation, trance and mask dance rhythms.
A central purpose of these rhythms is to step out of the control of the rational mind and open up into the circular mind, which is the meditative mind, the great observer.

This is the place of awareness that makes a place for deep insights. The dance stories told in these rhythms are not everyday stories. They are dances celebrating the supernatural power of nature and our intrinsic need to feel a most essential connection to the Devine. These conscious rituals are designed to reset the internal compass or reboot the system if you will.

From:Are You Only Using Half Your Brain? - Living by Design Blog

The Left & Right Hemispheres of Your Brain

The right side of your brain controls the muscles on the left side of your body and the left side of your brain controls the muscles on the right side of your body. Also, in general, sensory information from the left side of the body crosses over to the right side of your brain and information from the right side of the body crosses over to the left side of your brain. That's why brain damage to one side of the brain affects the opposite side of the body.

Each side of the brain responds to specific stimuli and controls specific activities. For example, the right brain is used for spatial abilities, face recognition, visual imagery and music. And the left brain is used for linear processing, math and logical abilities.

Left Brain functions:
Logic, reason, maths, language, reading, writing, analysis, detail, short-term memory, repetition, structure, effort focus...

Right Brain functions:
Facial recognition, rhythm, visual imagery, creativity, emotions, dreams, long-term memory, the bigger picture, music and tone...

Cross Crawl - An Easy way to Balance your Brain

"Cross Crawl derives its name from the way babies move when they are crawling. By using opposite arms and legs as they speed across the carpet babies are assisting their developing brain by stimulating the left and right hemispheres at the same time.

The original research and application of cross crawl was used to help brain damaged children. When baby walkers became popular, there was some concern that they got babies on two legs prematurely and encouraged skipping valuable brain developing crawling time.

In recent years, the simple act of encouraging the use of both sides of the brain at the same time has lead to beneficial breakthroughs for children with learning difficulties and challenges with coordination. For adults, the simple cross crawl exercise gets the right hemisphere back online for problem solving, and creative thinking. This helps reduces overall stress and anxiety and gets you thinking smarter.

Santa Barbara's Panzumo Steps Up to Help the Pelicans

2009-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

Santa Barbara based afro-cali percussion ensemble Panzumo is headlining a concert to benefit the Wildlife Care Network and their efforts to save and rehabilitate Brown Pelicans. The pelican is a symbol of buoyancy and unselfishness. In spite of their size they are very light and can float like a schooner. They have air sacs under their skin which allow them to dive down for fish and pop back up, they are unsinkable. This great buoyancy makes pelicans a wonderful symbol for challenging times. No matter how far life's circumstances may pull us down, pelican will show us how to pop back to the surface, with resiliency and vitality.

Panzumo makes music that matters. Infused with the magical realism of beautifully imaginative costumes, deep groove rhythmology, rich classical nuances (viola, harp, dulcimer, flute), and dancers that captivate the senses. Panzumo is dedicated to art that transcends time and monolithic cultural perceptions of "reality".

As the pelicans go so do we. Saving the pelicans is about saving ourselves. Originally djembe players were connected to the Noumou caste of blacksmiths. Many of these blacksmiths were also medicine men who crafted a variety of "gris-gris" or "ju-ju", herbal medicines, and were in charge of many of the boys initiation rituals and ceremonies (including circumcision).
In african traditional "medicine" or animists societies every family (and it's extended lineage) has a totem. Not only can you not hunt or eat your totem, you must protect it and it's environment. The old traditions are a guide to the spiritual power of nature and the responsibility and commitment to protect it's ambassadors.

Sofa - Transforming Warrior Energy

2008-12-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Sofa is a very old rhythm of Maninka, or Malinke origin to glorify kings and great warriors, many of whom rode horses. They played plate-shaped drums (tavela) used to send coded messages. The Rhythm originates from the Kouroussa, KanKan, and Faranah regions of Upper Guinea.

Rhythmic motifs: Djembe Bell Ta-tata-tata-ta-ta-ta-ta- is a most essential timeline, because it holds the 3-2 son clave, making it a major archetype for the pan-african rhythm language and the diaspora. The downbeat Sangban part talks to the upbeat Kenkeni and the DunDun responds to their conversation in the second half of the measure.

The Sofa dance is a great dance for drummers. The moves are bold and easy to follow, providing an excellent introduction to Djembe Dance. When dancing Sofa you become observant and more aware. This is a rhythm about heart and courage.

Questions for you as you play/dance Sofa:

What obstacles do you face in your life today?

How can Sofa help you gather courage to overcome these challenges?

Are there people, animals, plants or ancestors who can help and/or guide you?

How does tuning into your body through breath and movement allow you to feel the rhythm from a deeper perspective (as a drummer)? Get into it!!!

