First things first. The gyil is a traditional West African xylophone with dried gourd resonators hung below most or all of its hardwood keys. (A similar instrument is called a “balafon” in Francophone Africa.) It’s usually tuned pentatonically, and its full, luminous tone is haloed with a cicada-like buzz, created by vibrating membranes made from […]
Tag: drums
Posted inMusic
Remembering drummer, pharmacist, activist, and seeker Alvin Fielder
A charter member of the AACM and a longtime partner of saxophonist Kidd Jordan, drummer Alvin Fielder was an encyclopedia of jazz history with an eye on the future.
Posted inMusic
Fusion innovator Terry Bozzio swings through town with his enormous drum kit
If you’re the specific kind of nerd who has ever picked up a copy of Modern Drummer, you’re probably familiar with musician Terry Bozzio. A next-level shredder, Bozzio put his chops to use backing legendary gonzo-fusion master Frank Zappa starting in 1975, and he’s remained part of the Zappa circle ever since; he’s arguably best […]
Posted inBlogs
Jon Mueller and Mike Weis meditate with drums at the Zen Buddhist Temple-Chicago
In paired solo sets this Saturday, Jon Mueller and Mike Weis will use drums and gongs to draw out the acoustic qualities of a Zen temple.
Posted inBlogs
Percussionist Dan Weiss builds sonic sculptures from snippets of jazz drums on his new album
On Sixteen: Drummers Suite, Dan Weiss uses terse passages from the playing of legendary drummers to build rigorous, complex large-ensemble pieces.
Posted inBlogs
Tinkerbelles return home from their Guinness world-record attempt on Sunday
Their flawless jam “Rotten Tanx” is today’s 12 O’Clock Track.
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Local postpunk duo Tinkerbelles release their debut EP tomorrow
The two-piece play a record-release show on Fri 10/24.
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Oozing Wound and Black Pus ready a split LP
The loud and weird collaboration is due out on Thrill Jockey on 6/17.
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The Secret History of Chicago Music: Dottie Bee
Indomitable big-band singer Dorothy Brady, aka Dottie Bee,
retired from a four-decade career 20 years ago–and she turns 90 next
week!
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Radar Eyes bid farewell to drummer Shelley Zawadzki this weekend
Local fuzz rockers Radar Eyes play their final show with long-time drummer Shelley Zawadzki this Saturday.
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The Secret History of Chicago Music: Vyto B
The scoop on Vyto B, the eclectic enigma behind First Chips and Tricentennial 2076—straight from the man himself
Posted inMusic
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Athanor
Obscure psych-pop duo Athanor split the difference between the British Invasion and Amon Duul II on three mid-70s singles.
Posted inMusic
Wire’s gooey-sweet Change Becomes Us and 15 more record reviews
Reviews of 16 fresh releases from all over the map: Wire, Aosoth, Julia Kent, DJ Koze, Pedrito Martinez, Sax G, and lots more
Posted inBlogs
Vic’s Drum Shop offering a master class from prog vet Gavin Harrison
King Crimson’s Gavin Harrison teaches two small master classes next week at Vic’s Drum Shop.