kuku-sangban

Another one I am currently learning.

Destined to Remember

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.
- Maya Angelou,from her inaugural poem, "On the Pulse of Morning" (January 20, 1993)

I Am Ahead, I Am Advanced

I was digging my West African drum class last night. I dig it every time more or less, but it has been different somehow lately. For one, Jay changed the format a little bit. He is no longer dividing the classes into eight week cycles, during which we learn a new rhythm. Over the past three weeks, Jay has had us working on "Kuku," (the rhythm we started at the beginning of this eight weeks), then working on "Moribayassa;" a rhythm that most of us learned last winter. We are working toward learning a repertoire of rhythms, which consists of

Kuku, Moribayassa, Yankadi/Macru, Tiriba, Fanga, Gidamba, and from there, Kassa, Djole, Dununba and Soli.

The goal is to have a group of people that know these rhythms so that when opportunities to perform (cultural events, school assemblies, protests and whatever) arise, Jay will have a group of musicians ready to perform. He would also like to integrate these rhythms and dances into the life of the church. Traditionally these rhythms are not played for their own sake, like how a band plays a concert that people just watch, rather they are played in support of a dance associated with each rhythm. The dances are danced for specific purposes and occasions such as baby naming, birth, death, fishing, farming, circumcision, weddings, and all kinds of other daily activities in the community.

Jay did a little bit of talking last night during class. He started talking about West African drumming and how it reflects West African culture at large. The rhythms that we are learning to play are referred to as "polyrhythms," that is, members of the ensemble are playing different parts simultaneously that lock in together and make a cohesive rhythm.

Check out these three videos below; the first two are djembes one and two played separately. The third is the rhythms played together, as they would be in an ensemble. This is two djembe parts for Kassa-a Malinke rhythm from Guinea, West Africa that is played when crops are being harvested in the field.

So ya, you have to know your own part really well, but you also have to know the other parts and how they all work together. This is a fairly simple example of polyrhythms; the version of Kuku that we are learning has three djembe parts, three dunun (bass drums) parts, with bells, some verbal call and response, with some djembe soloing winding in and out of the rhythm as well. There is a lot going on.

In traditional West African culture, individuals are encouraged to excel-know their djembe part and play it well, but they are also expected to work with others toward the success of the entire community-be able to play as part of the ensemble. In traditional West African society, if an individual or family has a problem, then it is thought that the entire village has the problem. It seems like a healthy way for a community to operate.

Then we went outside and turned some cars over and threw trash cans through store fronts. No, I'm kidding about the trash cans.

But ya, this is what we learn, the ways of indigenous people (before they were destroyed by colonization) and how cultures that we once needed to "civilize" and decimate make a lot more sense than many of the institutions we live in today.

Of course there was more and Jay was a lot more articulate and passionate, but I wanted to express that class is more than just drumming.

Green Grass and High Tides

I wanted to let you know how my sister Stephanie is doing. She is doing much better, but has a long road to full recovery. She was taken out of the intensive care unit on June 25th and put into a regular room. I have spoken to her several times since then. It is really great to hear her voice; when I left her on the 13th of June, I really wasn't sure which direction she was headed.

Man, she has been through it. A couple of days ago she asked, "do you know everything they've done to me?" I told her I didn't know everything, but I knew a lot of what she had done to her. I cannot wait to see her again soon.

Enjoy today!

kuku-dununba

Here it is.

Gardening at Night Just Didn't Grow

Yes, we still have a garden, and it is still being tended. There has been a whole lot of rain, so not much sun or produce. Check out this other garden I work at and write about a couple times a week.

Until then, enjoy this:

I took a clipping off of this bad boy last night. It is at home trying to root. Dan thinks it is a Vitis labrusca ( Himrod Grape ), but can't be sure. We are going to give the Himrods a whack because we can't beat their prices prices.

Feel well.

Farafina Kan

I just watched this awesome video on Farafina Kan's homepage. Check it out, it is some cool beans. It'll make you want to do something-sadly, always from the outside.

Why is the Why?

Drumming at the Croatan last night took a bit of a turn. I am not sure why, but I like it. Major personality flaw-I always wonder about the "why." That is probably the most minor of my major personality flaws; most recently labeled at least.

But the change, class was set up to teach a new rhythm every eight weeks, leading to teaching a repertoire of rhythms. That seems to have melded into a more progressive approach, where we nail down, tighten up rhythms and breaks we already know, while adding new material as we go along. Last night's class was really good. I dig the change.

I am starting to hear the djembe a little better. I am starting to pick up on where the various parts lock in, what responds where.