Ecological Perspective-
The Lion is a symbol for courage and a fitting totem for sofa the Warrior King. The lion is also the totem for the Keita lineage, with all of their rich history as Mande Royalty. Lions are an umbrella species which need expansive landscape to thrive and is subsequently seriously endangered. Lions are the only large cats that live in groups or prides. Males and females live up to 20 years in the wild. Left alone by day, they are seldom dangerous. Yet lions are highly intelligent, which leads them to be nervous and high strung with rapid mood swings, making them potentially dangerous. Lions do not fight for the sake of fighting, however. They avoid confrontations and will leave the scene of danger if possible. (This is a tactic to keep in mind if the lion is your totem). NOTE: Male lions are pictured above, but the females do most of the hunting.

Vitality today (for your inner warrior):
Ginseng
Ginseng will help maintain and restore cellular function which can reduce many of the symptoms of aging. Ginseng also improves muscle tone, decreases blood sugar levels, and balances the metabolism as well as balancing and maintaining hormone levels.

What should I practice to develop my djembe playing?

2008-10-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

photo by Serena Wells
Q: What should I practice to develop my djembe playing?

A: An important question to ask yourself is "Do I have the technique to play these parts cleanly and in (steady) time? " Make sure that you understand the basic timeline patterns of djembe support parts and bell patterns. This allows you to play in a variety of situations and develop in time.

The next question is "Do I know the dun dun parts?" If you do not, then get on it! You have to know the dun lines to solo effectively and, more importantly, you need to be able to play all the parts in the orchestra to know the rhythm and be useful in the ensemble.

Other questions to ask yourself:

"What are my performance goals?"

And if you play in an ensemble: "What are the group's goals?"

"Do I know the djembe standards?" Everyone who plays djembe for dancers needs to know the standards. Like Jazz, djembe has standards: Koukou, Soli, Manjani, Dundunba(s), Soko, Sinte, Lamba, Kassa, Madan, Sorsonet, Sabar (translated), Yankady/Makru, Sofa, Tiriba, etc. These are the rhythms and dances that are taught all over the world.

More helpful tips:

* After you embody the essential parts of the orchestra, start working on the solo drum language to these great dances.

* Make a weekly goal to work on your timing, and work on a particular rhythm or two.

* Play along to recordings, respond to the phrases you hear. Stop the recording and go back to particular phrases that catch your ear, this keeps you engaged and focued on a deeper level of responsiveness. Find recordings that break down solo phrases. You can find examples of this at www.panzumo.com (in the Wulaforest/Pulse drumming area of the music section)

African Drumming and Dancing in California with Panzumo

2008-09-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dancing is an integral aspect of drumming in the tradition of djembe. It is essential for drummers to dance and dancers to drum. A common language of sound and movement creates a deeper more transcendent experience.
Living on Goree Island in the 90's, I became more aware of my body as a vehicle for rhythm. I always had a strong sense of "feel", in part from compensating for hearing challenges as a child.

Feeling is everything in African dance traditions, technique without feeling lacks the electricity to transmit the "juice" of the rhythm.

*photo by James Glover of Ventura County Star

DJANSA - Rhythm of the Month

2008-08-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

Djansa~
Rhythm of the Month
Djansa comes from the traditional ethnic group Kassouke from Mali. Once a competition dance between young men, it is now a popular rhythm that is played at all traditional festivals. (info from Mamady Keita's A Life for the Djembe). You can hear a new live recording of Djansa on our website music page, featuring ripping solos by Dramane Kone. Visit our music page at www.panzumo.com/music.html

Rhythm of the Month - KENEFOLI

2008-08-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

KENEFOLI~
Rhythm of the Month

"A circumcision is preceded by a ceremony that begins the previous evening and lasts until morning the day of the circumcision. In the afternoon the boys are led to the curcumcision site outside the village. After the ceremony the circumciser and the boys are greeted by their parents and the village elders with this song. Sacrifices are made for the boys so that their wounds will heal quickly and not be made worse by evil spirits. The circumciser is given colat nuts, money, rice, manioc, fonio, or other gifts as symbolic signs of recognition."
~excerpt from Rhythms and Songs from Guinea, by Famoudou Konate and Thomas Ott

In the djembe tradition and many others, the period of initiation is extremely important. Circumcision is one important aspect of initiation. This is why there are so many rhythms that celebrate it. The following excerpt is taken from Wikepedia, on "rites of passage":
A rite of passage is a ritual that marks a change in a person's social or sexual status. Rites of passage are often ceremonies surrounding events such as childbirth, menarche or other milestones within puberty, coming of age, marriage, weddings, and death.

Rhythm of the Month - SINTE

2008-06-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Photo of Youssouf Koumbassa at Camp Fareta, from www.dancingvillage.com

Rhythm of the Month ~ SINTE
A very popular drum and dance rhythm from Guinea, Sinte is in the spotlight this month. We have been introducing new Sinte dance choreography in our SB dance class, and have been arranging a beautiful Sinte performance piece featuring Drew Curie on flute. Check out Sinte at our next public performance in Ventura on June 28!

