Welcome to the Home Page of Talking Drums.

Here you will find a lot of information relating to drum music and dance.

"Stephan Rigert's dealing with (above all) the African tradition of drumming is both in thei educational and in their artistic context trend-setting for Europe"
Prof. Udo Dahmen, Germany (drummer and educator), professor at the Musikhochschule Hamburg. President of "Percussion Creative", chiefcoach of the "John-Lennon-Talent-Award".

SERVICES OFFERED

STUDIO RECORDING

Productions in recording studios. CDs, film scores, music to accompany dancing etc (including help with the choice of recording studio, musicians, arrangements and CD production). Studio recording (percussion) in almost all styles of music played in Europe.

LIVE MUSIC

Live music (percussion) for projects as diverse as jazz, rock, funk, fusion, afro, salsa, ethno, etc. In Switzerland and internationally.

PROJECTS FOR SCHOOLS

Project weeks, performances, music camps, school concerts etc. Talking-Drums can provide the necessary instruments. Transportation available.

WORKSHOPS

Percussion workshops in Switzerland and abroad. Talking-Drums can provide the necessary instruments. Transportation available.

DIRECTION & COACHING OF PROJECTS

Percussion music, or simply said drum music from all over the world, has been enjoying a great popularity in our society for a couple of years. This is no big surprise, considering that the return to the essential and the natural exercises a profound fascination on human beings of our highly civilized world... Evidently there lies an enormous potential in the archaic structures of drumming which can be put to use in many different ways! Thus, dealing with drum music for instance qualifies perfectly to initiate and to show constructive processes in teamwork. At the same time drumming is just relaxing and may be considered as an ideal complement to the often rather intellectual components of a team meeting.

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INTERNATIONAL SUMMER WORKSHOPS

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER WORKSHOPS FOR DRUMMING AND DANCE IN MANNENBACH, SWITZERLAND

WITH TEACHERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD: MALI, GUINEA, BURKINA FASO, CUBA, FRANCE, SPAIN, SWITZERLAND AND SO ON.

SUMMER WORKSHOPS 2009: 26.07.09-01.08.09 AND 02.08.09- 08.08.09.

PLACE OF THE COURSE

The Summer Courses will take place in Mannenbach, Switzerland. The course centre is very beautifully situated, has an appealing ambience and offers, together with the music tents, a generous place for all courses. A private bathing place as well as the broadly terraced and forested surrounding of the house invite for an individual leisure time. The "Waldhaus" which is situated off the course centre encourages people for evening sessions and disco nights without disturbing those in need of rest.

LODGING

The course attendants will stay in two-, three- and four-bed rooms (take your sleeping bag with you). The rooms are all equipped with lavatories. There are communal showers. The course attendants will enjoy three meals daily.

TEACHERS

The course teachers team consists of excellent professionals with many years of international experience. The teachers are chosen according to the different needs of the groups. This guarantees a high level of the course and an intensive and authentic dealing with the West African and South American dancing and music culture.

Some pictures
Details in French
Details in German
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DJEMBE SOLO WORKSHOPS

SUBJECTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Exact rhythmic understanding. Roll techniques and delays. Organization of a solo and development of individual musicality. Communicating with bass drums. Collaboration with dancers. The objective is not to copy traditional solos but to develop the technical and individual creative potential. Exercises will be held both with everybody and in small groups.

DJEMBE-SOLO "BASIC"

The "Djembe-Solo Basic" workshop is designed for percussionists with a solid knowledge of djembe and bass drums. After their enrolment the participants will receive a list of five standard rhythms which need to be learned before the workshop starts (djembe accompaniment, calls and bass drum figures).

DJEMBE-SOLO "ADVANCED"

The "Djembe-Solo Advanced" workshop addresses musicians who have at least already taken at least one solo-workshop! (Or very accomplished drummers upon request).

Details & dates in German
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AGENCY

The agency of Talking-Drums arranges qualitatively high standard formations for events. Be it for a private party or an open-air concert, Talking-Drums offers a broad range of professional bands. The agency is only supporting creative and demanding projects. All formations may be booked in various castings. It is our pleasure to satisfy special wishes of our guests.

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CD'S

DIFFERENT MOODS

WORLDMUSIC, RECORDED 2005

Pritha Roy - Vocals / Rupak Kulkarni - Flute / Kalinath Mishra - Tabla / Luis Ribeiro - Percussion / Gabriel Rivano - Bandoneon / Daniel Pezzotti - Cello / Sandro Schneebeli - Guitar / Leon Duncan - Bass / Stephan Rigert - Percussion

DIFFERENT MOODS, the most recent project of cultural exchange project by Swiss percussionist Stephan Rigert, offers a fascinating, sensuous and exciting trip into new harmonies of three different cultures! The warm sounds of a bamboo flute and the intoxicating voice of the Indian singer meet with fiery percussion arrangements and earthy bass grooves. Melancholy Argentinean bandoneon sounds contrast with smart unison themes and exciting breaks. Cello and guitar meanwhile improvise effortlessly on beautiful harmonies. Originality, respect, tolerance, fun of playing and communication: a promise the musicians of DIFFERENT MOODS will easily keep!

