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 taken
classes with Olatunji's Drums of Passion member Gordy Ryan and
Conga Joy author Bill Matthews (with whom he has recently
recorded a track for Dennis' next cd), 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
has also managed to fit in private instruction with several of the
West Coast's top musicians..... 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 Amazon.com and Borders.com and
www.lulu.com/rhythmspirit and through various percussion related
websites...... Dennis has recently begun recording his next cd.
Completed tracks include several pieces 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 three 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 release
"Rhythms is the Key". He is currently recording for Dennis'
upcoming cd.


World Groove Revival

Dennis Maberry and Jimi Comfort are both members of the
percussion and didgeridoo based world music group "World
Groove Revival"  Formerly known as "Love Drum Talk" the name
change represents the new direction that the band has taken by
adding instruments such as Didgeridoo, Balafon, and Mbira to the
mix. The group plan on going into the studio soon so keep an eye
out for their debut cd. For more information on the group please
visit
www.myspace.com/worldgrooverevival