The World Drum Club at We Play Well Together features the collaboration of Kalani and Brandon, both know for their percussion sessions.
Their work combines various rhythms and engaging presentation. The duo's approach has been noted for offering both entertainment and educational insights, reflecting We Play Well Together's focus on musical innovation and community engagement.
Brandon Blake, a multifaceted individual juggling roles as a preschool teacher, brain injury support group leader, musician, animal rights activist, and volunteer, shares his daily life and his profound connection with the Kalimba Sansula in an interview with Annalena Horl for Hokema, Germany. His routine begins with caring for his cats, followed by preparing breakfast and spending eight hours at school focusing on the social and emotional development of young children. Post-work, he finds solace and creativity in playing the Sansula or bass, highlighting his commitment to self-care and artistic expression.
Brandon’s job satisfaction stems from nurturing positive behaviors like kindness, empathy, and respect among preschool children, aiming to cultivate a future generation free of xenophobia, racism, and aggression. He was drawn to the Sansula as a means to disconnect from the digital world and engage in a more tactile, musical form of expression. Since discovering the Sansula in 2015, it has become an integral part of his life, offering him solace, therapeutic benefits, and a medium for musical creativity.
He utilizes the Sansula across various aspects of his life, from calming preschool children and entertaining nursing home residents to providing healing in brain injury communities. Brandon praises the Sansula for its ease of use, therapeutic potential, and adaptability, including his innovative use of magnets to alter its notes for performance flexibility. He regards the Sansula as a serious musical instrument, validated by his performances with renowned musicians like Victor Wooten, where his unique playing techniques were celebrated.
Brandon’s favorite Hokema instrument is the Sansula Renaissance for its durability and sound quality, making it suitable for both young children and therapeutic applications. His journey with the Sansula began after a life-altering accident that left him with severe injuries and a traumatic brain injury, from which he has been recovering with resilience and positivity. Now leading a group for young patients with brain injuries, Brandon views every moment as "bonus time," a second chance at life enriched by his experiences, relationships, and music.
At the 2019 NAMM Show, the captivating qualities of Hokema Kalimbas, especially the Sansula, were brought into the spotlight through an insightful interview with musician Brandon Blake by VisionQuest Sound. Emphasizing the instrument's simplicity and versatility,.
For those eager to dive deeper into Hokema's range of Kalimbas, from the compact models to the deluxe versions, a series of product line videos are available, providing a comprehensive overview of these beautifully crafted instruments.
And for those who love the Sansula but are looking for tuning options that better match their musical setup, there's no need to fret. Hokema offers a tuning tool designed for adjusting the tines to virtually any pitch. This adaptability opens up a world of possibilities, as evidenced by an eclectic collection of videos showcasing various creative retunings of the Sansula, proving its flexibility to fit any musician's needs.
I purchased a Zaphir chime a few years ago and it pairs perfectly with my Zenko. I saw the Koshis on sale and decided to take a leap a buy several. Huge disappointment for me when I compare them to the Zahpir. The Koshi feels hollow and lifeless to me compared to the Zaphir. Because it's lightweight, it can be easier to travel with, but that's also its downside for me. The cord, outer shell all feel more like a 'toy' than a durable, lasting, resonance holder. I may try to add some type of weight to help ground these chimes, not sure, but if I'd know how different this feels compared to a Zaphir I wouldn't have made this purchase. I don't think it's a 'bad' product, I think it's just not aligning with what I've experienced in another brand.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re not entirely happy with the Koshi chimes and that you prefer the Zaphir chimes instead. I want to make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase.
If you’d like, I’d be happy to exchange the set of 3 Koshi chimes you bought for a set of 3 Zaphir chimes so you can complete your Zaphir collection. Please let me know if this works for you, and we can arrange the exchange right away.
I recently purchased a D Monolina. Meditative and meditative; a full immersion sound experience that simply wraps you in a beautiful feeling and sound. What an incredible instrument this is! I highly recommend purchasing one, or more, for meditation, relaxation, or sound baths.