Fr. 30.- / Euro 19.-

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PASSAGE JUBILEE-CD-2003

WORLDMUSIC/PERCUSSION, RECORDED 1990-2003

Adama Dramé - Djembé / Louis César Ewandé - Djembé / Aissata Kouyaté - Vocals / Maré Sanogo - Djembé / Moriba Koita - N'Goni / Rupak Kulkarni - Flute / Lassana Diabaté - Balafon / Ibrahim Galissa - Cora / Daniel Pezzotti - Cello / And many others.....

The CD contains a retrospect on the twenty years of Stephan Rigert's collaborations with artists from all over the world. Some music was chosen from earlier Talking-Drums CDs, but there is also a lot of brand new and so far unpublished material. Emphasis is given to the traditional motives with plenty of percussion, balafon and singing. A many-sided and pleasing CD with numerous treats for all friends of true world music!

Fr. 25.- / Euro 16.-

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TANSOLE

PERCUSSION RECORDED 2003

Rachid Brändle - Percussion & Vocals / Django Krieg - Percussion & Vocals / Simon Studer - Percussion & Vocals / Philipp Flury - Percussion & Vocals / Tom Fuhrer - Percussion & Vocals Guests: Stephan Rigert - Percussion / Sibiri Barro - Rap / Gabriele Goebel - Vocals

TANSOLE is a group of four young percussionists (at the age of 15-19) who, over the last couple of years, has developped a captivating program of a high standard under the guidance of the committed music teacher Tom Fuhrer from Solothurn. Rachid Brändle, Django Krieg, Simon Studer, Philipp Flury, and Tom Fuhrer play fascinating compositions on the basis of West African djembe rhythms. In addition there are some creations by the musicians, surprising arrangements and songs as well as (on the present CD) some arrangements by producer Stephan Rigert. Since 2001 TANSOLE has been giving successful concerts at various events (among others at EXPO 2002 and the world music festival UHURU 2002). Wherever the group performs the youthful spirit and the high technical level of the talented drummers leave a thrilled audience behind! "We hope that the present CD also succeeds in encouraging other young people (and adults) to actively dive into the fascinating world of drumming!" Stephan Rigert.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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BETWEEN

WORLDMUSIC, RECORDED 2002

Adama Dramé - Djembe / Lassana Diabaté - Balafon / Anindo Chatterjee - Tabla / Rupak Kulkarni - Bamboo Flute / Marc Liebeskind - Guitar / Leon Duncan - Bass / Stephan Rigert - Percussion.

BETWEEN is the platform for an intercultural encounter between musicians from Africa, India and Europe. Talking-Drums was able to win over some of the most outstanding instrumentalists for this project.These musicians form a balanced top team in which each culture is represented by a rhythmic and a harmonious instrumentalist. BETWEEN offers space for a musical encounter 'in between'. As already done in previous productions, Talking-Drums would like to transport its contents in a sensuous and relaxed way without belonging to the intellectual cultural conservatism. Therefore, Talking-Drums presents a playful, exciting and groovy program with inspiring compositions and brilliant solos which will fascinate the audience from the first to the last sound.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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RHYTHM-MOODS

WORLDMUSIC, PARTYSOUND, AFRO-JAZZ, RECORDED 2000

Jürg Burkhart - sax / Bernhard Bamert - tb / Leon Duncan - e.bass. / Samuel Herren - perc. / Peter Hürlimann - perc. / Stephan Rigert - perc.

Rhythm Moods combines African drum rhythms with modern wind arrangements and virtuous bass melodies. The six musicians play with a lot of creativity spontaneity and joy. The CD offers an exciting mix of jazzy-funky dance numbers and quiet as well as atmospheric ballads.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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DIFFERENT COLOURS

AFRO-JAZZ, WORLDMUSIC - CD, RECORDED 1996

Oumou Kouyaté, voc. / Maryam Sylla - voc. dance. / Moriba Koita - n'goni. / Ali Wagué - flut. Louis César Ewané - djembe. / Emanuel Schnyder - e.bass. / Christoph Stiefel - key. / Christoph Baumann - piano. / Tiacoh Sadia - drums. / Don Pfäffli - sax. / Philippe Mall - sax. / Ian Gordon-Lennox - trump. Stephan Rigert - perc.

