HIU Spring Concert

On May 5th, we had our year end concert “Let the People Praise Him“. The Choir, jazz ensemble, and Steel drum ensemble played. It was a great evening. The steel drum ensemble was in top form and played beautifully. Kayla, Janee, Matt, and JoJo are great group of musicians. Check them out the following video streams.

This next video is called “For Lack of Better Words” with Kayla on marimba, Janee on steel drum, and me on bongo.

 The next video is “Ode to Joy” with the full group (Matt is double guitars, Jojo on Bass, and a good friend Dave Owens on drums)

Thanks again to Dave Beery from Smarty Pans Music for his support.

new artist - Hilary Watson

Last week I had the pleasure of backing up a new artist by the name of Hilary Watson. She has some great songs and sounds. “Goodnight” is such a song. It paints that perfect picture of a parent (the Lord) and a child (us) at a time when He offers us a place of rest, comfort, and safety. It has a simple lullaby-like quality that allows the lyrics to sing.  She has some great things to say through her music.

Her web site is www.hilarywatson.net.

Surrendered - CD Project

Last year I stepped into the producer role for the first time. It was a great leap from just being an instrumentalist for all these years. It was a collaborative effort with Cosima, a worship leader from Perris, California.  It was her first acoustic guitar worship album. Being the first, it was an adventure in many many ways. The great part was the material was ready, she has a wonderful voice, and we had a whole lot of great friends to make it all work.

This project’s goal was capture the intimate sounds and feel of solo voice and guitar. Tracks were added but we decided on a minimalist approach. It seemed to best fit Cosima’s style. With the additions of the “the usual suspects” (Ric Flauding, Chris Falson, and Gordon Rustvold), a tender balance was reached.

For some samples of the album, click on the musical note  If you want more info on the project go to www.worshipone.org

ChaChaCha Groove

The ChaCha is one of the latin grooves that became popular during the 40s-50s. When performed in a latin band setting, it required 4 percussionists: 1. the timbalero playing the cowbell, clave, and timbales, 2. congero,  3) guiro player, and optional bongocero. It is a simple 4/4 two bar groove played at a typical tempo of quarter note = 120. The clave is  3-2 (3 beats in the 1st bar and 2 beats in the second bar.

Here are some basic things to consider when playing this groove. The cowbell drive the tempo on the chacha or quarter note bell. The congero needs to know his basic handing to get the slaps, open notes, and heel-toe action. The Guiro player needs to have that “swing” by driving those 1 & 3 beats.

The basic percussion groove sounds like:

 Basic percussion section 

 Add Vibes and bass to percussion section

NOTE: I will add a percussion section sheet music later.

   The above basic percussion loop is part of a Latin loop CD (World Beat Cafe) available through M-Audio. Click on the M-Audio icon to the left to get more information.

 

Greg Coleman CD Project

“Greg Coleman and Isla  California“. Greg Coleman has passed away but his love for music lives on in this album. Greg Coleman, a classsic guitarist, developed an interest in music and music history in his own back yard “California”. With the help of the  San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, this interest grew and a project was created.  This album is a collection of Early California music from the 1800s to today. Recorded in the San Juan Capsitrano Misson chapel, it  recreates the feel of the early California mission era with a blend of ours. Check out “Cumbee” (baroque guitar and udu) and “Fandango” (using a indian  clapper stick is a. CDs are available.

Chris Falson CD Project

Chris Falson is a wonderful writer, worship leader, encourager, and all around cool dude (even if he is from Australia). His songs open the heart to God. His ways make you want to say “what can I do to help?”. Everytime we get together is a treat. Well, here’s a cut from this  album “Pure Joy“.

He continues to write and tell stories that “keep it real”. His latest project is “Prisoner of Hope”. Go get it! Check out his web site www.chrisfalson.com

Rick Muchow and Saddleback CD Projects

It is always a treat to make new friends. Making music is good too. So, making music with new friends is even better. Here a couple of the projects.

  I’ve had an opportunity to hang & record with Ric Muchow and the folks at Saddleback Church.  “Ric Muchow’s Top Ten” was the latest project I had an opportunity to be a part. It’s a CD of his most popular Worship songs to date.

  Go checkout what else is new from Rick and  www.encouragingmusic.com

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“All About Love” from Rick Muchow and Saddleback Church. Ric Muchow is prolific writer and the team is great. Ric asked for a great deal of team input which made for a real adventure. I was able to even pull out the “pans” (steel drums) for one song God Rules. A taste of an African groove was added to I’m Going to
  Heaven. 

Promise Keepers CD Project

“Live Worship with the Promise Band” from Maranatha Music”. Here was probably one of the most amazing moments in my life. I had the privilege to be part of the Maranatha Praise Band for three years in the mid 90s.  It was a time when it was so apparent how big is the Lord. To look around and see lives changing before me was incredible. Some my most amazing friendships are from that time. Visit www.maranathamusic.com for more.

Black Swamp Tambourine Review

Tambourines to me are like cymbals to a set drummer. Each one has its own sonic qualities AND you can’t stop at only one. They are a percussionist’s workhorse. I rarely go to a gig without one or two. The tambourine family spans mutiple cultures and many many variations.

I recently purchased a Black Swamp Chromium & Bronze Tambourine (TC1). First off, it is a beautifully crafted tambourine. The finish is excellent. The wood, head, and jingles are first class. I liked placement of the jingle pins (heads are under the skin). The pins will not fall out as time goes by. The texture of the skins provided a great surface for finger rolls. 

Sonically, it was a pleasant surprise. I was looking for a “darker” tamborine. I expected the bronze to add that sonic quality. But, the mix of Chromium jingles added a lighter quality. This tambourine is darker and softer then a german silver. These qualities allowed it to have an “earthy” quality to the sound. It blended well with congas. Being softer, the sound was a bit more controlled and “drier” with less sustain. This worked well in the studio where too much overtones and volume can drive the engineer a little crazy. 

I always like a headed tambourine. It gives me more sonic options (slaps, rolls, finger hits and so on). I use a lot of pandeiro techniques when I play, so the “head” is a must. This head performed well. I have heard that the head sometimes seperates from the hoop and may need to be relacement more often but I haven’t seen any problems yet. I’ll keep my eyes on it. They provide a head repair kit. But, it’s not what I would want to do in the middle of a gig.

Overall, I have truly enjoyed this instrument. Go check them out at www.blackswamp.com

New Friends at Smarty Pans Music

Over the last few months, I’ve have the pleasure to meet Dave Beery of Smarty Pans Music (www.smartypansmusic.com). He’s a steel drum builder in the Southern California area.

Originally, I was overdue for a tuneup on my double tenors. I called him up and took the pans down to his shop. He did his magic and the pans sound great. So….. I couldn’t stop there. I ordered a set of triple cellos from him. It will take 6-8 months. Anothter adventure in the works.

He is a very knowledgable and friendly guy. I hope the best for him. He’s a custom pan builder with a complete pan product line including accessories.

I’ll keep you posted on the cello’s progress.