X8 Drums Blog

The heart and tradition of African music is the drum. The original purpose of the drum for the people of Africa for communication between tribes. The type of drum used and rhythm played sent specific messages between neighbors. Three African drums with beautifully rich history are the sabar, kpanlogo and the most widely used today -- the djembe. Each one of these drums has its own song and story in African history. The most popular of the African rhythms are played upon the dje …

In the August issue of Downbeat magazine you'll find a great review of the new Toca Freestyle Djembes in Antique Gold and Silver. Below, we have included a copy of the piece as well as a transcription. Toca Freestyle Djembe: Full-Bodied Satisfaction Toca Percussion has retooled its award-winning Freestyle djembe - a chaliced-shaped, single-headed hand drum with roots in the West African countries of Guinea and Mali. Instead of employing the traditional method of carving …

Studies continue to show great benefits for senior citizens that take on a hobby of playing music. Performing in relaxed musical groups results in overall physical and emotional well-being in the elderly. The Music Making and Wellness Project was a study on the affects of musical participation on healthy American seniors. The project's findings were positive, proving that stress, depression and loneliness diminished greatly for those taking music lessons, while the life outlook of the c …

Music therapy is used widely for rehabilitation of patients that have had a severe stroke. A study out of Finland reported that incorporating music into standard stroke rehabilitation treatments helps improve recovery of speech and memory. The music had a more significant impact on recovery than the use of audio books or no additional stimuli at all. The study also showed that the music lightened the spirits of patients as well. After six months of therapy, the music listeners' verbal m …

Not unlike the pioneers of rock and roll, famous conguero are responsible for much of the beat in percussion we enjoy today. In this article, we recognize a handful of many famous conga players for their popular beats in both modern music as well as great music from the past. Ray Barretto is one of the most recognized conga players. He's been called the Godfather of Latin Jazz or the King of Hard Hands. During his career in New York and beyond, he not only provided conga accompanying to ban …

One of the most popular therapeutic programs in practice today is the usage of music. This treatment, dramatized in the Oscar-nominated film Awakenings starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, is used successfully on patients with any number of conditions, from those in comas to those with autism. Music therapy has been used in classrooms for ages to keep kids concentrated and minds at attention. Yet researchers are applying the same concepts to dozens of conditions today, in pursuit of a …

Xavier Rudd is an Australian singer-song writer, voted the world's sexiest vegetarian celebrity in 2007 by PETA. The didgeridoo-playing musician is known for working with voice and several exotic instruments. His following is best in Australia and Canada, where he often plays live festivals. Rudd frequently features a social message in his music, like Aboriginal rights and green living. In keeping with this theme, Rudd also uses Australian and Canadian indigenous people as back-up voc …

Hand drumming is an ancient art form, and the conga is no exception. The term 'conga' is an American translation for the Cuban drum term 'tumbadora'. Popularized when Latin and salsa music made its way into America, the conga drum is an easy to enjoy instrument. Anyone who picks up a conga drum will want to spend hours tapping away and experimenting with sounds. Although it may look like a simple instrument to pick up, playing the congas requires a certain technique that you can learn throu …

When built according to traditional standards, every element of the djembe is rife with spiritual significance. Each piece of the drum holds the spirit of its maker; the wood of the body, the skin of the drum head and the workmanship of the artist who made the drum. By using all three spirits in harmony, the spirits join together to make beautiful, powerful music. The drummer is able to connect with him or herself, to those around, and to nature. The first of the spirits is from the bod …

When you play your drum, be it djembe, congas or a kit, how tempting is it to slouch over? Resist the urge! Proper posture is the first step to playing with the professionals. After the news of Phil Collins' retirement from drumming as a consequence of back surgery to repair dislocated vertebrae injured due to poor posture while playing on the last Genesis tour, drummers are looking for ways to prevent similar damage to their spines. After all, if Collins had kept posture in mind, he might …