Alternate Vision

Ever since I moved to Pittsburgh in August of last year, thanks to the incredible cost of shipping in this country and my preoccupation with being a professional student, I was separated from my djembe and all things percussive sadly. Atleast chap has been doing it justice in Boston which happens to be where I am now after a well deserved vacation in Nigeria.

Amidst fighting my jetlag, catching up with old friends and pretending to be productive while overdosing on gouda cheese I managed to make it to a six hour workshop with the Grandmaster Famoudou Konate from Guinea. Arguably one of the best percussionists in the world, this guru has the ability to transmit his passion for music like very few maestros of his caliber. Its all about his energy and presence in the room when armed with his djembe. It would make perfect sense ofcourse given that he was the lead drummer of Les Ballets Africains for over two decades. Here's an audio sample to give you a better send of what I am talking about. My body is sore but really the passion to drum has been rekindled in me all thanks to the genius that is Famoudou, especially since I will be taking good old kambala home toPittsburgh tomorrow. Bring the summer on biatch!