I am going to this guy's (below) class tonight at Freedom Theatre; I am going with Meko from church. He also takes the djembe class from Jay, but has been taking classes from Menes Yahudah for a time. Meko said there is a lot of focus on technique and also some stuff dealing with the spiritual nature of drumming. Weeee. We will have to see what's too much.

This photo and biography are from the Farafina Kan website. I hope he smiles like that in class.

Menes Yahudah
POB: Baltimore, MD
DOB: 6/26/76
Role: Tech & rehearsal director & lead Djembe soloist

Menes has been drumming since the age of 2 and has always been interested and committed to drumming. Menes is a former lead soloist for Baltimore’s Sankofa Dance Theatre and is currently the Director of Urban Foli and an instructor with Tam Tam Mandingue, USA in Baltimore. Menes has performed nationally and internationally in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. He has spent the greater part of his adult life learning Djembe music and is fluent in other musical languages as well. He currently teaches drum classes in Baltimore, Philadelphia and continues to travel nationally and internationally performing and studying traditional arts.

I know you are all interested in this stuff, or I wouldn't bother writing about it! I jest! I will report on the class soon. I need to make up a song for this dununba part for Kuku that I am trying to learn. I know the parts, I just can't play them right.

Beat your face private!

Nankama

I know you have five minutes. Check this video out. You can even bring the kiddies-you'll be glad you did!

He Who Forgets

Somewhere, in the hinterlands of South Georgia, a lonely man, father of five (four if you like), cries in his backyard, alone with his hedge. His phone does not dial out.

Somewhere in Kesington, on a dreary Fathers' Day, a childless husband, leans on his cart, laments his feeling abandoned, betrayed. His phone does not dial out.

See the cat? See the cradle?

The Pedal Brake That You Depended On

So, back to the Fruits. I don't know really. I feel so bad lately. I came home from work and lid down for a nap at 3:45. Sarah woke me up at 10:15, asking me to let her in bed. So odd, why couldn't she get in bed? Why was I sprawled like that? Why was it dark? I went back to sleep and woke up around 8 am. I guess the past couple of weeks finally caught up with me. My body aches and I just can't rustle up the gumption to do anything.

And I'm supposed to think about this? I am supposed to think about how I can be more loving? I asked Sarah last week about that, what being loving meat to her. In reply she stated that a way to love her more would be to take care of myself. Gee Whiz! Tall order there girl.

Well, I'll end like this:

That is my beautiful wife, Sarah, to the right, and our beautiful friend Mariko, to the left at some outside food function. One, I forgot to ask Mariko about that beautiful dress-shirt she is wearing (its origin and whatnot). Two, Sarah smiling at an outdoor food function.

The Fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:19-23, New International Version)

Not a real whack at LOVE, we'll try again later. I have some Ideas they are just mired in upheaval and tumult at the moment.

Sayonara Dora

CSA week # 5 or 6--June 18, 2009

I apologize for missing a couple of weeks on the csa report; I was out of town. I will admit that I have been a little slow on the posting since my return, but I have been busy, both at work and around the house.

Here is what it looked like:


This is what you will find in your share today:

1 head Napa cabbage – transitional – Green Acres Organics
1 box new red Norland potatoes – certified organic – Green Valley Organics
1 bag snow peas – certified organic – White Swan Acres – 1 lb
1 bunch chiogga beets – certified organic – Millwood Springs Farm
1 bag young rainbow chard – certified organic – Elm Tree Organics – ½ lb
1 head escarole – certified organic – Windy Hollow Organics
1 bunch garlic scapes – certified organic – Life Enhancing Acres
1 bag baby head lettuce – transitional – Taste of Nature
1 head green leaf lettuce – certified organic – Back 40 Ranch

I used to know this federal potato inspector in Montana years ago named RB Browning. He was a really sweet guy, going through some really heavy stuff. Deiter wants to grow up to be a potato inspector.

Feel good ya'll.

Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables

My little brother Tariq brought the "fruit" up on Sunday. He kind of jogged my memory about it. I mentioned , the fruit of the Spirit yesterday in reference to Stephanie. Thinking about it reminded me that trying to live out the fruit is probably a pretty good way to live. It could be thought of as a code even.

"Not many people got a code to live by anymore."

Sorry, I just had to. Anyway, I want to try to apply the Fruits of the Spirit to my life. I think it could be good. It might make me a better husband, employee, drummer, whatever. While in Georgia last week, Stanette mentioned that there were many qualities about Stephanie that she liked. I think these qualities may result from living out the Fruits of the Spirit every day.

But first off, I have to call them the "Fruits of the Spirit." There are nine (plural) of them, maybe they should all be one-a unit even, but naw, it sounds better.

So, what are the Fruits of the Spirit?

