point
here: Intro 2 Us
ParkJamz was coined a phrase when the definition of current drum circles
didn't apply to the essence of what ParkJamz is really all about.
There is no cultural significance to our playing other than we are
come from different backgrounds..
Meaning, we are a collage of sorts. Similar to other genres of Afro-Americana
music, ParkJamz is a hybrid of classic structure with explorative
creativity inter-twining. Like Jazz or Blues, improv has more of a
presence than classic structure. Combining the essence of various
derivative cultures: African, Afro-Cuban, West Indies, Native American,
Middle Eastern; ParkJamz offers uniqueness in style to make for a
very gratifying experience dealing with exotic percussion instruments.
This type of drumming has been reflective throughout the urbanize
areas of major cities since the inclusion of Afro-Cuban percussion
instruments into our society from the 1940's and '50's. The presence
of these types of instruments emerged in the urban community parks
setting over last four decades. More recently these drumming sessions
were present at culture events, festivals, and community fairs
Ritmo - Urban Eclectic Drumming...
Many professional musicians have come into the circles resounding
the sentiments of distaste for this type of hybrid drumming with more
emphasis on improvising than actual musical structure in the classical
sense. Some of non-American cultures have blasted the attempts of
playing for the lack of their symbolism and continuity with that particular
culture. These concerns are the same "attitudes" that were
heavy against other american art forms of music that derived from
African-Americans, Latin-Americans, and Native Americans like Blues,
Jazz, and R&B (now so dubbed, Soul Music). The lack of tradition
and cultural perspective is the driving forces behind these gripes.
Yet the structure of this art form of drumming is based on the structure
of 'no structure'. Rather more emphasis is placed on feeling than
form, as it should be. For the mood is as important as the style of
playing and the techniques used to emit the sounds of passionate melodic
rhythms.
There has been a recent insurgence of religious implications towards
the drum circles 'in the hood'. Everything from traditional african
religious ceremonies to avant-garde type groups bordering on cultism
and mass public recruitment have tried to sway the intentions of the
group towards other agendas. From community/neighborhood politics,
religious implications, economical restraints, to empathetic distortions;
all of these conditions or individuals have been obstacles towards
performers arriving at that inner sanctum of a place called, "being
in the moment"
The members of this particular group have alliances with each other
that span over thirty years. The migration locally with this group
in Los Angeles, California USA has been from Griffith Park (by the
Merry-Go-Round sector, back in the days of the hippie love-ins and
political demonstrations and rallies), Will Rogers Park in Watts (during
the Watts Summer Festivals of the ‘60’s and '70's), Centinela
Park in Inglewood, Exposition Park (Home of the Los Angeles Coliseum),
and now at Martin Luther King Park in South Central Los Angeles. Now,
there is change in the air, for our current place of convergence has
been slated to be the future site of a public library, community center,
and police sub-station. Then again, these community elements might
be able to run some mean rhythms as well, ...won't know until we try
them at it (smile).
Do to the extreme levels of concentration and spirituality, a heavy
fellowship exists among the membership here. So much so, that the
references to our meetings have been coined, “Church.”
California has been a fortunate wealth of resources for public drumming
and the drum circles themselves. Particularly in Southern California,
the weekend allows for various circles to routinely offer public participation,
many convene seven days a week. For us it is on Sundays at the King
Park, and now more recently there has been a new start-up of us playing
at the infamous Leimert Park on Crenshaw Blvd. and Vernon Avenue on
Saturdays in the late afternoon.
Feel the Vibe!!!
Come Join Us
return to top of RITMO
Gallery -
Collections of Soul
Journey to the realm where improvising, love, fellowship and skill
come together. These clips represent the intensity in which there
were no rehearsals, no sheet music within these moments; also no spectators,
only participants dealing with the vibe of the tribe : true Soul-er
Power.
* * * * * * * * * *
Regarding the music listed here, ParkJamz is hosting these tunes as
a depository for professionals to premiere their talents.
Hopefully this gesture of support will enlighten and empower these
artists to become masters of their own destiny and self-produced their
material. And be the sole recipient of the benefits (...to reap) from
their creative musical efforts.
As such we are not selling these MP3 files but rather showcasing them
with the hopes that by debuting the songs here on the Internet will
provide more leads to gigs and other production (...and merchandising)
opportunities.
We welcome your comments and/or inquiries on this issue
(see the link on the bottom line).
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
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