Ceremonial Dance (IMPROV)

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Ceremonial Dance (IMPROV)

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So yesterday afternoon in the silence of my room, after prayers, I wanted to pour out my joys and woes on the 'skin once again. I latched on my ankle bells, wet the 'skin (because my bodhran normally has a high, ringing sound if not moistened), turned on the mic and began recording some impromptu playing. It seems to be in the style of a ceremonial dance, given the fact that there are bells -- but they are *very subtle*; you'll have to turn your headset volume up for it.

It doesn't have much polish, I'm aware. Some of you may notice parts where I slip. All this aside, I really, really love how it's turned out so far, especially since I poured my heart out for it. Still: I had to muster enough courage to finally share this...

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AlbertStClare

2013-04-20 23:10:05

I know rather little of Drums, but this certainly sounded like something. At various Times, I had mental Images of Fishermen in some Japanese Village of Yesteryear, of Soldiers training in Mediaeval China, and a Barbarian Horde spilling over into Europe. When I heard the Bells, I thought, perhaps, of some ancient Persian Magic Ritual (without stopping to be certain any Kind of anicent Persian had such a Practice). Perhaps not what you were personally thinking, but you seem to be improving quite quickly with your Irish Drum.

Troisnyx responds:

I don't know what I was thinking, to be honest -- when I play I don't necessarily imagine scenes, this just flowed from the heart. Still: I'm glad it did evoke visual pictures somehow! <3 Thanks for listening! x

*I'm glad to be making progress ^_^*

samulis

2013-04-16 21:45:57

Remind me to convince you to collaborate on a piece eventually. ;)

I love the good use of dynamics on the drum and the careful use of emphasis on certain notes to create a good rhythm. Whenever I try to play drums, it all goes to hell in a handbasket. :(

Troisnyx responds:

Part of the reason why I'm able to play this offhand is because I used to listen to a few solo players (strangely enough, Eastern style -- so taiko and daebuk players -- listening to bodhran solos came later). But the deal with listening to them is that you get the flow of the rhythm. Surely, when listening to a rhythm with even a great deal of syncopation you can tell in which time signature the drummer is playing, so start there -- take it slowly -- and when you're more confident, build up on the speed. : )

I'm glad you liked the thing, by the way. <3 What are you thinking of using the bodhran for? Tell me more.

camoshark

2013-04-16 21:25:04

Damn, you sure as hell picked up some chops since the last time I heard you play, good job there!

I particularly liked the tempo/metric changes, really helps keep the auditor interested throughout. Overall it's a pretty damn good improv you've got there, congrats!

Continue ton beau travail, on devrait un jour s'organiser un jam ensemble un de ces quatres! :P

Cheers,
Samuel

Troisnyx responds:

He, ce serait sympa ! ^_^ Perhaps a collab between us would be great (I'll be able to help with vocals, bodhran and bells) -- what are you thinking of?

Also, thanks. <3 Glad you liked it.

T. x

Neon-Bard

2013-04-16 12:18:07

I like the subtlety of this improv piece. It has an ancient feeling to it, very 'ceremonial' as you have put it. I think that a nice stringed instrument such as a mandolin, or even a pan or cedar flute would make this even more interesting to listen to!

The volume could be cranked up a notch, but I understand that recording instruments such as the bodhran can be quite troublesome.

I have to commend you on posting something personal like this, I would never be able to do such as thing (that and I lack the recording equipment to do so haha). Keep it up Trois! :)