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:19-23, New International Version)

That is really only verses 22 and 23, but check out 19-21. It's pretty clear about what is not "fruitful" behavior. Hey man, you gotta be cooler than that. I am going to try to go through the fruits one at a time, think about how I currently live each fruit, and how I might live them a little better. Maybe I'll just talk about songs or old sitcoms that make me think about the fruits. I might even get kooky and mystical, talking about nine-pointed stars and the like, who knows.

Here they are again: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

One more picture for you; check out "joy," what is that a fried egg white? What about kindness? Haacha. Faithfulness looks like a pair of wax lips.

Feel well.

Set Your Mind

Hey, I want to introduce you to another sister of mine; her name is Stephanie. She is a really dynamite individual, and has touched a lot of people's lives, mine included. She is a very loving person, despite all of the tumult and strife she endured for a large portion of her life. Her faith in God has been at the center of her life for as long as I can remember. She does well living out the "fruit of the Spirit." She is also very funny and witty.

Stephanie is asleep right now, in a diprovan-induced sleep, and is being made to breathe with a ventilator. She is a very sick girl, but she looks very peaceful and restful. Her skin is as beautiful as ever, smooth, radiant and milky. She has been asleep June 9th. I was able to spend five days with her before the doctors decided to induce sleep. She was in a great deal of pain and discomfort all of those days, barely slept, and when she did, it was restless.

I hope and pray for her to recover from her maladies, but it is thought to be a long, long road. Please keep Stephanie in your thoughts and prayers, or when you are looking up, smelling flowers or whatever you do to generate positivity.

This bracelet belongs to Stephanie. She doesn't know I have it. I put it on the day she had her last surgery (when they decided to put her under). I was going to wear it until I see her healthy, or she asks me to return it.

Here is a picture of some of the things she is growing. While I was visiting, I was able to use some of her fresh basil in some beet salad and some parsley in a Lima bean salad I made.

Stephanie's mind is often set on "things above." Her mind is also often on the needs, desires and feelings of others. Even while she lay in a hospital bed, grimacing in pain, she managed to remain polite and thoughtful.

Have Some Ketchup Dear

This is a real opinion piece, published in a real paper (The Valdosta Daily Times)-not a free paper, but one people actually buy.

My Cleanest Dirty Shirt

Sunday morning I caught the 8:20 or so 5 bus, headed north. Usually I am with Sarah at this time; it's when we go up to the K & A to get produce. I was alone this time though. Here are a couple of pictures of our 5 bus stops:

This is the 5 bus stop at the corner of Frankford and Cumberland. If you catch the bus here, it will take you north toward Frankford Transportation Center. Doesn't the Coastline Large look slick. Below is a picture of where you'd stand if you wanted to catch the 5 bus southbound. That is where Sarah and I catch the bus when we head to work. Neither of us have ever eaten at Father and Son's pictured there, nor have we ever used that ATM. Kensington High School can be seen in the background bathed in light. This is Kensington.


On the way up to Allegheny, I passed the garden that I have been working at a couple, or more times a week. I snapped a couple of pictures, look fast!

Man, what great pictures. I got the leading edge and the trailing edge (heading north) of the garden and some nice interior shots of the 5 bus. I thought to turn off the flash, good thing. I forgot the address of the garden, but it is just north of Huntingdon on Franford Avenue. Stop by and say hello or help out; we'd love to have you. Ask for Dan or Rachel, they can teach you a lot.


The reason I was headed north on the 5 bus was to go get produce. We go every week to a place at the K & A called the Produce Junction. Well, it's named Produce Connection, but Sarah and I call it Produce Junction. I don't know why really, maybe because it sounds better. Let us know if you want us to rename your child, church or business. I am sure we know what it should to be called. Here is a picture of it on a gray Sunday morning:

They sell nearly everything. We used to get strictly fruits and vegetables, but we recently started buying off brand boxes of cereal. They are really cheap, taste great and have nice packaging. One of our favorites is a raisin bran knock off called "Magic Time." We love magic time.


In case you are wondering, the K & A is the neighborhood that surrounds the intersection of Kensington and Allegheny. That is where the el stop named Allegheny is. The neighborhood is pretty rough in spots.


Here is a picture of Allegheny Avenue, taken from the el stop, looking west. If you look real closely, a door or two down from the check cashing place is cozy little place called Jack's Famous Bar. I don't know cozy, I've never been in, nor do I know what it is famous for. Who knows. I used to work at this crazy place called the Burton. To get there every morning I had to walk alone this lonely street of dreams about six blocks. I did that until I punched in the head a few times by some kids. I convinced Sarah to let me start riding my bike.

Stay tuned for more uplifting tales, find out more about this garden on Frankford, a man named Dan and a woman named Sarah.

Name well.