Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Freenotes - a great pentatonic instrument

One of my favorite instruments for non-musicians is the Freenote by Richard Cooke. I own the wing in the key of A, and I frequently bring this to flute circles where folks can easily jam on the wing while someone else plays the Native American Flute or another rhythm instrument. This is a great instumement for kids, as you don't need any music theory too make music on them.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

2005 Northern California Experimental Music Festival - Sept 30-Oct 2

Looking for something totally different? Check this out:

"The 2005 NORCAL NOISE FEST marks the 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of this festival happening in the Sacramento area. Back in 1995 when the few proud noise artists from the EMRL CREW started the concept of NOISEFEST at the now legendary Guild Theater, they never realized that this festival would continue on to see its 10th birthday, and claim the title of the LONGEST RUNNING NOISE FESTIVAL type happening in the Country and possibly THE WORLD..(we have yet to find another .. ) ."

For more info: 2005 Northern California Experimental Music Festival
Iner Souster and the Experimental Instruments He Lives With

Iner's blog is a unique, ecletic collection of homemade instruments. You have to check this out!! This guy makes very cool instruments out of recycled materials. I would love the opportunity to hear these live.
Back in the Saddle

Alright, already... so what if it's been almost two years since the last post. I've been busy...
But I have recommited to publishing new and interesting tidbits as I discover them.
Since my last post, I have started drumming. It started in earnest a year ago when I purchased my first large Djembe and took it to the Northern California Flute Circle camping trip. Over the last year, I have regularlly attended several drum circles in the San Francisco bay area: Peninsula Pulse & Rhythms of the Earth.

I have also been entranced by the sound of the Egytian Riqq and the Tar, which I've begun playing over the last year. You'll hear more about resources for these drums.