Here's the latest in my essays on Visionaries of Sound—music innovators who are more than entertainers or artists, but rather change agents in human life. In this installment, I celebrate Layne Redmond (1952-2013)—drummer, scholar, teacher, and visionary
I recently finished your Music, a Subversive History, and was immediately drawn back to Redmond’s book, which I had purchased and leafed through two decades ago at the beginning of my frame drum journey. I’ve been reading her book through for a few weeks and am just now seeing your connection to it here. The relationship between your work and hers is visceral- and I’m glad to know you knew her. Thanks for sharing this lovely tribute.
Hi Tina, I don't know how I became a Substack author. I have no intention of writing anything. Instruments: 22" Remo, John Bergamo Tar, 20" Meinle Def, 16" Remo (the name of the N. African frame drum slipped my aging mind), Remo, Layne Redmond Tarine, Egyptian Garwarat El Fan Riq, Tycoon Cajon, S. Indian Ghatam, a short version of a Thai long drum, and a Practice Pad with 5a sticks. Do you play?
The city of São Luís in the state of Maranhão in the Northeast of Brazil is a frame drumming capitol of the world and it is recognized by UNESCO. The cultural complex of Bumba Meu Boi. The frame drum played for this dance/music/street theater performance is called Pandeirão.
Anyone interested in frame drums or spiritual charged music must check it out:
I studied with Layne for 6 months. To know her was to love her. We talked by phone a few days before she died and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. I always think of her when I play the 16" Bendir I purchased from her. Thank you for writing about Layne.
Hi Tina, I don't know how I became listed as a Substack writer. I don't intend to write anything. Instruments: 22" Remo, John Bergamo Tar, 20" Meinle Def, 16" Remo (My ageing mind forgot the name of the N. African drum), Remo, Layne Redmond Tarine, Egyptian Gawarat El Fan Riq, Tycoon Cajon, S. Indian Ghatam, short version of a Thai long drum, a practice pad with 5a sticks, and hands on any surface available. I used to play a drum set.
I don't know why i missed this post. I'd recommend a 14" Remo, Layne Redmond model, if they still have them. If not, A Meinle frame drum would be fine. If you go on playing and become enthused, and want a professional drum, then Cooperman is the company to look at. Another way is to look at Remo's Thin Line drums. They come in a variety of sizes, from 6" to 16" and have a narrow depth. Easy to pack and travel with. Check on ebay. If there's a store near you that has some drums, try them and see if they have anything that suits you. If you have other questions my email is georgeneidorf@gmail.com
No worries. We have had plenty of messages in our inboxes since we've discovered Substack. Too much! I ended up buying a 16 inch off a neighbor on Craigslist. 14 inch would've been more manageable but I'm having fun with it.
Frame drums are also heavily used by Heilung, though I doubt you'll ever see them on the Billboard Hot 100. I got to take a lesson from one of their drummers earlier this year and it was a remarkable experience. I've dabbled in percussion of various kinds for most of my life but there's an intimacy to the frame drum that I haven't found in other kinds of drumming.
Fascinating read Ted. Redmond's time in Brasil brought to mind a song by Gal Costa called "Bumbo Da Mangueira" in which the surdo sounds like the mother beat of the heart.
I recently finished your Music, a Subversive History, and was immediately drawn back to Redmond’s book, which I had purchased and leafed through two decades ago at the beginning of my frame drum journey. I’ve been reading her book through for a few weeks and am just now seeing your connection to it here. The relationship between your work and hers is visceral- and I’m glad to know you knew her. Thanks for sharing this lovely tribute.
i remember, the N. African frame drum is called a Bendir. Do you play music?
Hi Tina, I don't know how I became a Substack author. I have no intention of writing anything. Instruments: 22" Remo, John Bergamo Tar, 20" Meinle Def, 16" Remo (the name of the N. African frame drum slipped my aging mind), Remo, Layne Redmond Tarine, Egyptian Garwarat El Fan Riq, Tycoon Cajon, S. Indian Ghatam, a short version of a Thai long drum, and a Practice Pad with 5a sticks. Do you play?
The city of São Luís in the state of Maranhão in the Northeast of Brazil is a frame drumming capitol of the world and it is recognized by UNESCO. The cultural complex of Bumba Meu Boi. The frame drum played for this dance/music/street theater performance is called Pandeirão.
Anyone interested in frame drums or spiritual charged music must check it out:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbhcd3DwGfk
This is a book I have to buy. Thank you for this compassionate and informative piece.
I studied with Layne for 6 months. To know her was to love her. We talked by phone a few days before she died and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. I always think of her when I play the 16" Bendir I purchased from her. Thank you for writing about Layne.
What instruments do you play? And what's you substack going to be about?
Hi Tina, I don't know how I became listed as a Substack writer. I don't intend to write anything. Instruments: 22" Remo, John Bergamo Tar, 20" Meinle Def, 16" Remo (My ageing mind forgot the name of the N. African drum), Remo, Layne Redmond Tarine, Egyptian Gawarat El Fan Riq, Tycoon Cajon, S. Indian Ghatam, short version of a Thai long drum, a practice pad with 5a sticks, and hands on any surface available. I used to play a drum set.
My goodness! How cool.
Hey, which frame drum would you recommend for a beginner. I'm petite 5'3" small hands if that's relevant. Looking on reverb and I'm overwhelmed.
I don't know why i missed this post. I'd recommend a 14" Remo, Layne Redmond model, if they still have them. If not, A Meinle frame drum would be fine. If you go on playing and become enthused, and want a professional drum, then Cooperman is the company to look at. Another way is to look at Remo's Thin Line drums. They come in a variety of sizes, from 6" to 16" and have a narrow depth. Easy to pack and travel with. Check on ebay. If there's a store near you that has some drums, try them and see if they have anything that suits you. If you have other questions my email is georgeneidorf@gmail.com
No worries. We have had plenty of messages in our inboxes since we've discovered Substack. Too much! I ended up buying a 16 inch off a neighbor on Craigslist. 14 inch would've been more manageable but I'm having fun with it.
Band in which the frame drum anchors the beat: The Chieftains.
Frame drums are also heavily used by Heilung, though I doubt you'll ever see them on the Billboard Hot 100. I got to take a lesson from one of their drummers earlier this year and it was a remarkable experience. I've dabbled in percussion of various kinds for most of my life but there's an intimacy to the frame drum that I haven't found in other kinds of drumming.
Fascinating read Ted. Redmond's time in Brasil brought to mind a song by Gal Costa called "Bumbo Da Mangueira" in which the surdo sounds like the mother beat of the heart.