Search - The Henkish family :: Pulse of the Sphinx

The Best Drum Solo CD on the Market

Bonita Oteri | Springfield, VA USA | 12/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pulse of the Sphinx is the latest in an unparalleled academic musical CD series produced by Yasmin and Serpentine Communications. Earlier CDs focused on taxim, Egyptian belly dance show pieces and the "zar" or trance dance. The latest CD turns the spotlight on what some consider the most exciting section of a belly dance performance- the drum solo.



The CD itself features the work of the Henkesh Brothers, the first Family of Egyptian Drummers. As a belly dance teacher, I highly value this CD and use it frequently in class instruction for my Beginner and Intermediate level students. The collection consists of many "rock steady" drum solos. This classic genre is unbelievably difficult to find for teaching purposes. This CD includes well known drum patterns that afford American students the same drum pattern and method background as Egyptian based dance students are able to learn to vice the erratic, all over the map drum solos that are more commonly available, but far less effective for teaching and learning purposes. Yes, these latter type drum solos serve their purpose, time and place- but are not ideal for teaching students, nor even desirable for professional dancers performing with a variety of bands, whose drummers may have different styles but insh'Allah stick to a basic universally known Egyptian form. In summary, this CD is the fountain source example of drumming that will make the Dance performer or student look good, vice showing off the star "skills" of the drummer. Then again, if drummers play as refined and well as the Henkesh brothers, their talent and skills speak for themselves and do not need over the top embellishments and egotistical show casing. I've had the pleasure and honor of working with the former Henkesh Brother type genre of drummers who are totally professional and attentive to the dancer and call in the ancient, magical marriage that must exist between dancer/drummer for a successful live performance and the "challenge" of working with drummers who fancy themselves Animal on the Muppet Show. After such challenges, one appreciates the fabulous collection of all types of drills, and drum solos tailored to various lengths and degrees of difficulty expertly presented on "Pulse of the Sphinx."



The added benefit of this CD is excellent linear notes. For the scholar there are amusing historical Napoleonic tourist views of Egypt and a section on Ancient Egypt. For the musician and dancer, there are detailed musical notations of drum rhythms, as well as photos and explanations for drum and other percussion instruments. And for the dancer an explanation of shimmy and techniques by Yasmin herself, a highly respected Egyptian style dancer who has worked in Europe and Egypt and Elizabeth Artemis Mourat, a nationally known Turkish Style Belly Dancer. In short, this is a truly amazing, labor of love, culminating in CD notes, jam-packed with a treasure trove of information.



I highly recommend this CD for students, teachers, professional performers and musicians. I am buying a copy to give to my brother, a professional American style drummer and my nephew, also following in the family music/dancer footsteps, for Christmas because I believe this is the best CD to teach them all about Egyptian Belly Dance Drum music. Frankly,. I have not found a better drum solo CD on the market.

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