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!

Reg, that is twisted. I suspect that you are correct: at least your sister is a martian. I'd be looking for some orange laxative tablets for her...

Way to make some new space within this one! Totally pro. Let's jam again! (Sounds to me like you are totally ready for RPM: go for it!)

Sounds great - clean mix.

Hahahaha!

Love the kids in the back ground. Sort of confirms this lovely love song. Great vox, as always. And I dig that funky key work.

Wow! One of your best! How did I miss this one? Smooookin' indeed.

Good heavens you have a lot of great tunes...

Brilliant, indeed!

Your accents are incredible... what a range!

Oh this is very, very good. And any song that mentions "bacon" is a hit with me.

Brilliant!

This is adorable!

I hate those dreams. I have them too: The naked math class; foot stuck in the train tracks; the sudden discovery of a test that I haven't studied for. Ah, but also the great dreams - flying, etc. Great train sample!

Oh boy. Don't forget to eat & sleep once in a while. I can't wait to hear what you come up with on this thing...

My favorite parts are when you drop back into 6/8 meter like at 20 mins.

*holds up lit lighter* You + Mike = always great.

What an interesting, if not somewhat sad, story about a poet I had never heard of. I love your bass work here.

If you wouldn't mind, call me a few hours before the police arrive... this is great stuff.

Totally pro. Nice work here.

When I hear you play like this, there is a big part of me that believes this world would be a better place if you threw everything on the fire and sat at your piano all day. Your friends are very fortunate. Personally, I'm glad that I brought a basket large enough to hold this gem. Thanks.