Album Notes

“I usually don’t like drumming CDs but I love this CD”. – This new recording puts the grooves first. Containing some great drumming the songs focus on laying down grooves and creating a rhythmical adventure featuring over twenty different drums. By focusing on grooves rather than “superfast hey look at me” drum solos Dennis Maberry has created rhythm based music that is accessible to drummers and non-drummers alike.

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 Conga Joy author Bill Matthews, in addition to attending over fifty workshops with several of the greatest percussionists in the world. He has also managed to fit in private instruction with several of the West Coast's best 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”. Dennis’ practical, step-by-step guide will take any novice from the basics, such as learning the instruments and tones, to beginner and intermediate rhythms. By the end of this book, the reader will have the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to participate in most recreational drum circles. Drum Circle Grooves is also an effective facilitator's guide, providing insight into simple and comprehensible teaching methods for beginners. Included are over twenty-five 'drum circle grooves', drum circle activities based on Universal rhythmic principals, and an introduction to African rhythm concepts. The book is available through Amazon.com and Borders.com and through various percussion related websites.

Besides percussion based music Dennis is also active in other genres. Dennis was in the studio recently recording drums and percussion for the debut release from eclectic acoustic group "Greta, Grits, and Gravy". The cd was released on New Years Eve 07. Dennis also 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, and Celtic Rock group Emerald Underground.

Dennis is also a popular teacher and workshop presenter. He has taught the World Percussion class at University of Illinois Springfield and currently teaches classes and conducts workshops for the Lincoln Land Community College Adult Education Program. He has developed a highly popular workshop based on his book "Drum Circle Grooves". He has conducted children's workshops for schools, libraries, and after school programs. He has extensive experience working with special needs populations and has worked with organizations such as Special Olympics, SPARC, and the Mac. County School for Developmental Disabilities. Dennis has developed his "Rhythm is Life" program using the Health Rhythms protocol. Studies have demonstrated that group drumming has several beneficial health benefits including a healthier immune system and lower levels of stress. For this reason the Health Rhythms protocol is being used in a variety of health related organizations. The stress reduction benefits of the Heatlh Rhythm protocal have proven to be very useful in organizations that experience a high level of employee turnover. Dennis has recently developed his "Everyone's Drumming: Developing and Implementing a Percussion Based Rhythm Program for Social Service Organizations". The program debuted at the Illinois Association for Rehab Facilities' (IARF) Annual Convention and was a hit. To find out more information on classes and workshops go to www.rhythmspirit.com