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Alex | Aju
Uploaded .
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Caveat emptor: I did absolutely none of the drumming in this piece.
ANOTHER WORLD PREMIER! FIRST RECORDING OF THIS PATTERN - EVER!
My friend Kokou “Alex” Yemey delighted me with another visit this evening. He played “Aju” - all 5 tracks from memory (“I’ve heard it since I was a child”).
“Aju” is a name without implicit meaning, referring specifically to this pattern. West African, and specific to voodoo harvest ceremony held in the fall of each year, this song is publicly played every night from around 4-8pm for 1 month, after the harvest, in thanksgiving, by an animist tribe. It’s an ancient, traditional pattern. It is considered to be “classical”: the beats are well known and not to be altered. As far as Alex & I know, “Aju” has not been recorded before.
Traditionally, this pattern is performed by an all male percussion ensemble, to an all female dance squad. During the month of this celebration, the female dancers are confined to a fortified compound every night, and they speak in a special language that is used only during this month.
I had considered submitting this to Ramen Music, as it is indeed a treasure, but Alex did not feel that “Aju” was his to sell.
Rick Phillips
said
So sorry to hear of Alex's passing, God bless him and his family, Play on Alex, Aloha
Norm
said
RIP Alex. I am so happy I could share this with the world while you were with us. Hey world, when you evolve enough to appreciate this, enjoy!
b3nny
said
this is good, i really like the timing of all these nice percussions. i was tilting the whole time.
Klarion
said
As for playing with it, I would say, listen to the shaker. It's keeping a steady beat most of the time.
vaisvil
said
This is so complex rhythmically that I don't know *how* to play along. I'm not sure if one should - it stands on its own - wow. This is a lesson here. Please send Alex my regards for his skill and sharing his cultural heritage.
launched
said
Yes, I'm loving these great pieces from Alex - Fantastic! The recording quality has been excellent along the way as well.
Reefwalker
said
I really love these, well recorded also,. BTW, I cant believe you didnt keep one of the kitchen cabinets on the drum room- those sounded awesome
Alister Flint
said
amazing playing! and when closing the eyes, it transports you there right way.. excellent drums!
kavin.
said
This is great that he played this with the "tape" running! Can I use this? I would not alter it, as you mentioned it shoud'nt be.
Guest
said
Wow, sharp shooting voodoo! What a treat! Thanks for sharing!