"Sinte is a rhythm from the region of the city Boke, Boffa and their surroundings. In this part of Guinea, The Landuma and Nalu people are present and use this rhythm as a pre-initiation dance. This rhythm was also sometimes played by women on the Krin. It has now become very popular because of its melody and the variety of dances associated to it." - From Alpha Rhythm Roots out of Toronto (www.alpharhythmroots.com)

Rhythm of the Month - KASSA

2008-04-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Rhythm of the Month - Kassa
Kassa is a rhythm from the traditional ethnic group "Malinke" from Eastern Guinea.
The following excerpt taken from Mamady Keita's A Life for the Djembe - Traditional Rhythms of the Malinke."Kassa is a rhythm for the farmers. The word Kassa means granary. The rhythm is played during work in the fields and it accompanies the harvest, too. The drummers play for the workers all day long. Sometimes the girls dance, and at the end of the harvest they all have a feast called Kassalodon." Above photo by Blair Phillips
Listen to the Kassa rhythm on our website here (click on the "Kassa Dance" link): www.panzumo.com/music.html

March Rhythm of the Month - SOLI

2008-03-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Rhythm of the Month
SOLI
Soli comes from the Malinke ethnic group of Guinea, West Africa. There are two parts to this rhythm; Soli Lente (slow) and Soli Rapide (fast). "Soli Lente" follows the 4/4 timeline, and "Soli Rapide" follows the 12/8 timeline.

The following information was taken from Mamady Keita's book, A Life for the Djembe - Traditional Rhythms of the Malinke.
"The rhythm soli accompanies the rites that go along with initiation and circumcision. Even though circumcision is often done in the hospital today (when the babies are fourty days old), the significance of the rhythm during transition into adulthood remains the same. In the old days people organized Soli in the village after the elders decided that in the weeks to come the children (seven years and older) would be initiated. In those times these things were not decided by the individual families but communally in the village for an entire age group. The date was settled.Three months before the circumcision they began to play Soli, though not every day; but a week before you can hear Soli every day; and the night before the ceremony you can hear it from the time of the evening prayer until seven o'clock the next morning. When the people come back from the place where the circumcision is performed, the children's old clothes are brought to their mothers. The mothers cry because they knowthat their children are now grown up. Salutes are fired, and after that no more Soli is played."

Visit Mamady Keita's website here: www.mamadykeita.com

Rhythm of the Month - KADAN

2008-02-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

KADAN
"This is one of many "Dunum" pieces (dances of strong men), but it is danced by the young 'Bilakoros' (non-circumsized children). 'Kadan' (liana bracelet in Malinke), is both the name of these anklets (6 to 8 in number) and of the dance. The Bilakoros are the specialists of this dance, which people come and watch like a show. the anklets of the dancers clink against each other, while the phrases of the solo djembe, the dunumba and the sangban correspond to their steps." Photo and information from the album, Musique Du Monde (Music from the World), Famoudou Konate

You can watch this rhythm and dance in action at Konkoba's next live public performance on Feburary 16 at Mai's Restaurant in Ventura. For more information on Famoudou Konate, please visit his website at http://www.famoudoukonate.com

Listen to our recording of Kadan on our website at www.panzumo.com

Enjoy,
Budhi

Rhythm of the Month - LOLO

2008-01-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

LOLO
Famadou Konate constructed this rhythm from the song “Lolo” that he heard from his son. The song is about “Mother Hawa”, a woman who is sick and goes to the village fortune teller for help. The fortune teller consults her star and finds that she will live a long life and give birth to many children. Everyone in the village sings the song to support her recovery.

Information taken from the book, "Rhythms and Songs from Guinea", by Famadou Konate and Thomas Ott. Photo by Thomas Ott
You can listen to the rhythm on our website www.panzumo.com

Enjoy,
Budhi

Sorsonet

2007-11-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

The Collective Groove Function

2007-10-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Rhythm is the coded language of life. As a djembe player steeped in the tradition, I am always amazed at the depth and diversity of African rhythms. In djembe especially, you will find rhythms for every kind of situation in life; from birth to death, initiation to marriage, healing rituals (mind, body, and spirit), celebration rhythms, as well as animal totems-animal spirits and mask dances, to name some of the major groups.

The functional parts of the groove include the bassline, timeline, accompaniment parts of the slap conversation, and the solo.
The bassline defines the rhythm and song with its melody. For djembe the djun-djuns play the bassline. While the accompaniment parts are interchangeable, the melody from the djun-djuns is distinctive. The timeline is played on one or more bells to define the time in the highest range of the rhythm. The accompaniment parts fill out the body of the rhythm between the bassline and timeline, providing structure and support for the solo (collectively the slap conversation). The solo provides a voice to the dancers' movements. The slap and tone conversation with the dance, held in the context of the bassline melody, tells a story that is unique to each and every rhythm. A deeper understandingof each rhythm allows the soloist to take us inside, and to perceive our experience from the realm of the rhythm.

When these parts move together in harmony, The Collective Groove Function is at work.

Peace,
Budhi
www.panzumo.com