X8 Drums Blog

American music is as diverse as its people. Decade after decade, the music of the United States continues to evolve as it incorporates elements from a vast array of cultural influences. In this sense no one is more American than Drummer Ray Baretto. While raised in Spanish Harlem with its strong Latin influences, Baretto fully embraced the music of Jazz in his adult life creating a truly unique blend that has left audiences blown away. Despite his success as a Jazz percussionist h …

The King of the Congas is the man behind the beats for many of Jazz's best known acts. Candido is credited as the first person to bring Latin beats into Jazz with his famous Congas. Duke Ellington, Coleman Hawkins, Yardbird, Dizzy Gillespie, and Stan Kenton would not be the same without his unique rhythms. But being first isn't what make Candido famous, he has brought a spirit and fire to his drums that few younger players can match. He has a unique style of play and level of energ …

In this age of drum machines and digital synthesizers, it might seem hard to understand why we need drummers. In western culture Marching Band and Rock Bands still use drummers but they are mostly in the background with the simple goal of keeping everyone else playing together. What about drumming for the sake of drumming? That is where Airto Moreira enters. Jazz music, Moreira's genre of choice, is all about exploring everything that is possible; and that is exactly what Moreira …

Asana, vinyasa, chants and breathing are terms heard throughout a yoga session to encourage this healing art. Yoga touches the mind and body through its various poses and the control of breath, giving a feeling of relaxation and a unique connection to thoughts, emotions and to the body itself. For those who practice yoga, it is a way to relax, meditate, understand the strengths of the body, and discover a whole world of information about the self. Much like yoga, drumming a …

Drumming has a place in the lives of everyone, regardless of age or ability. As a uniting force, music and rhythm are some of the most common ways people find common ground with each other. Generations can even be defined by the popular music of the era, and while drumming and senior citizens may first seem out of sync, the world of rhythm knows no boundaries when it comes to age.Music and rhythm have been proven to benefit those with disabilities, whether neurological or p …

Latin American music would be nothing without Conga drums. The distinctive sound of these drums brings a sense of a culture that has helped define drumming, from the roots in African culture to the presence in all types of music today.Conga drums are typically played in pairs, but can be found in many different configurations, depending on the taste of the drummer. Many times, Congas are part of an intricate set of hand drums and percussion, including bongo drums, a guiro …

With hand drumming, much of the time devoted to rhythm is within a group setting, where drummers play off each other, creating a symphony of drum beats, slaps, rattle shakes and a variety of sounds. Hand drumming, however, can be more than a chance to relax with friends, or raise awareness for a cause. Hand drumming is one of the best ways to find one’s musical self through drum solos.Drum solos are not just a chance to show off drumming skills and be the center of attentio …

School is out and the world has opened up for a summer of fun in the sun. Keeping children entertained over a long summer break can be challenging for even the most active and inventive parent or caregiver. Whether the challenge is entertaining a group of kids at camp or home, battling the rainy weather that comes and goes or just finding something new to make a memory, drumming can be an easy way to occupy, entertain and educate our youth this summer.Kids love drums and …

Summer heat and fun can take a Djembe, Congas or Bongos on an adventure across the country, or just through the streets of a neighborhood. With the warmth and laid-back attitude that summer brings, drumming seems like a natural way to pass the time away. While you’re out there beating out a rhythm with friends, remember that your drum will only sound as good as the time and effort you put into its care.Drums manufactured with an animal skin drum head are much more suscept …

A wedding is a moment to last a lifetime, celebrating the love and commitment of two people pledging to share their lives with each other, surrounded by family and friends. Weddings are as unique as the individuals celebrating this commitment, and while many of these commitment ceremonies remain traditional, each wedding has its own flavor representing the personalities involved. From the flowers to the cake, the clothes to the music, a wedding can define a couple, their …