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!

Beautiful. I didn't need the video to see the coys lazily gliding around the pond.

Are you still there?? Nice work, Reefwalker!! The thing I love the very most about it is** Oh - gotta go - phone's ringing...

Cool!

The harmonies on this one are simply breath taking! Great song and well done!

Ummmmmm now this is good, good, good.

Ooooh, you guys got it going. I would so LOVE to hook up with musicians along this slant. Talk to me about how the percussion is recorded (ie micing, etc.). Just awesome. AWB/Feat.

I'm still shaking my head...

OK, I'm just going to be quiet from now on, but this is really, really great stuff that you guys are generating.

This drips with butter! Your keys player should be canonized. And I want to spend the week-end with your drummer, bassist and a case of gin. Great vocals too!

I have no idea why noboody is listening to this great stuff!! That shit ain't right. Many thanks!! Just great!

Of your loop intended samples, I like this one best.

It's space alright. I've heard it plenty of times at the Dead concerts. Well done!

Guitars would just ruin this. MORE DRUM AND BASS DUETS!!

Oooh, sweet drumming on this one! Funkytissimo!

Rockin! Great stuff.

One of the freshest new poems I've read in a very long time. Outstanding work!

Dig it! *-Jumps into mosh pit with a big grin on his face-

Now we're talking! This kicks! *Buys a round for the band**

Swampy! Very nice.

Excellent work guys! Thanks!