Souhail Kaspar will always be a major influence on my playing.  Every time I practice, perform, or even think about drumming, he appears in my mind.  I hear how he would correct my posture, hand positioning , etc.  And he’d say “play cleanly.”  The Master is with me at all times!  I’m grateful for him.

I like to think of him as the “Master of everything” in relation to Arabic percussion.  His incredible tones, phrases, precision, and scope of rhythm place him in a class of his own.  He’s a perfect player.

I first came to know of Souhail many years ago when a friend came back from the famous Mendocino music/dance camp with a video of some of the drum instructors performing at a party.  He pointed out his own favorite, raving about the drummer’s skill and speed.  I replied, “He’s great … but who’s THAT GUY? He’s incredible!”  I said pointing to the video screen now showing a different drummer than his favorite.  “That’s Souhail Kaspar, one of the teachers at the camp."

I had to find some recordings of him quickly, and I found a copy of Mystical Legacies, which he made with Master Ali Jihad Racy.  I’ve been in love with Souhail’s musicianship ever since.  Everything I adore about Arabic percussion is complete in one package named Souhail Kaspar.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of studying with him in his various workshops.  I’ve enjoyed his lectures and expertise, adored his concerts, and above all, cherish his friendship.

In the age of having great resource material such as YouTube, with the hundreds of incredible percussionists appearing daily, the clips of Souhail are the ones I watch over and over again.  I feel like I can’t ever get enough, and always I sit and listen with a big smile.

Thank you, Mr. Kaspar.

*  Please visit the Masters web site (www.neareastmusic.com) for all the latest info, as well as DVD's, CD's, and the Souhail Kaspar Signature Series drums for sale.