Hi Friends:
I'm sitting on my couch with my left ankle elevated, iced and throbbing from an on-court tennis injury (I stepped on a stray ball while running for a backhand), letting this life lesson sink in: I really needed this (un)wanted break!
Funny how the body always KNOWS.
I've been on the go-go for a few months, zipping through the holidays, zipping through my new classes, and zipping through my personal life, without any sense of clarity or calm. It wasn't until this injury, and spending the last FOUR DAYS on my back, that I've taken the time to really THINK (and feel) what I'd like to bring into my life next.
And, once again, the answer is M-U-S-I-C.
The much-needed yet (un)wanted rest has done wonders for my peace of mind and internal tempo. Thank you stray tennis ball!!
I'm offering a FREE Level 2 Drumming Class this upcoming Tuesday night, please join us! (Email me if your're coming, otherwise just drop in.)
Also, many of you know that I love to sing (badly) while I drum, and now both you and I have a chance to actually Learn How to Sing with Alexa Weber Morales on Wednesday nights. Details below.
Finally, I'm sharing a story about the Power of Rhythm during my recent adventure to Yelapa, Mexico, in the heart of Jalisco. Enjoy....
On my back, Robert
 On the boat to Yelapa, Mexico
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Learn to Sing with Alexa Weber Morales!
Alexa Weber Morales
Many of you have heard the African proverb:
"If you can talk you can sing,
If you can walk, you can dance."
I'd like to modify it slightly:
"If you can drum, you can sing!"
Or at least you SHOULD be able to sing! Breathing is a HUGE part of rhythm, and the call-and-response of African music provides the ideal structure to explore the rhythm/breath connection.
I'm more of a "chanter" than a "singer", and this is where Alexa comes in. I met her about 5 years ago at Brazil Camp and immediately liked her charm, sense of humor!, talent and ability to connect.
She not only LOVES TO SING, she has a talent for helping OTHERS LOVE TO SING as well.
For the first time, Alexa will be teaching at my World Music School, and YOU are invited to share her immense talents:
SING WITH ALEXA
Wednesday Eves. Starting Feb. 16, 2011 7-8:30pm Total Rhythm School of World Percussion 1705 Webster Street Alameda, CA 94501 510-967-6135 8-week course: $245
Detailed course description here
Learn more about Alexa and listen to her music at her site: AlexaWeberMorales.com
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HOW DO I KNOW THIS MAN? (Yelapan Adventure, 2011)
First a a spark,
Then a flame
All credit goes to Matthias Horn, my friend and percussionist from Berkely, CA. We were traveling with salsa-lover and world music DJ Jim "SpinCycle" Sowers to a remote fishing village in Jalisco, Mexico, called "Yelapa".
Halfway through our trip, the energetic and musically exciteable Matthias ripped out his djembe at a local outdoor bar, and began jamming with the dance music. His live beats became infectious, and within 15 mintues we had 7 drummers playing Corona bottles, wooden table tops, lighters, spoons and ashtrays.
The rhythm was tight!
Jim began teaching salsa dance moves.
A fellow bar patron named Elana approached Matthias & Jim, and asked if we could bring the party to her outdoor bar on the beach a few nights later. After some quick negotiations (food and beer were required), we agreed.
Three nights later, Jim was teaching a salsa dance class to dozens of Yelapans and travellers, while Matthias and I were leading a full-moon, bonfire drum jam on the beach!
The local drummers came out of the woodwork.
Rafael (pictured above) was the best of the lot, playing fluent Arabic rhythms (dumbek-style) on his hand-made djembe, and quickly learning the W.African and Afro-Cuban beats we taught him.
We met Yelapan guitarists, singers, composers and drunks.
We played until the wee hours of the morning.
Together.
Under the full moon. On the beach.
This, my friends, is the power of music!
:)
P.S. More photos from our Yelapan Adventure
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Upcoming
Total Rhythm Events:
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FREE
Level 2 Drumming Class!
Tues. Feb. 1
6:30-7:45pm
1705 Webster Street
Alameda, CA
510-967-6135
Wed. Feb. 16
Vocal Class with Alexa Begins
1705 Webster Street
Alameda, CA
510-967-6135
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Upcoming Concerts in the Bay Area, CA
| Los Munequitos de Matanzas
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FREE
Level 2
Drumming Class THIS TUESDAY NIGHT
Feb. 1! Do you have a LITTLE BIT of drumming experience but want to go further? Do you enjoy putting together ensemble pieces from Cuba, W. Africa and Brazil? Do you enjoy hearing (and playing) interlocking rhythms? If "YES", then please come as my guest to the Tuesday night Level 2 ensemble class THIS TUESDAY evening, Feb. 1: FREE Level 2 Class Tues. Feb. 1 6:30-7:45pm Total Rhythm Studio 1705 Webster St. Alameda, CA 510-967-6135 FREE! Drop-ins OK. JOIN US!
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