Herman Kathan, a professional African and Brazilian percussionist actively performing and teaching in Europe, is back to Arizona (March 16-26, 2007) - his 6th visit since 2002. As usual, he spent two weekends with us: the first weekend for workshops in Phoenix, and the second weekend for an extended workshop out of town. This year, the long workshop took place at a rented cottage in the forest of Pine, AZ.

Participating in his workshops is a jewel to me: allowing a small group of fellow drummers to spend good time to explore how individual parts are related to each other to build rich and intricate music, and how groove can be created as becoming sensitive to what he calls micro-timing. He is amazingly attentive to each and all of us (gives short and timly advices), and always open to share his knowledge and perspective about music he has devoted himself for many years.

He taught us this time an intriguing set of three rhythms: Sounou (a rhythm from Mali), Donaba (a dundunba rhythm), Marakadon (revisited a rhythm we learned last year)

Thanks to Lorin and Bernd who have brought this brilliant learning opportunity to drummers in Ariozona. Thanks also to Teresa for her magical Mexican dishes.

Herman Kathan's official website: http://www.zauberhaus-konzertagentur.de/en/index.htm
Photos from Herman's workshop in 2006: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/1477824#70708125
Ditto 2008: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/4590444_sp3Mp#272675832