Here is a video of one of the tracks we recorded for the Garlands for Ashes DVD. A new tune written for Khmer traditional orchestra.
This Cambodian drum is used to lead the Khmer orchestra in “Pin Peat” music and is called the Skor Samphor. It is barrel-shaped with two heads, one slightly larger than the other, played with the palms not sticks.
Over the summer we have been traveling around the country from Scotland to Wales and England collecting songs and recording musicians. What an amazing adventure and a real eye opener to the creativity within the community. The resulting CD will be an eclectic mix of styles – folk, string quartet, rock, instrumental and accapela sung in English, Gaelic, Olde English and Dutch.
Monsoon
The Takhe or Krapeu (meaning crocodile in Khmer) may be one of the most recent classical Khmer instruments. It is used in wedding music, Mahori and other modern music including solo pieces.
Here’s a wonderful vocal technique that originated in rural farming communities in Tennessee where eephers would imitate the sounds of their hogs and turkeys. This Appalachian equivalent of the “beat box” vocal style was apparently around in the 1880’s, 100 years before hip-hop became popular in modern music. In 1963, singer Joe Perkins had a minor hit with “Little Eeefin’ Annie,” featuring Jimmie Riddle, the acknowledged master of this genre.
Just spent a couple of days with Kerst Sikkema (Netherlands) recording. Sometimes situations dictate your creativity and with this song that was definitely the case. We had tried to record Kerst playing grand piano on 2 occasions in different rehearsal studios in London – both times we had noise problems, work men outside one studio and a very noisy foot pedal! So – we started being creative with sounds and this led us to the final result.
Avondlicht
English translation : Read More
The Ghatam is a clay pot percussion instrument used in the Carnatic music of South India
Here’s a fun little creative video they filmed in Hong Kong. I was involved with the original recording in the UK.
Having spent a lot of time in the States over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to see many wonderful styles of playing. The drumming that has influenced me big time comes from New Orleans and is known as second line drumming. Here are some players warming up before an event. Thanks Marc Heinen from Holland for finding me this clip.
Another instrument that we recorded for the Garlands for Ashes CD. This unusual instrument of 16 tuned gongs made of brass has both higher and lower tuned versions.
A simple brass instrument used in folk ensembles in Cambodia.
Another bizarre twist to playing the drums – whilst on a trampoline! I am well impressed he still manages to hit the cymbals!
