When we (my wife and I) first moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2004, I had never heard of, nevermind seen, a drum called the lambeg. It was to be an interesting introduction as I realised that this drum divided communities and caused political tension. Now that’s a pretty powerful drum!
Some say the lambeg can lay claim to being the loudest drum, measuring louder than a super 120 decibels, it is easily heard for miles away. It is a voice that is not readily relegated to the background. You could say this drum carries with it a sense of auditory power and commands attention! Continue reading »
I was going to research and write up the coolest article on the bodhran drum. But after looking online, I realised there is no point in re-inventing the wheel! So, instead I will point you to some pages that I found extremely useful and will post some video clips of my own. I have played the bodhran on numerous occasions and find it a very rhythmical drum that requires a definite amount of skill to truly sound like you actually know what you’re doing! Needless to say, I have not yet attained that level, but I have mastered the art of looking like I know what I’m doing! The bodhran has a beautiful sound and no two bodhrans sound alike due to tensioning differences, moisture in the air and what material or skin is used to envelope the frame.
The Gathering was involved in Summer Madness and the Street Reach project this Summer. Many opportunities were available for the drummers to be able to play and worship and perform for the delight of onlookers. Drumming is never a one-sided conversation so audience participation is always ‘compulsory’ when we play! Continue reading »
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