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| Afro Lamellophone Cajons At NAMM Convention by Joe Agu No one knows precisely where and when the African Lamellophone was invented but ethnomusicologist and Rhythms founder Joe Agu knows the soul of this universally loved instrument. That's why in 2007 Rhythms Exotic Afro Percussions is introducing a new line of African Lamellophone Cajons at the 2007 NAMM Show on January 18-21, 2007 in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center. According to Joe Agu, while many people embrace and play resonance box type instruments few know the true origins or history of their existence. "I was surprised by how many musicians, music school educators and music retailers have a casual knowledge of the journey these instruments have taken along their path to the western world." Agu said. "Most people are more tuned into playing these instruments rather than understanding why these instruments move them and others." Some Afro-Cuban and even Peruvian musicians believe that the Cajon was invented by Peruvian creoles or Roma people (Gypsies). However, the most common historically accepted origin of the instrument dates back to the colonial era when the African slaves brought to Peru from West Africa, particularly Angola, began using fruit crates as percussion instruments. The boxes not only resonated like a drum but could also be disguised as a seat or stool. "The Cajon is forever part of the African conscious" said Agu. "And our new line of Cajons and Frame Drums ushers in a new breed of hand percussion." The Marimbata (MB-02) Cajon, a large box-shaped Lamellophone Cajon with five keys and two drum heads offers true tonal versatility for a total drumming experience. The back surface also has a slit at the upper corner edge helping to produce a buzzing sound when played. The Maribantu (MB-01) boxed shaped Cajon is similar to lamellophones found among a number of northern Ghanaian groups, as well as peoples of south central Ghana, Cuba, and Peru. A shoulder strap on this new instrument allows the musician to play this versatile Cajon while standing or cruising the stage during a performance. Another new addition to the Rhythms family is t he KOKORO (KB-01) frame drum Cajon, a cross between a Tamborim and the Brazilian Panderio. It is played with your fingers and has two playing surfaces – front and back. The top is a 8" Mylar tuned drum head and the opposite side is a Cajon wood surface. Other features include crashes on each side and the lower front surface. With the Cajon side mounted on a stand, you can play the drum head with a mallet and the sound is similar to that of Timbales, Repique, Tamborim, or Pandeiro. The largest of the KOKOROs the evolution of the (KB-02) model is due to the cultural connection between the Yorubas sent to Brazil and the legacy of blind minstrel singer Benjamin Kokoro from Nigeria. Also on top is a 10" Mylar tuned drum head and the opposite side is a Cajon wood surface. Other features include openings on the side and front surface. With the Cajon side placed on a flat surface, you can play the drum head with a mallet and the sound also similar to that of Timbales, Pandeiro, Tamboprim or Repique. Rhythms was founded in 1996 to provide cultural understanding through the reintroduction of traditional and "lost" tribal instruments and to enhance the "magic" of exotic percussion instruments in general. All of Rhythms instruments are tuned and manufactured in accordance with traditional methods used by tribal instrument makers in West Africa. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |