(For the backing track I improvised with brushes watching the images. Finally got to use my Jack Dejonette resonating bells. I think it sounds best with headphones or great speakers)
“There is no agony like bearing and untold story inside of you.” – Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God
Actually we aren’t really called The Black Stripes…. but I loved doing a duo tour through the South with my friend and fabulous guitar player, Ladell McLin. We were somewhere in Florida here. Can’t wait to do it again! Its Blues, Its Rock and its Improv. I remember Ladell broke a string so he told me to play a solo to set up the next tune (Mona Lisa) to give him time to fix things. My favorite part is around 4:14 when Ladell really digs in. I love the colors and the overtones he gets out of his guitar. I could play all day in that and never get tired because the energy is electrifying. If this tune is familiar it might be because it was used on Dog the Bounty Hunter (lol).
BigBig thanks Dave Hogerty for the video!
Last spring I was about to go on the road and I decided I wanted to put rivets in my favorite cymbals.(a process that involves puncturing the cymbal and inserting little pieces of metal that sizzle).
A friend told me to check out Steve Maxwells drums shop. I went in and the regular guy who does the work on drums was out, but the guy behind the counter said he could help me out. He was in the back a long time. I became concerned. The drill bit had broke and stuttered across my cymbal. These things happen (I tell myself), and yelling solves nothing, so biting my tongue (filled with emotion) I collect my cymbal and I leave. They offered me compensation but I didn’t see how that would solve anything. My cymbal had a couple of punctures. Thats it, it can’t be fixed.
I went home and thought about it and the next day I called the number on the store website and to my surprise, Steve Maxwell himself picked up the phone. He knew of my situation as was glad that I called because I walked out (intentionally) without leaving my information. He mentioned compensation and I mentioned that I had acquired the cymbal through an endorsement deal and while I couldn’t in good conscience take compensation for the damaged cymbal, I would be thrilled if he would help out by donating gear to the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls (www.williemaerockcamp.org) – a summer camp that I have been a volunteer teacher at for the last 5 years. Steve said “Of course!”
I love a win win situation. I love drums, Williemae rock camp and Steve Maxwells’ Drum Shop. Now when I look at the dents in my favorite cymbal I can smile about it.
Above I cut some cool images from Steves shop to one of my favorite tunes(Mosaic) from Art Blakey (my favorite drummer) & the Jazz Messengers.
Below is a cool video MTV news did on the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls.
Willie Mae Rock Camp Video:
Sponsored by the Black Rock Coalition, the 17 piece all female orchestra under the musical direction of Tamar Kali returned to France to play three sold out shows. This was a special experience as we were in the region where Nina spent her time. It was beautiful. We stayed in two fully furnished lodgings with a full kitchen on a arts complex in Chateauvallon. Besides the fantastic shows, I really enjoyed cooking and spending time with the other women whom I don’t get to see too often in NYC because of our busy schedules.. Thankyou Chateauvallon, Sainte Maxime, and Martigues. BIG Thankyou also to LaRonda Davis, Laurent, Sandra, Jaco, Christian and everyone else who made our stay and shows so fantastic!
Viva Nina Simone!
Good Times!
Here are some out takes from soundchecks and shows:
I put a spell on You (Sound Check)
Mazz – Lilac Wine (Sound Check)
Feeling Good (Sound Check)
Narjess solo
The Rhythm Road Blues in the Balkans tour was a combination of concerts, television appearences and student workshops. We worked with students from age 5 through advanced university musicians. I enjoyed every moment on the tour, however I have to confess that there was something very special about going into the schools, connecting and working with the students that was especially wonderful for me.
A truly unbelieveable experience where music served the purpose of connecting, sharing and building community. It was refreshing to work away from the nihilistic exploitative world of faux fame fortune and fan base.
We flew into Thessolinikki and boarded our new tour bus heading for the mountains of Northern Greece.
Mountains, lakes, Rivers, great food, and even greater people. The love and support we received on this leg of the tour was off the charts.
Thankyou Antonis Varvatsoulias from the Foundation of Thracian Art & Tradition for introducing me to a ancient style of music called Rembetiko - sometimes referred to as “Greek Blues” because of its expressive, improvisational, storty telling and healing qualities.
Antonis, your kind correspondence is very much appreciated.
This a part of a documentary made about the tradition of Rembetiko.
I joke about being “gender blind”. In many ways I really see people before I make the distinction between women and men… I believe in personal freedom of expression and respect, and I am not a flag waving/card carrying member of any organization or group. However, as I near the completion of my first Rhythm Road experience and reflect upon my experiences, I simply can not overlook the accomplished, beautiful, powerful, brilliant, talented, industrious and intuitive women I have had the privilege to get to know, and who have looked out for me & us along this journey. (in addition to a office full of committed and talented women in NYC Rhythm Road HQ!)
In all 4 countries we have had these brilliant, highly educated, multilingual women who work with the Embassies travel with us, translate, run unfathomable tactical maneuvers on our behalf, deal with border crossings, lost passports, crisis aversion, and crisis management on a scale that is imperceptibly large, and yet with such finesse and grace that their efforts could go unnoticed.
But I noticed & I am gratefully empowered by their example.
Honestly Wonder Woman pales in comparison.
Ruxandra Todiras - Romania
Slavica Rosic - Montenegro
Markella N. Karagiorga – Greece
Mirela Cupi – Albania
Matilda Vangjeli – Albania
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I’m preparing to return home tomorrow! Our busy schedule and difficult internet access has delayed my Greece update, and now my Albania update, but more stories, and photos and video from the Rhythm Road are to come. Thankyou for following my blog.
XO
LaFrae
Greece was wonderful!
Currently in Tirana, Albania, we are nearing the end of our tour. I think I can speak for the whole band by saying we are tired, but our hearts are full. I am going to post photos and video from the tour through the mountains of Northern Greece and the fantastic workshops we did with the students, but as yet have not had the time to put it together. Thankfully, Antonis Varvatsoulias from the Foundation of Thracian Art & Tradition emailed me this video clip which is a glimpse into one of our shows.
I have really enjoyed engaging the audience to add a rhythmic element, and actually become part of my drum solo in the Charlie Parker tune Billies Bounce. Thankfully again, most of the audiences have pretty good rhythm:)
more to come…..
Its not just a song for me…
Take a breath…and you will see
why the Blues has the power to be…
a healing song…a healing song.
- Eli Yamin
Thankyou again Ruxandra, Emil, Peter, Julie, Lucian, Lia & Adina & Alexis!!
We will never forget you and your kindness. Please keep in touch!!!
Excerpt from our blues rhythm workshop in Oradea.
Thankyou Alexis for filming.
The Doodle-lah
Eli Teaching the 6/8 groove feel
Please check out Eli Yamins bolg @ eliyamin.com/blog
LaFrae Sci Drummer