MusicPlanetEarth

Hang Insomniac Jam

involved — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:24:27 +0000

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.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Mexican Marimba

involved — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:56:30 +0000

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.

Click here to view the embedded video.

King Davids Lyre

involved — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:14:18 +0000

Throughout history, the lyre has existed within many cultures in different forms, but perhaps the most influential has been the 10 string lyre of ancient Israel known as the kinnor. Mentioned several times in the Bible, King David is known for having played the kinnor in worship of the Lord, and in casting away evil spirits.

Here is another video from Michael Levy, known as Klezfiddle1 on youtube. After the video, visit Michael’s website where you can listen to many free samples and check out his 10 albums available for download. Then click here to view another performance of his, this time on a slightly different lyre.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A Taste of Turkey

involved — Sat, 29 May 2010 22:20:46 +0000

Today the saz is a popular string instrument found all throughout Turkey, but it’s importance is even greater to history than simply its role in modern music. This long-necked lute has been a central component of Turkish folk music for centuries and is an ancestor of the Greek bouzouki.

After the video, click here to check out the oud, common string instrument of Middle-Eastern music.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Shamisen Rock

involved — Fri, 21 May 2010 21:55:00 +0000

When Japanese strings meet western stylings, the Yoshida Brothers show what it is to rock the shamisen. After the video click here to check out the shamisen solo.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Native American Flute with the Hang Drum

involved — Mon, 17 May 2010 05:52:36 +0000

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.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A Didge Unlike Any Other

involved — Sun, 09 May 2010 23:41:11 +0000

Perhaps the greatest thing about instrumental music is that the meaning is always open to interpretation. With no words to define the message, instrumental music is entirely subjective not only to the musician, but to the ear of the listener as well.

This is especially true of the didgeridoo, in which each instrument is actually grown from the earth as bamboo, and often hollowed out naturally by termites, making each didge performance a completely unique event. What makes this video even more remarkable is the distinct melody heard throughout, something unusual to most didge music.

After the video, click here to check out another didgeridoo.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kalimba Magic

involved — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:30:14 +0000

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.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ancient Lyre

involved — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:22:08 +0000

Instrument of the ancient world, popular throughout Egypt, Israel and Greece, the lyre carries a distinct sound that tends to mesmerize the musician and listener alike. This video is one of many posted regularly on youtube channel Klezfiddle1.

After the video, Click Here to view another world music string instrument.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Gu Zheng Music Video

involved — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:00:47 +0000

Finding quality music is a challenge, especially that which uses instruments out of the ordinary. It’s tough enough finding good music in general, but finding good songs with original instrumentation is usually just asking too much.

Not only does this song feature the amazing, nearly mystical sound of the Chinese gu zheng, but the video is truly creative as well, sure to entertain music-lovers all the world over. After the video Click Here to check out the yangqin, another Chinese string instrument.

Click here to view the embedded video.