The recording of this live CD was taken during the first tour of the project in 1996. The album is impressive due to its convincing mix of traditional rhythms and melodies from Mali and the complex composition structures of jazz.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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DIFFERENT COLOURS VOL.II

AFRO-JAZZ , WORLDMUSIC - CD, RECORDED 1998

Oumou Kouyaté, voc. / Maryam Sylla - voc. dance. / Moriba Koita - n'goni. / Ali Wagué - flut. Maré Sanogo - djembe. / Leon Duncan - e.bass. / Christpoh Stiefel - key. / Kaspar Rast - drums. Thomi Geiger - sax. / Ian Gordon-Lennox - trump. / Günther Doblies -guit. / Stephan Rigert - perc.

The second album of DIFFERENT COLOURS shows the development potential of the project in a very convincing way. The new formation of the band is not the only difference, but an entirely new style is presented as compared to the first CD. While the first album consists more of jazzy compositions the DIFFERENT COLOURS VOL. II presents itself with music that gets closer to ethno, worldmusic or even pop.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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MOVE

AFRICAN RHYTHMS - CD, RECORDED 1998

Sibiri Barro - djembe,perc. / Lamine Sow - djembe. / Bakari Traore - balafon. / Stephan Rigert - djembe,congas,perc.

The CD MOVE was recorded in 1998 especially for music fans keen on dancing. The exciting collection of extra long songs with Afro-rhythms will as well inspire all friends of thrilling drum music.

Fr. 25.- / Euro 16.-

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MOVE VOL 2

CREATIVE PERCUSSION MUSIC - CD, RECORDED 2000

Stephan Rigert - Percussion. / Daniel Widmer - Percussion

The CD MOVE VOL.2 was recorded in 2000 especially for music fans keen on dancing. The exciting collection of extra long songs with percussion music will as well inspire all friends of thrilling drum music.

Fr. 25.- / Euro 16.-

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PERCUSSION COLLECTIVE

WEST AFRICAN DJEMBE RHYTHMS - CD, RECORDED 1996

Louis César Ewandé - djembe. / Nik Indermühle - perc. / Daniel Wiedmer - perc. Samuel Herren - perc. / Peter Hürlimann - perc. / Christoph Erard - perc. / Stephan Rigert - perc.

Twelve arrangements with traditional rhythms from West Africa. Presented by percussionists with many years of experience on djembes and bass drums. The CD was produced in connection with the djembe teaching book "West African djembe rhythms" and includes the rhythms that are being discussed in the book.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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ARCOBALENO

WORLDMUSIC - CD, RECORDED 1994

Asita Hamidi - harp. / Martin Abbühl - viol. / Nicolas Gysiger - e.bass.key. / Melchior Grossniklaus - sax. / Günther Doblies - guit. / Andreas Eigensatz - tanpura.polycord. / Stephan Rigert - drums, perc.

On their first album, the band ARCOBALENO presents creative and atmospheric worldmusic with a jazzy touch. The soft and melancholic touch to the music of ARCOBALENO is created by the oriental sounds of the Persian harpist Asita Hamidi. The real groove is added through drums and bass whereas the saxophone, guitar and violin provide the exciting melody bows.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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FUSION DRUM QUINTET

CREATIVE-PERCUSSION-MUSIC - CD, RECORDED 1991

Willi Kotoun - perc. / Samuel Herren - perc. / Christoph Erard - perc. / Phillipe Laeng - perc. Stephan Rigert - perc.

Ten very individual compositions for different percussion instruments can be found on this unique drum CD. The five brilliant Swiss musicians with their virtuosity and musicality make this CD a wonderful experience for all lovers of creative percussion music.

Fr. 15.- / Euro 9.50.-

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BOOKS

DJEMBE RHYTHMS FROM MALI

EXERCISE PROGRAMME FOR INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED DRUMMERS

Stephan Rigert and Drissa Kone - book and 2 CD's
14 five tuned arrangements, intros, breaks and solos. Traditional rhythms from Mali. (Written in German)

Fr. 40.- / Euro 26.-
Order
More infos in German

CREATIVE PERCUSSION

PRACTISE PROGRAMME FOR INTERMEDIATES AND ADVANCED

Stephan Rigert - book and 2 CD's
Percussion rhythms from "Funk" to "Reggae". Notation of basic rhythms and breaks. (Written in German)

Fr. 30.- / Euro 19.-
Order
More infos in German

SOLO TECHNIKEN FÜR HANDTROMMLER

PRACTISE PROGRAMME FOR INTERMEDIATES AND ADVANCED

Stephan Rigert - book and 2 CD's
Solo-techniques on Djembe and Conga. (Written in German)

