So far our group has worked out well! We have 5 regular members and we have done several gigs already! We are also working on a CD that should be ready soon! I really wish we had it ready before our last gig, but we will for the next one!
Here is a pic of us just outside Viejas Casin in San Diego after the gig. Notice the little sign towards the middle lower part of the pic? LOL
Well, we have finally done it! Originally I was in the process of creating a drum ensemble called Fire on High, but that didn’t happen due to other commitments, time, and other obstacles. But now with the help of members of GoroGoro, we formed a separate drum ensemble called DrumDogs!
DrumDogs are an ensemble of world percussionists based in San Diego, California. Our experiences range from Taiko, Middle-
Eastern, African, Irish, to Brazillian and more. The
music has roots in many cultures and we use a variety of drums and percussion instruments that span the globe. Our instruments range from djembes to doumbeks, from ikigalas to didgeridoos.
We are in the works for gigs, a CD and other appearances. I will be posting more information on the official DrumDogs website as events occur.
In the picture are our current regular members, Brian, Ryan, and me (CJ).
Last Saturday, after weeks of busting a beat and practices, we performed to a crowd of almost 100 people at a well known dance studio in San Diego. We rocked! Yes, I am tooting our own horn!
We played 5 songs and had such a wonderful response from the crowd, we played an encore. Now these are beats we have been practicing for about two months. We were a bit concerned because we didn’t have everything down pat, but when it came down to the show itself, it went off without a hitch!
The end result being, we had several people approach us for future gigs, and others who were interested in joining the group. To me, this night was a turning point in getting regular gigs and increasing more exposure and contacts.
I don’t know if there are other musicians out there, but if you are, and you have performed in front of an audience…you know…it’s addicting! The energy from the audience fuels you and all you want to do is play more!
How about it? Other musicians, speak up!
WOW! Who needs to go to New Orleans? Last night our drum group drummed in a 
parade for Mardi Gras, celebrating Fat Tuesday before Lent. What a blast!
The entire flavor of the Mardi Gras was all emcompassing in downtown San Diego starting at 8:00pm. Although the parade was a mere six blocks, the crowd and paraders made for high energy and fun!
It has been awhile since I drummed so much, so needless to say after marching in a parade, walking all over central downtown (Gas Lamp District) and drumming for the masses and dancers, I was wiped out! But it was totally worth it!
I would still love to see Mardi Gras in New Orleans, make no mistake. But I felt as though I was there in some ways with the decorations, streamers, beaded necklaces, drunks, and yes, of course, women flashing for a drink or some beads.
I will post some pics as soon as I receive them. For now, check out Mardi Gras on the local newspaper website:
“We have a passion for the beats. We are inspired by great percussionists and the unbridled…
Begins the welcome page of this site. Mountain Rhythm drums are unique, well-made and have incredible sounds. Excerpt from the Circle Series Djembe:
The djembe is a powerful drum indigenous to Africa that offers amazing low bass tones and crackling highs. Lightweight and versatile, Mountain Rythym Circle Series Djembes are sure to turn heads. Circle Series Djembes are the perfect drum for all players from beginners to professional - these drums have no limits!
Featuring our patented “Simple Twist” Tuning System, these drums can be tuned up or down in a matter of minutes.
Mountain Rhythm drums come in various wood styles, such as pine, maple and mahogany.
Customer service is excellent! I needed to replace the head on my djembe, and all I had to do was supply them with the drum measurements (head) and approximately when I purchased the drum, and within a few days, I had a brand new head that had an even better sound than it did before!!
I strongly recommend, for cost, lightness and sound, that you check out your local music shop for Mountain Rhythm drums!
When I go to drum circles, I have gone either by myself or with friends and I have noticed a trend to those who participate in drum circles. You have a wide variety of drummers and non-drummers attending, some of whom can be quite disruptive and annoying! So I have listed below some examples of things to do and not do at a drum circle, and examples of those who can be disruptive, annoying or just don’t have any business being there! (more…)
First posted on Rhythmic Artists Magazine - San Diego, CA (October 1, 2006)
Frank Lazzaro is a well known San Diego percussionist, who’s styles are as varied as the drums he plays. We had a little chat with Frank, and shared his life and love of hand drums and world music with us. (more…)
2.5 hours worth of 101 drum circle beats! That’s what this artist offers in a 2 CD set of various styles and beats for the drum circle.
Many times you sit there, staring into space, ‘what beat to do next?’. These CD’s offer you a wide variety of beats to choose from! Many are intermediate beats, some advanced, but most everyone should be able to play a majority of these beats!
Too many drum circles have the same sound, same rhythms and same pattern. These CD’s will break you of that habit really quick! Each beat lasts anywhere from 1.5 to 2 minutes. There is only one drum playing so it is easy to hear the beats, and no vocals or introductions to each beat. Just solid, unadulterated drum beat music!
The only drawback is the sound quality could be better. Most likely this was recorded with a basic mic attached to a computer, and no stereo or high end enhancements have been added. Sometimes the clarity of each tone does not come through, but it doesn’t effect all the beats. Overall, you can get a very good idea what tones and beats to mimic.
Check out this site for more information! You can purchase the CD’s from his website, or on EBay. Enjoy!
Rated 9 out of 10 for overall quality and sound
We saw earlier some basics of where to place the hands on the djembe and what tones we can get from the drum. In many drum circles, you will hear very similar, generic beats. There are some drum circles, however, where they only prefer to play African beats, Afro-Cuban or Samba-reggae. (more…)
The darbuka, or doumbek, dumbek, zarb, tonbak, is a Middle-Eastern, goblet-shaped drum that has its roots in various countries such as Turkey, Arabic, Persia (Iran), and Egypt. Like the djembe, the doumbek has enjoyed a surge in interest all over the world, especially in the U.S. where the term “doumbek” is most popular. (more…)
