When it comes to music, surely it is the hang drum that is the greatest invention of the century to date. Being that there are only a few thousand of these lap-sized metal discs making their way around the world, it is always remarkable seeing them in the hands of two quality musicians at once. Not that the hang isn’t amazing by itself, but with twice as many hands for melody and rhythm, the variety is just that much greater.

After the video, Click Here to check out what the hang drum sounds like next to the Native American flute as played by Jeff Ball.

Few instruments exist in as many different forms throughout the world as the marimba. Originally from Africa, the marimba made it’s way to Central America and Mexico hundreds of years ago. Every kind of marimba produces its own unique sound, but it is the distinct buzzing quality of the Mexican marimba that sets it apart from others.

After the video, Click Here to check out another wooden percussion instrument, the tongue drum.

When it comes to music, there are not many instruments more modern than the hang drum, nor as ancient as the Native American flute. Here they are played together in complete harmony, demonstrating a universal truth of timeless cohesion… or maybe just playing some wicked awesome tunes. Whichever you prefer, both are true.

After the video, click here to see the Jeff Ball solo act.

With an uncanny power to mesmerize, the kalimba is a unique instrument with ancient roots and world wide influence. Considering the ease of play, affordability and quality sound of the kalimba, it is a wonder that the instrument isn’t a household item, much less a well-used part of music.

After the video, Click Here to see another kalimba in action.

Perhaps the greatest musical contribution to come from Southeastern Africa, the mbira is an ancient instrument traditionally played during the religious ceremonies and social gatherings of the Shona people. There are dozens of different “thumb pianos” found throughout Africa and other parts of the world, and it is believed that the mbira predates them all.

To amplify the sound, the mbira is often set inside a resonating chamber, usually a hollowed gourd, and to this gourd are typically attached sea shells or bottle caps to produce a certain ringing sound when the mbira is played. This unique quality is considered most important, as this ringing sound is said to invoke the spirits during ceremonies and gatherings.

After this video, Click Here to see what Hugh Tracey created when he got back from his travels to Africa, with the influence of instruments like the mbira in mind.