Fr. 30.- / Euro 19.-
Order
More infos in German

AFROCUBAN DRUM RHYTHMS

PRACTISE PROGRAMME FOR INTERMEDIATES AND ADVANCED

Stephan Rigert - book and 2 CD's
Afrocuban drum rhythms from "Abakua" to "Songo". Notation of basic rhythms, inputs for improvisation and a lot of background information. (Written in German)

Fr. 40.- / Euro 26.-
Order
More infos in German

DJEMBE WORKSHOP

BEGINNERS PROGRAMME

Stephan Rigert - book and CD
The instruments, the striking technique, exercising rhythms. Traditional drum figures from West Africa. With inputs for group teaching. (Written in German)

Fr. 35.- / Euro 22.50.-
Order
More infos in German

WEST AFRICAN DJEMBE RHYTHMS

EXERCISE PROGRAMME FOR ADVANCED

Stephan Rigert - book and 2 CD's
13 six tuned arrangements, intros, breaks and solos. Traditional rhythms from West Africa. (Written in German)

Fr. 40.- / Euro 26.-
Order
More infos in German

INSTRUMENTS

If you are interested in first-class djembes and bass drums for very attractive conditions from Guinea, Mali and the Ivory Coast, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our stock includes as well kalebasses for "waterdrums". All prices on inquiry.

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BIOGRAPHY

Stephan Rigert

1968 musical foundation school at the Rudolf Steiner Schule Bern piano lessons. 1976 drum, private lessons. 1979 congas and Latin percussion private lessons (John Otis,USA). 1983 training in West African djembe rhythms, Dakar, Senegal. Studies in Togo and at the Ivory Coast. Studies in San Francisco, USA. Music teacher in Bern. Author of the two percussion teaching books "Percussion Work Book" No. 1 + 2 (Pan Verlag Zürich). Concerts with music formations in the fields of jazz, fusion, latin and afro. Leader of several project weeks at schools. 1988 foundation of the "Lamba Percussion Ensembles" in Paris. Concerts i.e. at the Jazz Festival Willisau and at the international WWF festival "Asoroto" in Biel. 1989 numerous concerts with the latin jazz formation "Christoph Baumanns Mentalities". Concerts in Greece. Organisation of the first International Summer Course Week in afrodance and percussion, with teachers from Senegal, Guinea, France and Switzerland. 1992 organisation and leadership of the cultural exchange project "Talking Drums", with artists from the National Ballets Guinea, from Paris and Switzerland. Co-founder of the worldmusic band "Arcobaleno". 1994 "East European Tour" with "Mentalities".1995 Germany tour with "Arcobaleno". 1996 "Different Colours" project leadership and tour organisation.With artists from Guinea, Mali, 1997 Ivory Coast, Canada, France and Switzerland. Co-founder of the djembe band "Percussion Collective". Author of the two percussion teaching books "Djembeworkshop" and "Westafrikanische Djemberhythmen". Lecturer at the Swiss Music School Congress (conservatory Winterthur) East European tour with "Mentalities". 1998 CD-Tour "Different Colours" in Germany, Switzerland. "Mentalities" tour Finland. Lecturer at the "2. Percussion Creative Teacher Tagen" at the Bavarian Music Academy Hammelburg, Germany. 1999 CD tour "Different Colours" (Vol.02) Germany - Switzerland. Foundation of the worldmusic band "Rhythm Moods". Concerts at the Jazz Festival Willisau and at the worldmusic festival "Uhuru". 2000 Studies in Mali. Author of the two percussion teaching books "Afrokubanische Trommelrhythmen" and "Djemberhythmen aus Mali". Germany tour with Famadou Konate. Lecturer at the "World-Drum-Festival" in Hamburg 2001 "Between"-tour with Adama Dramé. Germany-Switzerland 2002 "Buschwerk"-tour with Soungalo Coulibaly. 2003 Talking-Drums jubilee tour "20 years of cultural exchange" in Switzerland and Germany. . With artists from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Jamaica, Argentina, India and Switzerland. Organisation and artistic direction. Production of the CD "Passage". Production of the CD "Tansole" (youth project). 2004 CD tour with "Sandro Schneebeli World Music Group" with among others concerts at the "Estival Jazz Lugano" and at the Olympic Games in Athens. "Mya-N" CD production. Lecturer at the advanced training workshop for music teachers at Salzburg. Study trip to India.

Collaboration on several theatre and dance projects. Workshop leadership in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Sweden. Teachers continuation course and educational groups in whole Switzerland. Studio work for about 30 LP/CD productions and soundtracks.