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The energy and inventiveness of African drumming has always had a fascination for me. My grandfather, who spent much time in Senegal and Burundi, brought me small drums and recordings of some of the incredible traditional drum ensembles from these places. The best of these groups are characterized by spontaneity, complex and repetitious rhythmic phrases (which are continually layered over each other in surprising ways) and an incredible sense of ensemble. One recording which especially made an impression on me was a group of 60 drummers from Burundi who were able to change tempo and rhythm with cat-like speed and accuracy.
It was not traditional African music, however, which first drew my attention to he mbira or thumb-piano as it is sometimes called. I found and played one of these instruments in my home town of Philadelphia and heard it on a recording for the first time on the tune “Kalimba” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. It was then that I came to fully realize that African rhythms translated into American music were the “engines” which propelled much of our pop music.

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released January 30, 2022

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David Hahn Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

DAVID HAHN is a composer who makes music that is unique and deeply diverse. Many of his works have been commissioned and performed by esteemed ensembles and soloists. Mr. Hahn also collaborates with artists in film, video, theater, and spoken word.
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Hedwig Kutz (hahnsounds@
gmail.com) international representative for David Hahn ... more

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