Cool Musical Links
it’s always great to share inspiration…
Baby Rhythm in the news! Scientists have found that newborn babies are born with an awareness of rhythm… see this article in the New Scientist Jan ‘09
The power of drumming to make us healthier is well known among rhythm professionals and well researched. See this great little article and clip on the BBC news website 10th Feb 09.
Come and Drum
Sambuka the Samba band I play with in Hemel - meets Monday evenings. Always open to new members - no experience necessary. This is a great way to start the week.
DRUM CIRCLE STUFF…
A drum circle is a chance for people from complete beginners to advanced drummers to meet to make fun and groovy rhythms together… they are used in education, business and loads of community events.
The Mish Mash family drum circle happens 6 times a year in St Albans, and offers families a chance to come and make great music together. Check out Family Drum Circles in St Albans for dates.
Arthur Hull This guy is the father of the modern drum circle. If you’re interested in working with drums and people, check out his site.
The organisations below all offer workshops around the country and some offer regular community drumming events locally.
Steve Ball’s Jazz Explorium Drum circles Steve also runs regular community drum circles in Enfield.
Drum Jam Check out Somesh’s regular drum and percussion sessions in Camden, including a monthly community drum circle. Somesh is also supporting the Mish Mash community drum circle and will be providing loads of drums.
Rhythmbridge Paul also teaches djembe and has circles in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire and helped me get my first circle off the ground.
Drumming and Dyslexia
A study I carried out in a local Primary school, in which African drumming was successfully used to support the reading and spelling progress of dyslexic children.
Other musical stuff
Donna Canale - Jazz vocalist, who runs fantastic day and evening courses in Jazz singing in Harpenden.
We are Together - Beautiful film about a small orphanage in South Africa with an amazing children’s choir. As well as seeing the film, you can download the album and raise money for aids orphans. Film out March 08.
Baby loves Disco - straight from the USA! Nightclubs are transformed into “day clubs” on weekends where you can bop away with your kids and partner, and remember your clubbing days. This hasn’t quite reached St Albans yet, but it’s huge in London. Have a look at this article on the BBC website
Swan Vesta Social Club - Brilliant St Albans based band, doing unashamedly fun and fabulous inauthentic Cuban music
World Music CDs- Putamayo do some fantastic music, for kids and grown ups from all around the world
Autumn Dance CD by Dan Evans. I did the vocals on this album in 2002 - a great experience! Dan plays mountain Dulcimer, sings and plays guitar. He puts a unique twist on folk music.
Dan Zanes makes award winning funky folk rock for kids that adults like too. Will be in London at the Q E Hall 13th April 09… If you are looking to make your little one smile, have a look at his free videos on the site. My little one loved them.