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!

Now this is one cool groove. Fantastic percussion!

Now this is an awesome song. Great vocals!

I really enjoy this one. Many thanks!

Simply beautiful. Thanks.

Coolest song I ever heard. And to think that you nailed it on the first take! I was laughing through-out the song (well, except the part about your dog getting the blue tongue - I almost cried at that part).

Good one!

Nice work - I love the accordian in this one too.

Well, you already know I adore this one: 5/4 meter, an unforgettable & unique hook, wicked guitar licks and a killer percussion/bass groove. It’s just perfect.

Fantastic voice!

This is totally awesome. Very creative. Thanks!

Now that's what I'm talking about! Great stuff. I'd love to be able to get my hands on a Hang Drum - the Hapi sounds just like one here.

I thought this was a Hapi drum (or perhaps a Hang Drum), which I just love. Very nice work on it, Mark, as well as the djembe & dumbek. And Chris' guitar work makes even nicer. Strong work guys!

"... on your eyeball". ROFL!

I must be part Korean or something... I like it!

I want to see the video.

Ooh-la-la! Très bon!

LOL at the introduction here...

Well sure, you could call me a sucker for anything with a ukulele in it, but I REALLY like this one. Great percussion work. And the simple hook used to "respond" to the uke is my very favorite part. Excellent work!

Rad. Way rad.

This is way hip! This is the sort of vintage surf guitar sound I had in mind for my "Surf Naked" percussion track. :)