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| Doug Walker Begins National Fall Concert Tour Steel drum musician and composer Doug Walker begins his fall tour this weekend performing live at King Street in Old Town Alexandria. His new CD, “Steel Drum Reggae Party, ” is just what you can expect to hear, and a lot more. Walker not only plays songs you know, but lots of original music as well. His style and artistry create a new sound on a familiar old instrument. His songs include the Beatles classic “Yesterday” as well as a great reggae version of “Stairway to Heaven.” His CD also includes two original “reggae jazz” compositions. The performance is part of the 3rd Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts, one of the nation's top 100 art festivals located along King Street in Old Town Alexandria, Vir. Visitors to the festival will be treated to performances by Walker Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11. Walker uses a special technique on double tenor drums - his method of playing uses four drum sticks in much the same method as is used to play a marimba. Walker is the only professional steel drum player to use this technique, which results in a fuller sound and harmony. It is an instrument that is traditionally used for Caribbean tunes, but Walker loves to experiment with Jazz, contemporary and also classical tunes. It is versatile and has a beautiful melodic sound. There are presently 10 CDs in the Panman Productions family, created by Doug Walker. They range from traditional Island sounds to contemporary favorites, and even Christmas classics. His music includes the Key West spirit, the sounds and rhythm of Reggae, jazz, and popular tunes as well. For the music afficionado, Walker has created a masterpiece of all original songs which capture the essence of the spirit of the islands of the Caribbean. Doug Walker, who is based in Miami, Florida, begins his fall tour, this weekend and then moves on to play in Ocean City, NJ; Wilmington, NC; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Washington, DC; and Englewood, NJ. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |