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 musician, educator, and animal rights activist, showcased a unique musical showcase on Facebook Live during the NAMM 2021 "Believe in Music" week. He demonstrated his versatility with a variety of instruments from the We Play Well Together collection, including Hokema Kalimbas, Metal Sounds Tongue Drums, feeltone Monochords, and Tinka Tongs, alongside his electric bass and live looping techniques. Brandon's approach is innovative, especially his technique with the Hokema Kalimba Sansula, where he simultaneously taps the drumhead and manipulates the metal tines with precision, even retuning on the fly with tiny magnets for instantaneous scale changes.
His live looping sessions create immersive soundscapes that merge the dulcet tones of kalimba, the rhythmic beats of tongue-drums, and the ethereal drone of monochords with deep bass grooves, crafting richly textured musical experiences that resonate on multiple levels. Beyond his musical talents, Brandon's energetic positivity and playful spirit serve as a reminder of the joy and spontaneity of embracing life's "bonus time"—the precious moments we're afforded to live with purpose and passion.
Brandon extends his musical explorations through weekly Facebook Live sessions and by hosting "The Kalimba Campfire" on Clubhouse, inviting all to join and share in the communal joy of music-making. For those interested in connecting with Brandon's work or joining his musical gatherings on Clubhouse, more information is available at his website, www.bonustimemusic.com, showcasing his innovative music and inviting others to explore their own creative expressions within the vibrant community he fosters.
As Part of the NAMM 2021 "Believe in Music" Virtual Show, We Play Well Together is running a contest that goes until the end of February when we'll be GIVING AWAY some amazing products including some of our best-selling instruments!
Exceeded all my expectations, which were already high. This Monolina is so meticulously crafted and well made. I wish I could purchase one for every tuning. A lovely instrument that is clearly built to endure generations.
My binural tongue drum is so so beautiful. I’m very happy with it and the sound is amazing, healing, engaging transformative! I always have the best experience with everyone at Weplaywelltogther! I’m always supported and well guided by Joule and Gabriele.
The unit came packed well. I reviewed the enclosed information. Having to tune it everyday for two weeks seemed a bit daunting for a newbie like me (no musical training) but proceeded. Ps I put the monolini on the stand but one side didn’t tighten. I tried to tune it but it took me 45 min to tune 3 strings. I tried again the next day but also was having a difficult time. I couldn’t find anything online to assist but when I was talking with my friend who is a musician she said to come over and she would help. The unit packed well in the travel well. The first thing she did was attach a “pick up” to it. And within a few minutes she had all 21 strings done. So my advice is do not buy the Monochord without a pick up. It plugs into the tuner supplied and clips in to the Monochord. For a $10 item it really should be included. Now it is so much easier and enjoyable. Without the pick up the tuner picks up all sorts of background noise even if you have a quiet space. It’s been a couple weeks now and I have bonded deeply with her…Mona is her name. I bought a baby blanket as it’s recommended to keep it covered.
