More than any other drum
on the hand percussion scene today, the Djembe is the embodiment of high-energy
playing. With its heart-stopping power and tremendous range of expression,
it takes center stage whenever it is played. Historically, the Djembe
got its name from the materials that were used to make it. In Mali, where
the Djembe originated, it was carved from a section of the djem tree,
a very dense wood indigenous to the area. The drum was then fitted with
a skin from the B*, or goat, thus the name Djembe. The ThunderHeart Djembe
is modelled after an extraordinary Senegalese drum blessed with a wonderfully
balanced sound and lively resonance. With its lathe-turned mahogany body
and new custom lacing cord, my Djembe is a delight to look at and has
a voice capable of both sensitivity and power over its entire dynamic
range.
"This is quite a powerful instrument. At times I feel as if it is playing me. From its full rich bass to clear ringing open tones to rifle shot slaps, this Djembe speaks with the voice of authority. Beyond its sound, the drum is a work of art." - Rick Rosen, percussionist and healing artist, Director of The Body Therapy Institute, Saxapaw, NC.
"John Millen's finely crafted Djembes have a beautiful resonance unmatched by any other I have heard. His musician's ear enables him to get the sound of the drum just right." - Scott Davidson, Leader of the World Music group Right Hemisphere. Scott studied Tabla in India and Frame Drum with Glen Valez. He teaches and plays percussion from his home base in Arden, Delaware.