Greetings from Dallas, TX!

[rtsmith17]

Greetings all from Dallas, TX! My name is Ryan and it I am excited about being a part of this community. This site is like finding a home!

I have been playing Jembe for a little over ten years and have completely been "Bitten by the bug" of West African music a few years back. It has been an extraordinarily rewarding experience learning proper technique as well as the melodies and phrasing of mandingue music. It has also been frustrating breaking bad habits . I really look forward to being able to share with such like minded people.

I am a member of Drums Not Guns here in Dallas and participate in the local drum community. We have had the pleasure recently of hosting such masters as Famadou Konate, Mohammed Diaby, Moussa Traore, Mamadouba Mohamed Camara, Djeli Moussa Diabate, Mahiri Keita, Hermann Kathan, and Michael Taylor. I really enjoy learning from such warm and talented people with their incredible knowledge of this ancient language of the world.

My goals are to ever improve my technique and sound, learn the duns, and participate in more dance classes.

Peace,
Ryan

[James]

Hi Ryan,

Welcome... it's great to welcome someone with your experience and enthusiasm... I look forward to getting to know your better.

Are you playing regularly with other?

What have you been playing most?

[bubudi]

welcome ryan, there's a few other members from dallas here. good to see you guys taking it to the next level hosting all those great djembefolaw in your city. love your signature too!

[smittysteps]

Thank you all so much for your kind greetings. I have learned so much from so many of you on this forum and truly feel thankful to be a part of the collective here. There seems to always be good advice and insight from you, especially James, Bubudi, Duga, Michi, Bops, Rachel, to name a few... Thanks