|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| Reggae and More: Doug Walker at the Englewood Art Festival Steel drum musician and composer Doug Walker continues his fall tour this weekend with a live performance at the Englewood Art Festival. His new CD, “Steel Drum Reggae Party, ” is just what you can expect to hear – a reggae party, 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 Englewood Art Festival will be held outdoors at the intersection of Palisade Avenue and Van Brunt Street in downtown Englewood, New Jersey. Englewood is situated just north of the great Jersey meadowlands, three miles west of the George Washington Bridge and ten miles from Times Square. Englewood is a sophisticated city which combines much of its historic grace and charm with an exciting cosmopolitan atmosphere. Walker has a history of the unique instrument, which began in the islands of Trinidad, on his web site athttp://www.TheSteelBandStore.com,where he also treats visitors to his music. 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. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |