Re: gear schmear, music is best

[Michael Preston <michpres@erols.com>]

Dave wrote:
> There's a good ethnomusicological study on theis music, called "Soul of 
>the
> M'bira", sorry, but I can't remember the author right now, that goes 
>deeply
> into the music and it's cultural/spiritual meanings. Very interesting
> stuff!
 
The book "The Soul of Mbira" was researched and written by Paul 
Berliner, and was published by the university of Chicago Press, 1993. 
There is also a sort of accompanying CD, titled "Zimbabwe: The Soul of 
Mbira" on Nonesuch,1995 (originally released in 1973: Nonesuch H-72054). 
Excellent reading and listening!

Dave, thanks for posting on your marimba experiences. I heard (and 
danced to!) Dumi and Balafon many times when I lived in Portland, OR. 
But, I'm sorry I never got to hear Balafon when you were a member of the 
band.

I have made several mbiras over the years, amplifying some with piezo 
pickups. My favorite Mbira lately has been one I made with bamboo keys. 
The bamboo was a suggestion from Matthias. (thanks again Matthias!) I'm 
currently working on a tandem model for two facing players.

Dave, have you made any acid/ambient/trip/hip/hop/jazz recordings with 
your marimba and mbira, and your Zimbabwean sensibilities? A synthesis 
of that sort would surely sound great to my ears. 

Jim, thanks for asking about mbira. Anyone else use 'em? make 'em? Any 
recipes out there?

Preston