the recording on this one is exceptionally good. I think you may have perfected the perc mic up over this last year. is there a hint of reverb? Nice one, really warm malaria-like sound

@ Kirk& Kamachi: excellent observation, and you are correct. As most of my patterns are built around clave, and as clave is structured upon so many off-beats, to get my metronome to "click" on some key clave beats, I set my metronome at double time- so my bpm notation reflects what my metronome setting was dialed to. Here is a clave link that graphically shows how many times clave percussion scores are transcribed in 2/2 (cut time) to make it easier to read... but if one is counting 8th notes instead of quarter notes, the bpm will be doubled. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clave_(rhythm)?wasRedirected=true

Excellent playing. But +1 here for the 110 BPM perception :-)

Excellent! I find it interesting that in almost every one of these that you list the BPM I feel them in half time, so I would think of this as 110 BPM

glad to be back. good stuff here.

@ Richard: many thanks- recording accoustical percussion is sometimes tricky and I'm still learning the skill sets required for that. I mount my own skins from bulk rawhide (so not actually tanned) but I don't actually make the rawhide from animal skins... that's a lot of work on a non-industrial level and there are some health concerns when it comes to working with (especially imported) fresh animal skins. Many of the (nonterrorist) cases of anthrax reported involve folks making their own drum heads, so I just use commercially cured cow skin from the USA for the latin drums and buy pre-made drum heads for the African drums, which are usually water buffalo, goat or some sort of deer.

the sound quality is great,,, i can almost see/feel the bending/vibrating of the skin,, do you make,, tan etc your own skins?,,, this has a wonderful warm quality,, great piece

I heard the style somewhere but you perfected it. Thanks for uploading.

Phenomenal - almost, pheromonal!!

i played this in college. fun.

@ Dave: thanks for listening! This recording is 8 tracks, consisting of 2 (stereo) bass drum, cowbell, clave, chinese blocks, and 3 tracks of various sized conga drums playing their parts. Traditionally it is performed by a group of percussionists, which I would *love* to assemble- but that rarely is possible for me to do where I live. Perhaps I should move to Africa.

Thanks Norm, I posted the lyrics. Now then on to this great groove, Yeah baby thats really moving isn't it. Is this one track or a few tracks overdubbed together? I am moving every part of my body to this groove.

Absolutely brilliant.

Great brilliant top job mate.

@ Jarvis: Ha! I'm vocally challenged, but to hear the lyrics, go here: http://alonetone.com/vaisvil/tracks/walk-with-sorrow-norm-rick-chris-emily

Cool job ...but hey lyrics and no vox ?

Yet another good one. I love how you always post the style and a bit of history with each track. It always helps me understand the song better.

excellent! I like the way the congas answer each other.

Great stuff Norm! I must make some time to jam with some of your tracks

Beatiful!

@Geas: Uh, that would have freaked me out too. And how about when you have your headphones up loud, really focusing on the project, and you look up and somebody has (quietly, so as not to disturb you) walked into the studio to ask you a question or something? I've had to edit out a explicit derogatory once in awhile - but the adrenaline rush is awesome!

What a treasure to find! I agree with Reefwalker: there's lots of good stuff in this one.

Chuckie! Nice work. Ominous.

Strong work!

Sweet!

I just love that growling fretless bass.

This is really cool Chris.

A great cover of a legendary song. More Ziggy!

Stay away from the mirrors Reg!

Much beauty can be cultivated in 80 years... and perhaps true beauty always forgets itself.

I like the reverb on this one Reg. Have you considered an exorcism?

WHOAA!

Now that's an impressive 5 minute gestation. How did the harp work as a ski?

Sidney is my kind of guy!

Excellent splash cymbal you have there Hojo! What kind is it?

Good question.

"I'm dancin'! Ilesa I'm dancin'!". Come to Daddy!! Let's beat it down! Love the Rhodes as always and Reg had me crackin' up with this one! Ilesa never saw him coming when she walked into that disco, but I doubt she will ever be able to forget his "classic moves".

Somewhere there is a big arena band that would just love to meet you - to handle the graphics for the show. I can remember when we were blown away by a simple liquid oil projection set-up, ala Iron Butterfly, Grateful Dead, et. al. But this really takes the cake. Well done.

Excellent!

Good lesson here... nice to meet a non-addicted vagabond to refresh one's perspective.