None of These

A short rendition of a Victor Young classic.

Tarang means “wave” — the flowing wave of sound. This improvisation features 6 high tabla drums played in a melodic style like a raga. From my recent CD "Crafty Hands."

by Henry Mancini

An improvisation from my CD called “Crafty Hands.” Using leather-headed mallets, I embark on a journey in F Lydian to play in a Balafon-like style, developing a few motifs and discovering where the energy and groove could lead.

Here's a little preview of a revised old piece I wrote for Percussion Ensemble many years ago. This is a scrolling score computer rendition of the main theme. I've changed a lot of this already but it took 7 hours to upload this little sample due to out limited internet on the ice. I like it and I hope someone else does too.

A classic ballad by Victor Young.

In this short improvisation from a CD called “The Turning,” I use Burton mallets, predating my switch to leather-headed mallets that have shaped my current style.

Composed by Duke Ellington.

Aldebaran is a massive Red Giant star in the Milky Way. I thought it would be fun to tell the story of birth and death of Aldebaran, which naturally begins with the Big Bang (tam-tam). After a textural opening of gongs and bells, the vibes establish the “pulse” of this musical universe. Three Balafon layers (African log xylophone) set the stage for the groove that forms the star. The simple melody is played on Gender Wayang (Indonesian mallet instrument) that brings out an interstellar quality. Glockenspiel adds flavors inside the groove.

Three swing tunes to ring in the new year -- cheers to all!
• Out of Nowhere (Johnny Green)
• How High the Moon (Morgan Lewis)
• Waltz for Debby (Bill Evans)