Live Percussion 

The Live SFX Console was first test-driven (during the International Improvisation Festival) february 2005 in a few theaters in Amsterdam. Shakers, bongos, cow bell and a cymbal were then already part of the set. The usefulness of this percussion really opened my eyes and so interests have been shifting more and more towards rhythms and hand percussion. The range of instruments of course followed along so now there are congas, bongos and a cajon to be explored. The festival of 2006 was completely unplugged and 100% accoustic.

The fresh interest in Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms and their usability in improvised theater, eventually led to the LP Fuego conga and tumba shown here. Their weight is unfortunately just as phenomenal as their sound, so for portable use the LP Compact Conga comes in handy. This is just a conga without large wooden shell resonator so it more or less lacks a solid bass tone. Fortunately this is more than compensated by the cajón (see below).

A bongo fits very well in this rhythmic arsenal, and so do the many small percussive instruments that have been collected over time. Part of these might be used to produce acoustic sound effects, so the original project mission has not been forgotten completely. On the picture the stand with cow bells, cymbal and woodblock. Also there the Compact Conga for that 'latin feel' and a small snare drum to be smashed right on top for a 'jazzy mood' played with brushes.

With (relatively) few instruments, a lot of different rhythms and moods can be played. The real challenge is of course to explore the possibilities of each instrument, and how it can synergize with the others. Each instrument has its own sound and capabilities. It really feels like I'm merely scratching the surface at this moment, it will take years (or even a life time) to fully explore and master all inspiring and unconventional combinations. Did you for instance know that a bongo or conga can be very nicely played with brushes? I hope the 'conga-police' in Cuba will never find out this unintended use (just kidding)...

The winner, although from a usefulness and portability point of view, is the cajon. (It's real name is 'cajón', sounds like 'kachon'). This is basically a small wooden box that is played while you sit on it. The front is slapped and a hole at the back of the box lets the bass escape. The instrument has primarily Peruvian origins, but has taken root in Cuba. Peru has it's own tradition, and the cajon can be heard more and more in Flamenco music. Depending on the construction and way of playing, a cajon can sound like a complete drum set! Slapped at the top edge it produces a sharp rimshot, in the middle there is a nice deep bass and somewhere in between this Meinl even has a snare sound.

The cajon is great for rock, pop, disco, hip hop, country and a great many other moods, grooves and styles. And that's not all: You can sit on it, it has a great bass tone and through the hole at the back you can stuff it with almost all small percussive instruments during transport. It is quite easy to play, and even not too hard to build one yourself (see the links-page for a few nice websites about this). Lack of time, or just the drive to explore this thing as soon as possible made me buy one. I just couldn't wait to hammer one.