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| Dennis Maberry Dennis Maberry is a versatile percussionist who has studied a variety of traditional percussion methods including African, Afro Cuban, Afro Haitian, Middle Eastern Frame Drum, and rhythmic concepts of India. By blending these influences into a rhythmic stew Dennis has created a rhythmical style that is distinctively his own. Dennis was introduced to hand drums in the mid 90's while attending the World Rhythm Festival in Seattle, WA. He has studied with Babatunde Olatunji Drums of Passion member Gordy Ryan and Conga Joy author Bill Matthews in addition to attending over fifty workshops with many great percussionists including Babatunde Olatunji, Leon Mobley, Judy Piazza (with whom he has recorded several tracks with for his next cd), Arthur Hull, Kalani, Kim Atkinson, and Raquy and the Cavemen, among others ..... He is the author of the popular instructional book "Drum Circle Grooves" featuring a foreword by Arthur Hull “Father of the Modern Drum Circle Movement”. The book is available through this site in addition to Amazon.com and Borders. com and through various percussion related websites...... Dennis has recently released his latest cd. "Rhythmspirit" featuring special guests Olatunji Drums of Passion member Gordy Ryan, Conga Joy author Bill Matthews, frame drum master Judy Piazza. and master percussionist Tor Dietrichson (from the legendary Diga Rhythm Band led by Mickey Hart) ..... Besides percussion based music Dennis is also active in other genres. Dennis is featured on drums and percussion on the debut release from eclectic acoustic group "Greta, Grits, and Gravy". Dennis plays with several of the Midwest Top Musicians including playing regularly with Bill Laymon (New Riders of the Purple Sage, David Nelson Band, Kingfish) and as a special guest sitting in with acoustic favorite Tom Irwin, Black Magic Johnson, the Dharma Bums, Perfunctory This Band, and Celtic Rock group Emerald Underground..... He has also played and/or recorded with a variety of musicians from several popular Midwest groups including NIL8, Enamel, the Suitcase Nukes, the Sarah Schneider Band, and the Bourbon Bluegrass Band, among others.... To find out more information on Dennis' musical adventures please visit www.myspace.comrhythmspirit Jimi Comfort Jimi has been the backbone of the Rhythmspirit workshops for several years. He holds down the pulse allowing Dennis to teach and facilitate without worry about loosing the groove. His spirit and joy of playing is infectious and adds great energy to the workshops and classes offered by Rhythmspirit Percussion Jimi's rhythmic studies involve several years of study with Dennis Maberry in addition to attending several percussion workshops while attending the World Rhythm Festival in Seattle Washington. Rhythm styles played include African, Afro Cuban, Haitian, and Middle Eastern. Jimi is a founding member of "World Groove Revival" and has appeared on Dennis Maberry's cd releases "Rhythms is the Key" and "Rhythmspirit" Rhythmspirit Dennis Maberry and Jimi Comfort are both members of the percussion based world music group "Rhythmspirit" |