Revisiting Djembe Funk's Debut.
Ever been in a rough spot?
Last summer I was in a rough place. I had quit social media for a while. I had given up on some friends, and been given up on by my fair share too. I was cranky, not just because I am a bipolar with dysphoric manias, I was upset that “hanging out” seemed to be a thing of the past. I am a very extroverted type of personality, perhaps it hits me harder than most, granted. But it did hit me very hard. Even waiting in line sucks compared to the good ole’ days of talking to anyone.
I thought about selling all the music gear, I thought about a lot of things. But then my doctor diagnosed me with Tardive Dyskenisia after I experienced unpleasant shakiness and tension in my legs, toes, hands..jaw. That changed my thinking.
Yeah, but djembe?
Keri’s father passed way a long time ago and left us some wonderful musical instruments. We have a lovely 12-string from Yahama and a djembe from him. I grabbed the djembe for this first time around the time this was going on. I played drums in school, but I wouldn’t say I was ever good at them. But the hand drum patterns felt relieving, somehow. I felt the djembe drum limber me up for subsequent parts. It’s almost as if the rolling patterns and accents were busting away some kind of plaque on my arms and it made them feel better for other things.
When I play djembe daily, I am better at everything else I do musically. The least I could do was build a band with it. So if you are in a funk and happen to like djembe, you are in luck. Where the name comes from, basically. I wanted to make more funk music, initially, hopefully that part of the plan still works out.
Why no singer, singer?
Before this EP in Sept. last year, I hadn’t done much in jam rock or instrumental music. I tried some vocals on a few things, but it just didn’t feel right. In fact, I have tried to sing on a few Djembe Funk tracks, but it doesn’t feel right for that project. I am open to it, I love singing. But I haven’t found vocals I like for this in myself or anyone else who digs it. So, in keeping true to things I hold dear, no vocals yet. Keri sings a few words on a song, but Keri can do whatever she wants. lol.
Upon listening again…
I just listened to this again and it is a happy record. I might have made a few mixing decisions a little differently, if I mixed it again today. But this is an early work for this project. I’m very happy to present it a year later.
A goto celebration in the speakers.
If you don’t know, these songs, and all of Djembe Funk music is largely about celebrating. Not just happy, not just upbeat, but a celebration. I celebrate movement in my life now. I don’t need many reasons. I hope you’re not paying much attention to the music with folks shouting and throwing things up in the air. But if you happen to be, at least there’s nice djembe going.
We are looking at lot of improvisation.
I generally start each Djembe Funk jam with improvising on djembe, or electric guitar, or fretless bass. Once I have something I like and the BPM, I am off to the races. There’s a lot of the improvisation in each part that winds up on each track. Sometimes it rules, sometimes it doesn’t. I enjoy tracking and feeling free to improvise at the same time. If it vibes, I share it. Most times I don’t.
Citrus Fruit is a rad song, period.
One song made in this session is still one of my favorite songs! I feel like when I can squeak out one of my own favorite songs, I might as well have built my own house. “Citrus Fruit” has never left any playlists I have it on this whole time, by the way. I love when it comes on! I think that is a rad song, don’t mind saying. Had good shit that day, I guess. Must have.
Download (free):
Kintners Repository: Djembe Funk Debut
This is a short little thing, I don’t mind you keeping it handy for quick celebrations. It works for me.
Thanks.
Kelly Kintner